Page 36 of Scarred Heir

“Thanks.” I took her hand and led her into the sittingroom. “I prefer to spend my time here, considering the city is where I do most of my business.”

She gravitated toward the long windows that overlooked the spectacular view. The lights and bustle of the city always lured my guests to take in the view.

“It’s always so vibrant and busy here.” She stared down at the cars and pedestrians. “I don’t like city life.”

“It hasn’t been very kind to you.” I traced my fingers along her arm, admiring how perfect she looked. “When you and your brother chose to flee Brooklyn, you picked a tough place to start a new life.”

“We didn’t have many options.”

“I can give you options.” I wrapped my arms around her waist from behind her. “But I can only do that if you abide by the rules.”

“What if I don’t like your rules?”

I smiled into her hair, breathing in the citrus scent of her shampoo.Is she feeling feisty tonight?

“You’ll learn to like my rules.” I gripped her hips. “Because if you don’t, you might not like the consequences.” I turned her around. “But who knows, maybe you will.”

“What do you want from me?”

“Everything.” I cupped the side of her face and gazed into those eyes that could make me forget who and what I was in a heartbeat. “For tonight, I’ll take your body as payment.”

Her muscles stiffened when I yanked her closer to me. Why was she so tense? Last night, she didn’t seem to mind my hands all over her, especially when she came in my arms.

“The dress,” she said. “I didn’t thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me.” I kissed the corner of her mouth. “Seeing you in it is enough.”

“I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.”

“I have.” I fought the urge to fall victim to her mild nature. “You did something different with your hair.”

“I curled it.”

“You packed a curling iron but not a coat?”

“Everyone is so obsessed about my coat or lack of one.” She shook her head and softened her tone. “I didn’t pack a curling iron. Antonella showed me Lissia’s bathroom and said that I could use whatever I needed to get ready for our date. I hope that was okay.”

“Lissia won’t miss anything.” I smirked. “She doesn’t even know what she has.”

“She seems really interesting.”

“She has turned the Accetti household upside down, but that’s one of the reasons we love her.”

“Maybe someday I’ll get to meet her. When are they getting back from their honeymoon?”

“It’s open-ended.” I motioned to the bar by the windows. “Can I get you a drink?”

“I’m good.”

“Are you hungry?” I poured myself another glass of vodka.

“Antonella made it her mission to feed me today.”

“What was your mission today?” I pressed the glass to my lips. “Because it certainly wasn’t following my wishes.”

Sable stared out at the view that I took for granted. Was it easier for her not to face me as I called her out for disobeying me?

“I bought you the dress because I had anticipated spending the evening getting to know you.” I set my glass down on the bar and then stood behind her. “I made a reservation at one of the best restaurants in Manhattan.”