Page 83 of Made for Sinners

The moment Dante disappeared down the hall, I let out a long breath and flopped back onto the couch, my phone still clutched in my hand.

I needed a distraction.

And what better way to distract myself than with a little retail therapy?

I scrolled through the boutique again, but the heels I had been agonizing over just minutes ago no longer held my attention. My mind was still stuck on Dante—on the way he had looked at me, the way his voice had dipped into something dark and teasing when he told me to enjoy myself.

I hated how effortlessly he unraveled me—how a single smirk or the briefest touch could send my pulse skittering out of control.

I groaned, shaking my head. No. I wasn’t going to let him win.

If Dante wanted to play games, I’d play too.

And I’d start by buying another Starbucks mug for my ever-growing collection.

I opened the Starbucks website and scrolled through the latest releases, my fingers tapping absently against the screen. Dante had rolled his eyes the last time I brought home a new one, muttering something about how I already had too many.

Which, of course, only made me want more.

I smirked as I added a limited-edition Paris mug to my cart, then hesitated before adding the Tokyo one as well. Might as well get two.

Satisfied, I completed the purchase and switched over to my messages, tapping out a quick text to Adrianna.

Me:Tell me you’re going to this ridiculous charity event.

Her response came almost immediately.

Adrianna:Ugh. Unfortunately, yes. My mother is making me go. Something about networking and being a proper lady. Kill me now.

I snorted, shaking my head.

Me:At least we’ll suffer together.

Adrianna:True. What are you wearing?

I glanced toward the bedroom, where the dozens of dresses Dante had bought me were still hanging neatly in the wardrobe.

Me:No idea. Dante went on a shopping spree and now I have too many options.

Adrianna:Wait. He bought you dresses?

Me:A whole damn wardrobe.

Adrianna:…Are we sure he’s not in love with you?

I rolled my eyes.

Me:Please.

Adrianna:I’m just saying. Men don’t buy entire wardrobes for women they don’t care about.

I ignored the way my stomach twisted at that, instead typing out a quick response.

Me:It’s not like that.

The moment Adrianna’s text popped up, I knew she wasn’t going to let this go.

Adrianna:Mmhmm. Keep telling yourself that, babe.

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