Page 118 of The Contract

His smirk flatlines faster than a cell signal in an elevator.

Honestly, I should be cowering. Should be terrified I just insulted a guy who could flick me to the curb like a cigarette butt.

But fear left the fucking building five minutes ago. Rational thought went along for the ride. Before I can muzzle myself, I double down, blurting out the first reckless thing that leaps to mind.

“I demand to see the owner!”

The moment the words leave my lips, a spike of panic hits me like a freight train.

Shit. Please don’t let Dante actually be here.

What’s the worst that could happen?

Sadly, a taser comes to mind.

But then—it happens.

A voice punches through the simmering tension, low, rough, and carrying one absolute command.

“Let her in.”

CHAPTER 39

Dante

“Mmm,” she breathes, her hot honeyed rasp paired with nails digging into my skin like she’s mining for gold. “So tense.”

Her nails drag across my neck. It’s not seductive. More like chiseling cement off a murder weapon.

Where the fuck did they find this one?

This one—because her name will never cross my lips. Didn’t ask. Couldn’t care less. Names are reserved for things you plan to keep, and the only thing permanent here is my irritation.

And by they, I mean my dear brothers. Enzo, probably. This reeks of his trademark help me help you bullshit. He thinks he’s doing me a favor, clueless bastard. Completely oblivious to the fact my every waking thought is consumed by a girl he’d never approve of—and sure as hell wouldn’t let me live long enough to regret.

Not that survival matters much at the moment.

Blondie strutted in wearing a bright red smirk with a card neatly tucked into the strap of her microscopic dress. An invitation to a party I have no fucking intention of attending.

Don’t be a loaded gun with nowhere to shoot.

Consider her target practice.

You’re welcome.

Subtle as a fucking sledgehammer.

Sadly, they have a point.

It’s been months since I’ve touched any woman but Riley.

Touched myself?

Religiously. Twice a day, like a sinner working overtime.

But what fucking choice do I have?

The only woman capable of holding my interest is the one I absolutely can’t touch.

---