Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 45819 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 229(@200wpm)___ 183(@250wpm)___ 153(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45819 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 229(@200wpm)___ 183(@250wpm)___ 153(@300wpm)
We wouldn’t be venturing out into the open, beyond Duarte’s defenses. I wouldn’t get an opportunity to slip away from the cartel.
I wouldn’t dare to make a scene in front of a bunch of criminals, even if Massimo hadn’t teased me to the edge of madness to ensure my compliance. My plan was to remain as small and unobtrusive as possible for the next few hours. I’d dealt with cartel members before, on the night the Zetas had kidnapped and beaten me. Massimo had said that Duarte wouldn’t allow anyone to harm me, but I didn’t intend to test that.
Unconsciously, I edged closer to my dark protector, pressing my body close to his powerful form. His big hand spanned the small of my back, sending a pulse of warmth through my belly.
“You’re all right, dolcezza. No one will dare to touch you.” He dropped a kiss on the slightly tender spot on my shoulder, where I knew I bore the mark of his teeth. He’d chosen a daring red silk gown for me that left it on display, and I hadn’t put up a fuss. If his claim protected me from being victimized by the cartel again, I would gladly let everyone know I was with Massimo.
The elevator doors slid open, revealing the VIP area of Duarte’s club. Low music with a deep, sensual beat pulsed through the sleek, thoroughly modern space. Golden lights illuminated the empty dance floor—the guests were gathered near the bar, socializing for the moment.
“Stay with me,” Massimo commanded, steering me toward the small crowd with his hand firmly on my back.
I huffed an irritated breath at being ordered around, but I was too nervous to defy him. I had no intention of leaving his side, so there was no point in arguing.
My footsteps stalled slightly as we neared the other guests—the other criminals.
Massimo’s thumb traced soothing circles over my bare skin that was exposed by the low back of the silky dress. A light shiver raced over me, and my sex pulsed despite my budding fear; it wasn’t strong enough to quell the lingering desire from his wicked mouth on me. My body burned for him: heated with embarrassment and lust. I was keenly aware of the slickness on my inner thighs. Would everyone else be as adept at reading me as Massimo was? Would they know how hot and needy I was for my captor?
My cheeks burned, and I glanced over to find him smirking at me. He was far too smug and pleased with himself for reducing me to a panting mess.
I pinched my lips in irritation, holding in acerbic words. Challenging Massimo would definitely attract attention, and that was the last thing I wanted.
“Good girl.” His thumb continued to trace lazy patterns on my back, stoking the heat at my core despite my indignation. “You’ll get your reward soon.”
An outraged sound like a small growl caught in my throat. He just chuckled in response, as though he was thrilled at our game. He was enjoying playing with me.
I clung to my anger as we approached the cartel members. It was so much easier to bear than debilitating fear.
I glanced over at him again, and he winked at me.
Oh. Was he goading me on purpose? To distract me from feeling fear?
Between the puzzle of this gorgeous man and the lingering pulse between my legs, I was definitely distracted. I didn’t have any room in my psyche for terror to take hold, not when my infuriating, alluring protector was toying with me.
“Massimo,” a woman greeted warmly, “it’s so good to see you. And your lovely guest.”
My attention snapped from him to the stunning brunette who was striding toward us, the crowd of men parting for her. They either respected or feared this woman, judging by the way none of them looked directly at her as she passed them by. She had a regal bearing about her, and I imagined she’d look quite natural wearing a crown.
Her caramel eyes assessed me, memorizing my face before dipping to the mark on my shoulder. Her mouth pinched in a small frown, and her eyes went cold when she turned them back on Massimo.
“Aren’t you going to introduce us?” she asked pointedly.
Massimo’s hand flexed against my back, but he offered her a smile that was dazzling enough to knock the air from my chest. “It’s wonderful to see you too, Carmen. Thank you for inviting us.”
She did not appear charmed. A single dark brow arched, expectant.
“This is Evelyn,” he introduced me. It seemed he didn’t have a choice. Whoever Carmen was, she held power here, and Massimo was her guest.
“Evelyn,” she repeated, my name heavy with condemnation. She eyed the mark on my neck again, and I barely resisted the urge to sweep my hair over my shoulder to cover it.