Page 7 of Alessio DeLuca

I nod, my heart pounding with excitement. “I know I can. With the right algorithm, the right marketing strategy… we could be the premier matchmaking service for anyone who’s ever dreamed of being swept off their feet by Mr. Darcy or Rhett Butler.”

“First, I don’t know who the fuck those people are.”

I almost laugh.

He’s silent for a long moment, his gaze boring into mine. I can practically see the gears turning in his head.

“So startup costs, plus ongoing expenses for all your screening and tests for clients and their matches?” He asks, considering.

I nod, my stomach twisting with nerves. “I ran the numbers, did my research. I really think it can work. And it would be a good way to diversify our income streams, build another legitimate business.”

Alessio leans back in his chair, his sharp eyes never leaving mine. “And what’s in it for you, Maty?” He finally asks. “Why are you so invested in this little project?”

I feel my face flush, my heart stuttering in my chest. “I… I believe in it,” I say, my voice faltering slightly. “It could make a real difference in people’s lives. Help.”

He nods slowly, his expression thoughtful. “Alright,” he says at last. “I’ll back you.”

* * *

Alessio

I watch her walk out of my office, spine straight and head held high, even as I see the excitement radiating off her in waves. Maty Soto, the sassy little hacker who’s been a pain in my ass and fire in my blood for the past five years.

I should say no to her little proposal. Should shut it down before it even gets off the ground. A fucking matchmaking service for lonely bookworms? Fucking ridiculous.

Then there’s the matter of the way my pulse kicks up at the thought of Maty going on dates with these “book boyfriends.”

It’s fucking ridiculous. She’s my fucking employee, just a fucking tool in my arsenal. I have no claim on her, no right to feel this possessive at the thought of her in another man’s arms.

But that doesn’t stop me from wanting to track down every single one of those fictional fuckers and put a bullet between their eyes. Doesn’t stop me from wanting to grab Maty by the shoulders and shake her until she realizes the truth.

That she’s fucking mine. That she’s always been mine, from the moment she first stared at me with defiance in her pretty eyes.

I’ll let her have her little startup, let her play out this ridiculous fantasy. But I’ll be watching. Waiting.

And the moment she slips up, the moment she lets her guard down… I’ll be there. Ready to pounce, ready to fucking claim what’s mine.

I can’t fucking wait to mark Maty as my own, to brand her with my touch, my taste, my fucking scent until there’s no mistaking who she fucking belongs to.

And if that means playing along with this little matchmaking gig… then so be it.

Because I’m a patient man.

In the end, I always get what I want.

And what I want is a stubborn, infuriating, intoxicating woman with a mind like a steel trap, a heart like a fortress, and fucking curves for fucking days.

You have no idea what you’ve just unleashed, little girl.

Four

Chapter 4

Alessio

Striding down the hallway, I hear Maty’s voice drifting out from her office, and something in her tone makes me pause.

“I have to do it. I have to test the service myself, make sure it’s perfect before we launch.”

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