Page 42 of Desire

Dante nodded sadly. “He’s worried about you too. But I think while he might be shocked at first, he’ll come to realize that I love you and will always protect you.”

Emma bolted up. “Love me?”

He smiled. “Of course.”

She smacked him, unable to believe that this wasn’t him teasing her. “Don’t play around with something like that.”

“I wouldn’t.”

“I love you too,” Emma said. “For the longest time.”

“I’m glad you finally decided to let me know.” His palm cradled the curve of her jaw, fingertips just brushing the sensitive hollow beneath her ear as he pulled her into a scorching kiss.

For the first time in her life, Emma felt truly alive. Dante’s touch had unlocked something inside her she never knew existed. She felt confident, powerful...free. He’d shown her the ropes, pun intended, and she couldn’t get enough.

***

DANTE

This wasn’t going to be a fun conversation. Dante imagined that no one wanted to hear, “Hey, I’m fucking your sister.” And even if he phrased it that he and Emma were in love and dating, Dante was sure that Joey would hear the former.

He spotted Joey sitting alone at the bar, and he made his way over. Might as well get this over with. If he was lucky, Joey would throw a few punches and then they’d have a few drinks and get over it.

“It’s about time. I’ve been sitting here wishing I was back at Couture with all the hotties,” Joey said. “What are you drinking?”

“Beer.” He took a seat on the stool beside Joey and signaled for the bartender.

After the bartender slid two bottles over to them, Dante and Joey clinked them in a silent toast before taking a sip.

“So, what’s this all about?” Joey asked. “Why did you want to meet up tonight?” His expression was curious, but guarded, like he already knew something was off.

Dante took a deep breath, steeling himself for the conversation ahead. But just then, a woman strode into the bar and everyone turned to look.

“Shit,” Dante muttered.

Kiki Pretty sauntered in. She wore a short skirt and a matching jacket with one button. It didn’t look like she was wearing anything underneath it either.

“Hot damn, she’s coming this way,” Joey said.

Yes, she was. And Dante recognized the look in her eye. The spiteful bitch hadn’t liked being assigned to another Dom. She must have followed him here. But what was her endgame? As she approached, she flashed him a mischievous smile.

“Hey, Dante,” she said, her voice low and seductive. “Mind if I join you?” Without waiting for an answer, she slid onto the barstool next to him, her body brushing against his.

“Yes, Kiki, I do mind. You’re interrupting a private conversation,” Dante said with enough steel in his voice to make her flinch back.

“Let’s not be too hasty,” Joey said. “Is this your girl?”

Kiki grinned, revealing a wicked glint in her eyes. “I used to be,” she said, batting her eyelashes innocently. “Until he dumped me.”

Dante felt a knot form in his stomach. Oh, here we go.

“Yeah,” Joey said. “He does that. But I’m available.”

“Are you?” Kiki moved to sit on Dante’s lap.

He shoved her off and she would have lost her balance if Joey hadn’t steadied her. “What’s your problem, man?” Joey asked him.

Kiki fake sniffled. “It’s okay. Dante likes it rough.”

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