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“You shouldn’t be here. It will mean bad luck,” I said more in passing or as a joke than anything.

“We already have misplaced luck, Carmella. I don’t think breaking another tradition will bring the wrath of God down on us.” His voice was strong, deep, and husky yet also smooth like fine, rich chocolate. There was a sultry vibe that he didn’t try to use to his benefit. He wasn’t interested in seducing anyone. That wasn’t his style because he didn’t need to pretend to be anything he wasn’t.

And I had a feeling he’d readily admit exactly who and what he was without hesitation to anyone who bothered to ask. There was something very sexy about a confident man.

Sadly, he was also an arrogant ass.

That alone collided with my personality.

I didn’t bother turning around, nodding to Amber who had a deer in the headlights expression. Gio was right behind her and I was ready to warn him that if he laid a finger on her, I’d cut off his hand. I didn’t. Why? Because if there was a single thing I’d gleaned from my father’s tutelage over the years, it was to never, ever give orders to his soldiers or question my father’s authority or decisions.

I knew instinctively that went for Alejandro and his men as well. In the old days, anyone doing so would be severely punished in front of the men wrongly addressed. It hadn’t mattered if a wife or girlfriend. While actions weren’t quite as barbaric as a decade before, I had no way of knowing how clipped Alejandro’s fuse was. And causing a scene on this day would be the worst thing I could possibly do.

Fighting behind closed doors and in the sanctity of complete privacy? All gloves could come off, but not until then.

Maybe I did have some level of restraint after all.

The door was closed with a soft click and still I jumped. When Alejandro proceeded to slide the lock in position, I glared at him.

“I simply don’t want us interrupted,” he told me and slowly headed in my direction. His eyes burned into mine as he lowered the box so I could inspect the contents.

Even as disgruntled and ungrateful as my father would call me, I was able to appreciate beauty in all forms. The necklace was gorgeous based on any criteria. Diamonds surrounded a long chain, even more dazzling from the recessed LED lighting shimmering against the glass. The jewels gave way to a huge red stone, also surrounded by diamonds. The cut and clarity were magnificent.

“A ruby. Not only does it suit your personality, but is your birthstone. Yes?” he asked, but of course he already knew that.

“I am a Leo.”

He chuckled and removed the necklace, still gazing at me with the tenacity of a scientist studying his greatest creation. “May I? I would enjoy seeing you wear this for the ceremony.”

“Why not? The stone will match my bouquet of blood-red roses.” I lifted my hair.

“A perfect combination.” He was gentle in easing the necklace around my throat, forced to pull it tightly against my skin until he’d clasped it together. As soon as he did, he made certain the piece was positioned just so, including the large stone falling just above the swell of my breasts. He rolled his hands to my shoulders as I patted the necklace. “You look beautiful.”

“You don’t need to pretend to be a gentleman, Alejandro. We’re all alone.”

“Does that mean you’d prefer me to be a brutal man? A bit savage around the edges?” He backed away until the shimmer in his forest green eyes turned much darker.

“That is what you are. You might as well be yourself.” I turned to face him, one hand still holding the jewel while clutching the edge of the vanity with my other.

“I’m certain you’ve been warned by your father to be very careful what you aim to achieve.”

“What I aimed to achieve I already did. I’m simply being a realist. I know how men like you are.”

“You’re so certain of that?”

“I am. You take what you want. You believe you’re owed that. Wine. Women. Cars. They’re all the same to you.”

He cocked his head and unbuttoned his tuxedo jacket. “What if you’re wrong about me?”

“I’m never wrong. I can size a man up without a single difficulty.” As he took slow and easy steps toward me, I hated the fact I was quivering.

There was no reason for my body to react as it did. Yet I’d never met a man who looked as scrumptious as he did in a tux. What troubled me more today was his scent was even richer, more powerful than his distinguished look. Just attempting a single, shallow breath blew me away with lightheadedness.

While I’d already allowed myself the appreciation of his chiseled, godlike facial features, the fact he hadn’t shaved in at least two or three days added to his sensuality.

And his dangerous aura.

I’d be damned if the man didn’t smile and the gesture made my heart flutter.

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