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I slip into it, then wrap one of his red ties around my waist. A power tie.
Smirking, I peer at my reflection in the mirror above the dresser. It’s not too bad, actually. Luca is a tall man, and his shirt is so large the bottom grazes my knees. Certainly, it could pass for a chic dress. But there’s something missing.
From my purse, I search for a tube of red lipstick. My hand bumps against the birth control pills I started taking years ago, back when I thought I’d have a life. At some point, I realized time for sex just wasn’t in the cards for me, but it had been such a habit, I never stopped. Or was it because I hadn’t lost hope that I’d be with someone?
Never in a million years did I imagine that someone would be Luca. Or that he’d be furious to find this little pack of pills. Could it have been jealousy? Was he angry that I’d considered sleeping with other men before I knew I would end up being his wi—
I stop myself from finishing that thought. I’m not his wife. I’m not sure there’s a name for what I am to him. Of course he wouldn’t be jealous. It wasn’t even me he wanted!
After tossing the pill packet back inside, I grab the lipstick and apply it.
“There,” I say, giving myself one last glance. “Now it’s perfect.”
It’s been so long since I’ve worn shoes that I don’t notice I’m barefoot until I step out of the room. For a moment, I consider going in search of some but shrug and continue.
I descend the stairs and near the dining room. As I do, the voices get louder, with a very controlled hint of agitation.
“All organizations require a leader. What fucker in this room will take that role?” someone asks.
There’s silence, then Luca replies, “You’re looking at him.”
“Perhaps a vote would be a better solution,” I say just as I slide open the pocket doors enough that I can get in.
Several pairs of male eyes, more than I expected actually, look my way simultaneously.
Luca is the last to turn to me, doing so slowly. Even before he faces me fully, I’m one hundred percent aware of his fury. He takes me in from head to toe, his nostrils flare, and his gaze darkens to an inky black I’ve never seen on him before, and I’m afraid I may have made a severe mistake.
But I’m already in the fire. I might as well dance in the flames.
I straighten my spine and scan the faces of the men around the room. Damn. If being ridiculously hot is a requirement to be here, they all meet it.
All except Luca’s uncle, that is. His disgusted glare only serves to contort his already unattractive features.
But the rest of the men study me with keen interest.
“Everyone, this is Alma,” Gunn introduces when it seems Luca’s jaw is too locked to speak. “Luca’s wife.”
“You were saying about a vote?” one of the men asks.
“Luca,” Ray hisses out of the side of his mouth.
Viselike fingers clamp around my arm. “My wife was just leaving.”
“Actually,” I grind out as I dig my heels into the plush rug. “I believe I have much to contribute. It was my smarts that discovered the Ferryman.”
“She knows about the Ferryman?” comes from someone I hadn’t heard speak before.
“My father is Gregorio Di Persia. He spoke of him.” I don’t add that he didn’t speak of him to me.
Luca leans in close. “I’d like a word with you in private.”
I glare at him while I attempt to tug my arm, but he doesn’t release me. “After the meeting.”
“Now.”
He drags me out of there so fast, I’m glad I didn’t bother with shoes, because I’d probably be tripping all over them right now.
“Luca!” I slap at him with my free hand when he slams the doors shut behind us. “Let me go.”
