AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’m taking you home.”
A chill skitters up her spine as she clearly misunderstands my intent. The reaction is so violent, her entire body shudders.
“Tomyhome.”
CHAPTER16
JURY’S STILL OUT
Rose
“No way in hell.” Just a few minutes alone in the dark with the mob boss, and I’d practically humped him with his clothes still on. If he hadn’t used the exact same phrase he’d said to me the night we’d almost fucked, triggering memories of the mortifying moment, I would’ve let him do whatever he wanted to me. No way I’d survive an entire night in his penthouse. If I really wanted to give Rose 2.0 a shot, I had to hold strong. A night with Dante would be like leading a gazelle to the lion’s den and expecting itnotto get devoured.
I havesomewillpower but come on.
“I’m not asking.” He closes the space between us, and that damnable musky, animal scent envelops me. “I already fucked up once since my brother left you in my care, and I’ll be damned if I do it again.”
Right, because this is all about Luca and Stella. How could I forget?
“Are you ever going to tell me what you did to my best friend? I don’t get how you could still be acting like her bitch even after you literally saved her life.” It’s a low blow and I know it, but I also don’t give a fuck right now. I’m exhausted and embarrassed, and the last thing I want is to spend the night with Dante Valentino. I just hope if I piss him off enough he’ll leave me alone.
“It’s not my secret to tell.” His expression shutters and for a second, guilt flares in my gut.
Too far with that one?
His hand closes around my wrist, fingers digging into my flesh. Piercing midnight orbs lance into me, the intensity so raw and violent, my breath hitches. “If I have to drag you to my apartment bound and gagged, I will, but I will not allow you to sleep here alone tonight.”
I swallow hard, images of fuzzy pink handcuffs and silk sheets invading my fucked-up psyche. “Fine,” I hiss. “But only for tonight.”
“Listen to me, sweetheart.” His free hand closes around my throat, thumb stroking the delicate skin. “You will stay until I say it’s safe for you to go. You don’t get to make the rules; I do. Are we clear?”
“Crystal,” I bite out. A normal person would be terrified or at least pissed at his caveman attitude. Me? I’m fucking wetter than when he threatened to spank me.
What the hell is wrong with me?
His nostrils flare as if he can somehow smell my desire in the air. I wouldn’t be surprised. Dante Valentino is more beast than man.
“Now, let’s go.” He releases his hold around my throat, but only tightens his fingers around my wrist.
For some screwed up reason, I like it. I haven’t felt protected or cared for since that night at sixteen when my innocence was stolen.
Dante throws my oversized tote over his shoulder and drags me out of the staff lounge. I can’t help a tiny smile from forming as I sneak a peek at the towering, tattooed mob boss carrying the bright pink, sequined bag embroidered withYogis Do It Better.
“If you laugh, you’ll be holding it yourself.” His dark gaze catches mine, and the corner of his lip twitches.
I press my mouth into a tight line, barely restraining the giggle from bursting free, and follow him through the dark halls.
* * *
The penthouse is surprisingly bright with city lights dotting the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Sprawling views of the west side of Central Park stretch as far as the eye can see as I walk into the great room. If I squint, I can make out Luca and Stella’s condo just across the park in the Upper East Side. It’s almost as if the brothers were taunting each other from across the green divide. Unlike his younger brother’s place, which is OCD immaculate, discarded shoes lie at the entrance, unopened mail sits on the kitchen countertop and a collection of used glasses wait in the sink. I take in all the little details as Dante gives me the grand tour. The one thing the two penthouses share is the clean lines of the furniture and modern décor.
It's a huge step up from my tiny studio. Still, I’m not sure how this arrangement could possibly work out.
I’d only been to his place the one time. The infamous night of the party when I’d either made the best or worst decision of my life. Jury’s still out on that one. I walk through the quiet hallway, trailing a few steps behind my new roommate when his words echo in my mind,It’s probably for the best then, I would’ve ruined you for any other man. For an instant, I’m sprawled on that bed again as he stares down on me, heat burning my cheeks.
Too late, buddy.
I’d been ruined long ago.
