Page 4 of The Bonventi Hitman

I look away, my heart pounding in my chest. I can feel the tension building inside me. I scan the room looking for Bill, but I can't see the library from my position.

Shit.

I glance over toward the bar again and see a smirk on Gabriel's face. He places his drink down and starts walking in my direction.

I look down at the floor and hear my blood rushing through my ears in place of the music and chatter. Suddenly, a pair of black dress shoes enter my sight. My eyes widen. I look up and see Gabriel standing over me.

I know from his file that he’s 6 foot 4 inches and has green eyes and dark black hair, but seeing him up close in person, I instantly feel helpless in his towering presence.

"Care to dance, Bella?" he asks, holding out his hand.

I look at him. "Depends. Do you dance as well as you dress?"

A smile plays at his lips. "Let's find out."

Nerves run through me as I allow Gabriel to lead me onto the dance floor, his hand firm yet gentle. The music transforms into a slow jazz tune, setting the mood for what feels like an intimate moment.

Gabriel pulls me close, and I can feel the warmth of his body against mine. His hand rests on the small of my back, fingers firm as they gently guide me through the dance. His presence is oddly comforting for a monster.

Yep, too much champagne.

“So, do you always ask women to dance without introducing yourself?"

He smiles. "Gabriel. And you are?"

"Sofia."

"Sofia," he repeats, "Here with someone?"

"Conner," I say, watching his reaction carefully.

"Never heard of him," he says looking me over.

”That’s probably because he doesn’t want to be known by you. You always look over your dance partners this thoroughly?" I ask.

"Only the intriguing ones," he says and I feels his fingers firm on my back. "And you, Bella, are very intriguing."

"Because I’m not swooning over your good looks and charm,” I say sarcastically.

He laughs. "Because you pretend not to want to be dancing with me." He says then gives me a gentle spin outward and then back to him.

"Quite the ego you have there."

His eyes darken dangerously. "Be careful, Bella. The kind of man I am, ego is the last thing you have to worry about."

"You seem very sure of yourself."

"I'm sure of what I want." His eyes lock with mine.

I smile. "Does this overly mysterious act usually work for you?"

He smirks. "Your quick breathing would say it is."

"Maybe I'm just a good actress," I counter, even as my body betrays me by pressing closer.

"No one's that good." He says and dips me back.

"Pretty confident for a man who doesn't know what I like."