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“That’s not mine,” I blurt out, feeling my entire body heat up from embarrassment.

He lifts a brow, enjoying this way too much. “Then why was it in your room?”

“I have no idea!” My voice pitches to panic. “It must be a mistake, maybe ask your goon squad why they brought that in here!”

He tilts his head, eyes glinting with pure mischief. “If that’s a mistake, what’s all this?”

He nods toward the open box, and I make the mistake of stepping closer. Vibrators, dildos, butt plugs, a strap-on, and is that edible panties? A flesh-light, and something that looks suspiciously like a horse whip. Now would be a fantastic time for Earth to open up and swallow me whole. “This isn’t mine. I don’t know where it came from,” I rush out.

Alessio hums, pretending to consider it. Then, with the most shit-eating grin I’ve ever seen, he says, “Oh? So, it wasn’t you who ordereda sex swing?”

I blink. “A what?”

“Yeah.” He pulls out his phone. “Got an invoice. Says it’s back ordered.” His grin widens, full of wicked delight. “Well, I must say, Liv, you went all out.”

“It’s not mine,” I yelp, but any bite in my voice is completely smothered by the burning sting of my humiliation.

Alessio slips his phone back into his pocket and steps closer, the stupid thing still dangling from his hand. “Are you trying to seduce me, Olivia?” His voice dips low, almost teasing, and his eyes trail from my bare legs to my burning face, lingering like he enjoys watching me squirm.

I cross my arms tightly over my chest, shifting uncomfortably. “Stop staring,” I snap, but it comes out weak, breathless.

He doesn’t even flinch.“I can’t help it when you look that… appealing.” His grin widens, and with pure, taunting arrogance, he twirls the double-sided dildo like it’s some kind of police baton. “But I have to ask, did you want me to use this on you?”

I meet his smirk with one of my own, deadpan. “Actually, I was hoping I could use it on you.”

His smile falters, just for a second. Barely long enough to register, but that’s still a victory in my eyes.

Alessio recovers fast, shaking his head with mock disappointment. “Not a chance,Sirena.” The nickname makes me want to throw something at him. His gaze flicks back to the box of sexcapade supplies, filled to the brim with vibrators and every other toy imaginable, and he lifts a brow. “But seriously, do youreallyneed this many dicks?” He shakes his head, tossing the toy back into the box. “I’m not sure if I should be impressed or concerned.”

I shuffle back, scanning the room for anything to cover me. Spotting a pillow, I snatch it from the bed and hold it in front of me.

Before I can even breathe a sigh of relief, Alessio yanks it from my hands. “Don’t cover up on my account,” he murmurs. His fingers brush my thigh, grazing the edge of my robe.

I freeze, my brain scrambling for a witty retort, but the door swings open before I can push his hand away.

Alonzo stomps in, his usual scowl carved on his face. He dumps more bags onto the floor with a heavy thud, then stops. His eyes lock on us, and if looks could kill…

Alessio steps forward, smoothly extending his arm and pulls me behind him, shielding me in a protective kind of way.

I peek around his massive frame just in time to watch Alonzo shit his pants.His spine stiffens, and I notice his hands flexing at his sides before he schools his expression.

“Sorry, Boss,” Alonzo grumbles, crouching to stack the boxes he threw to the ground. “I didn’t know you were in here.”

Alessio doesn’t budge. “It doesn’t matter if I am, knock next time. Now, get the fuck out.”

Alonzo’s jaw ticks, and his eyes meet mine, giving me a look that sends a shiver down my spine. But he doesn’t say a word, just exhales through his nose and stomps out.

The second it clicks shut, Alessio turns back to me. His hand is back on my thigh, and his fingers trail over my skin. “Are you cold?” His voice is softer now, like he’s concerned.

Alessio must mistake my disgust for Alonzo for something else, but I don’t bother correcting him. His grip tightens slightly on my leg, and with his other hand, he catches my chin, tilting my face up to meet his.

“I wasn’t aware this is how you dress,” he murmurs, more to himself than to me. His thumb strokes lazily across my jaw, sending a whole different kind of chill through me. “I highly approve, but still,” he adds, sounding more possessive, “you’ll need to cover up whenyou leave your room. I’d hate to have to carve out the eyes of my men for looking at you.”

My pulse spikes, but I can’t stop the smirk that tugs at my lips. “Wouldn’t that be a bit extreme?”

Alessio leans in, his breath warm against my face. “Not for you,Sirena.” And then, his hands shift. His rough hands slide to my ass before he lifts me effortlessly.

My instincts take over, and my legs tighten around his waist, as my arms lock around his broad shoulders. His scent wraps around me and turns my brain to static. I’m drowning in him. Heat creeps down my neck, spreading fast, making the red marks Alonzo left when he shoved that box at me blend right into my now-flushed skin.