Page 42 of Impenitent Claim

“A bunch of us are going to the haunted battleship down at the wharf,” Alonzo muttered.

I slid my hand into his, hoping he found the contact comforting and not intrusive. “That’s right, darling. It’s a young people thing, a silly Americani tradition.”

Alonzo shuffled closer to me, a small signal that he was grateful for the rescue.

“It would be good for them to bond as young people,” Alonzo added quietly. “Not just forced into the formality of famiglia social events.”

The Conti boss narrowed his eyes. “Many marriages were formed on business deals.”

“And successful ones are founded on mutual respect that grows into partnerships,” I countered.

The Conti father agreed, and mercifully, the conversation came to an end. I drew Alonzo away to find the bar before his father could berate him for offering the suggestion. Arguably, it was a good idea. But since mafia princesses were prized creatures, Alonzo’s delivery could have been perceived as inappropriate.

“Two rum and cokes,” I ordered, sagging against the counter.

Alonzo flexed and stretched the hand I released. “I don’t mind you touching me, Isabella.”

Shooting him a sideways glance, I fumbled for words. I knew Alonzo pretty well, but even a stranger would easily see the don’s son didn’t care for physical contact.

“You could do it more,” he added softly.

“Since we’re going to have to consummate this”—I gestured between us—“I should hope you don’t mind us touching.”

The poor thing blanched.

“Don’t worry, Lonzo.” I slapped his back and pushed the drink to him. “Porn Hub is full of tutorials. You’ll figure out what you’re supposed to do, and together we’ll muddle through it.”

Which was exactly how a girl wanted to think of future romantic encounters. Scripted, formal acts of sex—how exciting. Maybe I could teach him? Or invest in good toys? I put the drink to my lips and started draining it.

“I know what to do,” he said quietly. “I’m not a virgin.”

I choked.

Those soft brown eyes looked up from under straight lashes to watch me. “Are you disappointed?”

“No,” I gasped, smacking my chest before flagging down the bartender. “Another. Make it a double.”

This moment of trust was sudden and almost intimate. My quirky fiancé was choosing to open up to me. What had I started?!

“It was before our marriage was arranged,” Alonzo continued.

For the love of heaven, stop!I was going to laugh at him. This man was only four years younger than me, but his innocence and shyness made it feel more like a decade. The serious tone in his voice showed how much this bothered him. He probably was worried about disappointing me.

“It didn’t mean anything,” he insisted.

“I’m sure it didn’t.” It was on the tip of my tongue to say I was the same. But my guardian angel kept my lips sealed. Alonzo wouldn’t purposely tell. But since it was my duty to protect my virginity, he might think ithisduty to inform the don that I was unfit.

Oh, Madonna!I was going to have to fake blood on the bedsheets, wasn’t I? The hysterical idea threatened to make me double over.

I gulped my second drink and turned my gaze to the crowd. The rum promised to give me a delicious buzz. That plus the never-ending finger food was going to sustain me through another week of torture disguised as wedding preparation. Pulling the carbonated goodness through the tiny straw, I hoped I got good and drunk. This party to celebrate the business merger between the two mobs was not only boring, but it was also depressing. Also horrific and terrible, if I considered the stunt on the balcony. I needed a distraction to make it through the rest of the evening. Something. Anything!

Not the pair of grey eyes staring back at me.

My blood suddenly turned to ice.

No, that wasn’t right. Itburned.My veins were liquid fire. Molten and alive. I took a step in his direction. His gaze hardened, the grey shimmering and morphing into almost…silver. The forbidden call of this wrath-filled figure sent a rush of heat between my legs.

A soft whimper twitched in my throat.

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