Page 73 of Dancing with the Devil

“The Lawson brothers,” Cesar answered and Antonio sighed.

“I’ll be down in a minute.” There was a brief pause before his office door closed, and I laid back against his desk, covering my face with both hands. I heard his chair move back, so I peeked at him through my fingers.

He was running his fingers up and down his jaw with the most mischievous grin on his face. “Something wrong?” he mused and I shot up onto my feet.

“Yes,something’s wrong,” I snapped back with an obvious tone. “What if he,” I paused, inching closer to Antonio. “Heard what just happened?” I fearfully whispered, andoh my God, this man started smiling. Yes.Smiling. “It’s really not something you should be smiling about!”

He pulled me towards him by my waist and I sighed. “My office is soundproof,tesoro,” he comforted me, and I could have sworn thousands of pounds got lifted off of my shoulders.

“Why’s your office soundproof?” I questioned, resting my hands on my hips.

“Are you getting jealous?” he asked, and my eyes grew wide. I dropped my arms and smiled.

“No. Just curious.”

“Good,” he said, rubbing circles on my waist with his thumb. “I really value my privacy, that’s all.”

“Privacy with woman,” I playfully narrowed my eyes. “Mm,” I teased.

“Nirah Joy Valentino.”

“Not jealous.” I pulled out of his hold.

I tried to run around his desk, but he grabbed my arm and stopped me.

“You have a mess to clean up, and I have to get to bed,” I walked over to the door. “Goodnight,” I smiled, blowing him the most dramatic kiss before swiftly turning and opening the door. I walked out, making sure no one saw me.Walk of shame, part one.

* * *

After last night’sevents, I slept surprisingly well.

Better than I have in a long time. I got out of the shower and got dressed to go shopping. Retail therapy, because I neededsomekind of therapy after lettingAntoniogo down on me in his office.

I was on cloud nine as I walked into the kitchen and poured myself some water. I heard voices coming from the living room so after I finished my drinking, I skipped to the living room to find Antonio, Cesar and another man conversing.

Antonio stood to the brunette’s left and Cesar to his right. I slowly stopped walking as their eyes landed on me.Oopsie.

“Hello,” the brunette slyly grinned. “Matteo Lawson,” he extended his hand out towards me.

“I’m Nirah,” I said, shaking his hand. We let go and I refrained from rolling my eyes. “I can see you shamelessly checking me out,” I forced a smile and the men all turned back to another guy behind Matteo.Twins.

“Marcus, Lawson,” he smirked, putting his hand out towards me. I hesitantly shook his hand as well and he kissed the back of it. I slowly pulled my hand away—feeling uncomfortable.

“I’m sorry, I’ll come back,” I said to Antonio, but he shook his head.

“They were just leaving,” he stopped me, and the twins both snapped their heads towards him.

“I’m in no rush,” Marcus said and Matteo sighed.

“We’ll see yousoon, Antonio,” Matteo shook Antonio’s hand. The two men approached me but Matteo pushed Marcus past me. “I apologize for my brother’s horrible manners,” he whispered and I smiled before nodding.

Cesar escorted the men out and Antonio’s eyes darted to me, giving me a look I knew all too well.

“You can throw a tantrum later,” I said, approaching him. “Sit,” I pointed to the sofa behind him. He didn’t move so Ipushed him down myself. “Quick question… you’re not really old, right?” I teased and he raised a brow at me. Cesar finally reentered and I continued. “Well I’m a dancer and dancers need music and sometimes creativity hits me at three in the morning,” I explained, standing opposite him and he threw one arm over the back of the couch. “I’m just trying to be mindful of your bedtime, I know old people go to bed early.”

Cesar let out a humorous breath and Antonio side-eyed him fast. His smile immediately disappeared.

“As long as you keep your music and creativity in your bedroom with your door closed, we won’t have a problem.”