Page 60 of Giovanni the Savage

A strangled wail rips from my throat, and I clutch my chest from the physical pain that hits me from seeing my brother in pain.

The realization is choking me, and it’s a stark reminder of what is at stake. It’s about time I got my priorities right, and to do that, I need to gently play into the lion's den.

***

“You look beautiful, baby.”

Giovanni’s hooded eyes trail down my red, shimmery gown, pausing at my thighs to take them in from the high slit before coming back to my face.

I wince but offer him a smile. No matter what, his stare always brings out an emotion in me that I can’t quite place.

I’ve decided to push the thoughts of my brother aside to really focus on tonight and remind myself that this is the very last night I’ll spend with him. After tonight, my mission will take full effect.

“I can tell,” I say, examining his perfectly tailored suit.

“Well, that means I’m doing something right.”

He leaves the door open and walks towards me, still devouring me with his eyes. I feel guilty for the liquid that seeps into my panties.

“You are,” I reply.

His eyes roam my face momentarily before his head dips down and he kisses my lips softly. I respond with a moan but break free in two seconds.

“Jen spent hours on my face,” I pout.

He smirks and caresses my waist. “Jen was paid five hundred dollars to spend hours on your face,” he reminds me.

I gasp in disbelief.

“Who spends five hundred dollars on makeup?” I ask.

“You want to take a guess?” He winks and guides me to the car.

I roll my eyes. “Yeah right.”

We pause at the open back door, and I turn to face my date.

“You don’t look too bad yourself,” I tease and cradle his face.

The way he leans into my hand makes me swallow down my guilt.

“That’s a terrible compliment judging from the fact that I’m wearing a fourteen-thousand-dollar suit.”

He throws the amount out carelessly like he’s talking about a hundred dollars.

“God knows what you do with money.” I sigh, sliding inside the car, and he follows me.

“I don’t think you’d be talking if you knew the cost of your dress.”

I look at him sharply. “Don’t tell me it's thousands of dollars.”

The dress, shoes, and jewelry had been delivered to my doorstep this morning, so I’m clueless.

He smirks. “Okay, I won’t tell you it’s thousands of dollars.”

I laugh and smack him playfully before he pulls me to himself and steals a kiss. Our banter continues to the restaurant, and right before we drive in, he tilts my chin up and places a kiss on my lips.

“I love you,” he whispers.

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