Page 144 of Dancing with the Devil

“My bed is calling my name,” I groaned, resting my hand against his shoulder for support as I took off my shoes. Thereafter, he took it from me and shook his head.

“Not just yet,” he said before walking into the living room.

“What do you mean?” I asked, following behind him.

Bust Your WindowsbyJazmine Sullivanplayed, and I smiled as he turned around, extending his hand out toward me. “What are you doing?” I suspiciously asked, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Waiting for my dance,sweetheart,” he said, and my heart fluttered in my chest at the reference to the first time we met. I drop my face in my hands—smiling.

I slowly approached him and took his hand. We floated around the living room, and I couldn’t stop smiling. “Are you sure nothing is bothering you?” he asked, and I swallowed hard.

“Yes,” I nodded my head and decided to change the topic. “So… your mother’s religious?” I smiled, and he nodded his head. “How come you aren’t?” I curiously asked.

His answer was honest and straightforward. No bullshit. “I just couldn’t see myself worshipping someone,” he shrugged his shoulders.

“I wouldn’t have expected any other answer,” I admitted.

“Except you,” he added, dropping his eyes to my lips. I opened my mouth to speak, but he spun me off before pulling me back.

“You’re a really good dancer, Mr. De Luca,” I smiled as I rested my back against his chest.

“Only the best for my girl,” he said with a quick peck on my cheek while he held onto my waist as we swayed.

We effortlessly danced around his massive living room. Our steps were light and gracious.

“And your footwork is impressive too,” I gasped as he lifted me into the air by my waist, spinning around.

He lowered me with ease. “I’ve had practice.”

“So romantic,” I whispered.

We danced until he grabbed the back of my thigh, lifting it as he dipped me. “You’re really giving me a run for my money,aren’t you?” I asked, and he shrugged his shoulders as we continued dancing.

I leaned in, kissing him softly. The warmth of his body settled in my core, easing my mind. I couldbreathewith him. I broke the kiss, staring into his eyes. “I love you,” I whispered.

“I love you more,tesoro.”

CHAPTER 32

Nirah

IT WAS AFTER two in the morning, when I woke up with my head on Antonio’s bare chest.

The room was dark as I slowly lifted myself to not wake him. With a yawn, I threw the sheets over my legs and placed my bare feet on the floor.

In nothing but his shirt, I tip toe out of the room, closing the door behind myself. I rubbed my hands up and down my bare arms, making my way down to the kitchen.

My steps came to an immediate halt as I stared at a broad back and shoulders. I watched the man make himself a sandwich on the countertop, but when he revealed his side profile to toss the dirty knife into the sink, my stomach dropped.No…

The back of my eyes burned as I whipped around, sprinting back into Antonio’s bedroom. I quickly shut the door as a tremor took over me. I covered my mouth with both hands as I rested back against the door.It can’t be.

Antonio lifted his head and looked up. “Nirah?” he softly spoke, and my breath hitched as I walked over to the edge of the bed. “Hey, what’s wrong?” he asked, throwing his legs over the edge as he sat up.

“He’s here,” I whispered with wide eyes and a trembling chin.

“Who’s here?” he asked, walking over to me. With a lump in my throat, I couldn’t breathe as I shook my head. Antonio’s eyes shifted to concern. “Nirah, talk to me,” he said, taking my face in his hands.

“Downstairs,” I bit my quivering bottom lip. My legs went numb as fear crawled up my spine. Antonio walked over to his nightstand and picked up his gun. As he passed me, I grabbed his arm.