Page 132 of Scorned Beauty

The last statement was said loudly for the benefit of the others. Oh my God I forgot the others. Heat climbed up my neck and my cheeks caught fire. Sandro was standing behind Bianca, looking amused. Trevor was beside him, while Rob was busy swooning.

“Kiss her, but don’t ruin her makeup. Jeez, should I be the director?” Bianca called out.

Dom chuckled and said for my own ears, “I’m afraid to kiss you because I can’t stop with a kiss.”

“Let’s humor Bianca.”

His head lowered, and I was prepared for a light peck. The kiss started as a gentle brush, but my palm on Dom’s chest felt the rumble up his throat and I was crushed in his arms at the same time his tongue swept inside my mouth, demanding, persuasive, and full of sensual promise. I returned his kiss fervently, and at the back of my mind, I wanted to ditch the gala too.

“And cut!” Bianca yelled.

Everyone started laughing.

“The betting pool has surged,” Trevor said.

“What betting pool?” I asked.

“Come on, girlie,” Rob pulled out a chair by the foyer. “Let’s repair your lipstick. Apparently, I should have made it De Lucci men-proof.”

While the stylist fixed my makeup, Bianca said, “There’s a bet going that you guys won’t make it to the gala.”

“What?” I laughed.

Rob tutted at me. “Don’t speak for a second.”

“The odds are in favor of you guys getting hot and heavy in the limo and Dom having the car turn around.”

When I got the go-ahead from Rob to speak, I asked, “Do me a favor and bet that we will make it to the gala.” I winked at Dom. “I’ll share my win with you since I’m charging it to your bank account.”

“Mercenary,” Dom drawled, helping me up and tugging me to his side. “I burn so hot for you, baby.”

“Think you can manage not to combust until after the gala?”

“I’m up for a challenge.” His eyes gleamed with predatory vibes.

This could also be the longest foreplay of my life.

Chapter

Thirty-Four

Sloane

I arrivedat the gala intact. Not a hair out of place nor lipstick smudged.

To do that, I ordered Dom to sit at the opposite side of the limo because the heat between us when we were within inches of each other was a volatile spark heightened by the confines of the vehicle. The lacy underwear sliding against my pussy only intensified the pulsing ache between my thighs.

We exchanged innocuous conversation, and I didn’t even mention the lingerie he bought me.

The event was held in the Metropolitan Hotel ballroom. The theme was Gilded Splendor.

We put our masks on in the vehicle, and the moment Dom helped me out of the limo, I forgot about him and was in awe of the lavish display before me.

From what I researched about masquerade ball etiquette, it was poor form to identify someone you recognized because the whole purpose was to playfully interact with strangers without the pressure of social status. In a way, it was the perfect entryinto Dom’s world. Now the remaining anxiety was whether I could exist in it.

The reception hall was another marvel to behold, with the strings of lights evenly spaced around the wall, flaring up into a domed ceiling where the biggest crystal chandelier I’d ever seen was hanging. And I’d seen a few in my cleaning jobs. From what Lucy had told me, because her mom couldn’t stop talking about it, the chandelier used to hang in the Zahkarov’s castle in Vienna.

Hmm…my snarky side wondered if this was another of their money-laundering schemes. After my initial awe, I finally felt Dom’s gaze on me again and renewed awareness tingled over me.