Page 20 of Stolen Vows

I chide myself for almost playing right into her trap.

“I don’t need your help to destroy your father,” I growl.

Instead of picking herself up and stomping off in frustration, she lifts wide, confused eyes up at me.

My breath catches in my throat and unexpected longing spears through my hardened heart.

I yearn to coddle and soothe her.

Valentina Denaro is dangerous.

I can’t fall prey to her feminine wiles again.

Chapter 7

Valentina Denaro

Hot one second, cold the next, Mario Luciano is the most confusing man on the face of the planet.I don’t understand what he wants.

Well, that’s not true.I know what he wants.As overwhelming as it was to have him pressed against me, the position left little to the imagination.He wants me.

He wants to hurt me.

I think from him, I could handle it.My body likes it.My heart may never recover, but I’ll find ways to manage.

Even if he hates me.

I swallow my pride and curl my hands into fists against the floor, bracing for his rejection.

“I know you don’t need my help, but wouldn’t my father be more humiliated if I abandoned him for you?”

Something in my words flips his attitude again.He steps forward, crowding me against the wall and looming over me.

“Wear my gift tonight,” he demands.

Thinking of the black lace lingerie heats my blood with embarrassment and arousal.I flinch when he leans down and grips my chin, forcing my eyes up to his.

“Prove you mean your words.Choose me from now on.”He tightens his hold and leans down.The icy hatred emanating from his handsome face stalls my heart.“Just know nothing you do will change my plans.I will have my revenge.Capisci?”

Darkness overtakes my periphery as fear narrows my vision.Nothing exists beyond Mario’s intensity.

“Sì,capisco,” I whisper.

He releases my chin, pats me on the head, and disappears like the ghost he’s been for years.

Tears scratch the back of my eyes, but I wrap my arms around myself and curl forward, needing to hide my face for a few moments while I gather my composure.

I can’t fall apart here.My father and dozens of socialites mingle nearby.

Choosing Mario may be the biggest mistake of my life, but at least it’s my decision.My life hasn’t been my own since he betrayed my family and my mother abandoned me.

I tell myself I can handle anything he throws at me, even as my inner realist roars with laughter.

Heat courses through me as I recall how easily he overpowered me.He’s too big.Too strong.

My breast aches from his abuse but need pulses between my legs even as fear curls through my heart at the memory of his massive, hard cock digging into my stomach.

The dampness in my panties shames me.