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Only Rafael and I exist as we dance together in the middle of the club and make this moment ours.

The heat between us intensifies until it’s undeniable.

It’s hot, smoldering, staring us boldly in the face.

This chemistry feels uncontainable. It feels intimidating and explosive. It’s combustible and we’ve just lit the match.

Rafael gives me a sharp spin, then reels me back toward him. His gaze settles on my lips as if about to kiss me, stealing the breath from my lungs before he ever does.

He has such a powerful effect over me, yet I can’t resist him even if I wanted to.

My body sashays to the swelling music, feeling bolder the more I move. The more I meet Rafael’s gaze and realize he’s as attracted to me as I am to him.

I rotate my hips and do what feels natural.

We glide across the club floor like this dance is our foreplay. The prelude for what’s to come.

I’m whipped around ’til my back’s to his front and we’re gyrating to the slow beat of the percussion drums. His hands settle on my hips and his breath teases the back of my neck. I shudder against him and close my eyes, so lost to the passionate music that I’ve forgotten where we are.

When the song finally comes to an end and the crowd cheers, I’m dazed.

“Very good,” Rafael whispers into my ear. “You’re a natural.”

He turns me around in his arms to face him. My voice has escaped me while my heart pitter-patters hard inside my chest.

He reaches up and gives my cheek a brief stroke. “Will you join me for a nightcap at my villa?”

“Your… villa?”

“Yes,” he answers. “I would like to get to know you. Somewhere without all the music and people.”

I shake my head and move to pull away, though his arm around my waist keeps me where I am. “I’m sorry, I can’t. My sister?—”

“She’s invited. Everyone in my party will be coming to the villa. It’s only a few miles away.”

“It’s late.”

“Only for a few hours. I will make sure you are driven safely back to your loft… or you are welcome to stay at my villa.”

His dark eyes shine peering down at me. I can see my reflection in them.

As hard as I try, no good excuses come to mind. I’m too entranced by this sexy man gripping me by the waist like I’m already his. I’m ensconced in the spicy scent of him and how his very touch makes me feel like I’m burning up.

“Okay,” I answer, and he smirks slightly. “But only if Jayla agrees.”

“I’m sure she will,dolcezza. I will be waiting for you outside in my car. Everyone else will come with you.”

He suddenly lets go of me and then steps away, quickly swallowed up by the people crowded around the dance floor.

I take in a sharp breath and do my best to play it cool. The problem is, I feel like anything but. I turn toward the table where Jayla’s seated with the others already aware of what her answer will be.

Only minutes later, we step outside to the town car waiting for us. Jayla and the others slide inside one by one while I hang back.

Don’t over think it. It’s just a nightcap.

It’s what I tell myself as I take the plunge. I get inside Rafael Calderone’s car to go to his villa.

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