Page 23 of Heir of Darkness

“What are you doing here?” Luna asked.

“Why didn’t you tell me about what happened this morning?” Valerio asked.

She frowned. “Don’t ignore my question.”

He didn’t budge. “I answered your question this morning and then you ran away. Now, what did Dante and Allister say to you that made you cry?”

Luna turned away from him, focusing on the fight. Both men were already bleeding. Cecilia was up by the ring, worry etched on her face. Blair and Gianna were standing beside her, sneaking glances over at Luna.

His lips were right beside Luna’s ear, causing a chill to go down her back. “So help me, Luna, I will force you to talk if I need to.”

She snapped back to him. “And how exactly will you do that?”

He smirked, looking at her lips before looking back up into her eyes. Luna gulped, hating how attractive he looked. His dark hair was messy, his clothes overly casual for such an event.

“I have my methods.”

“They said that what I did to you last night was despicable. That because you weren’t with anyone, I shouldn’t be either,” she blurted out. “Which leads me to the point of why that is any of their business?”

“It’s not their business. They had no right to comment on any of that,” he said. “I’m sorry they made you cry.”

Her hard exterior softened for a moment. He was apologizing for something he didn’t do.

Luna shook her head. “You don’t have to be sorry for that. And you shouldn’t have hurt Dante because of it.”

“No one deserves to make you feel that way,” he said. “They won’t do it again.”

Luna nodded. She took her time to study him, focusing on his lips. The same ones that trailed along her body in her dream. Her cheeks burned.

“Why haven’t you been with anyone?” she asked. “You were gone for seven years.”

He smirked, leaning in closer. This time their lips were only a few millimeters away from each other. “Because I only want to fuck you.”

Her cheeks heated. She moved her head away, trying to regain her composure. “Why are you here?” she asked again.

“I’m here for Fight Night,” Valerio told her. “Curious to see your brother in the ring once and for all.”

She frowned. “Why do you care?”

“I have a bet going on. If he loses, I’m a lucky man,” Valerio told her.

“You do realize Finn is basically a professional. He’s never lost a match before.”

“I think tonight he might.”

“Doubtful.”

Valerio’s eyes lit up. “Want to bet?”

Her eyes narrowed in consideration. She was thinking of betting anyway, and at least she knew it would be a sure bet. She didn’t know who Finn was fighting, but he was good—no, he was the best out there. Luna nodded. “Only because I’m confident he’ll win.”

“Let’s make it interesting then. If he wins, I’ll stay away from you forever,” Valerio said.

Luna’s eyes widened in shock. “You’re lying.”

He shook his head, putting his hands up. “I swear. If he wins, I’ll void the contract.”

Her mouth went dry. “And if he loses?”

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