Page 80 of Ruthless King
“So let them.” He spins me in a tight circle, then dips me so low my hair trails the gleaming parquet. A high-pitched laugh bubbles out.
My cheeks heat as he pulls me back up and tugs me against his chest. Dozens of piercing gazes lance into the back of my head. “Why are they staring?”
“Probably because Manhattan’s social elite has never seen me at one of these events with the same woman twice, let alone three times.”
I can’t help my mouth from puckering. His words are only a reminder that this thing between us has an expiration date. A quickly approaching one.
“What?” He draws me closer, leveling me with that dark gaze.
“Nothing.”
“You should be incredibly satisfied that you’re the first. I’ve broken nearly all my rules for you, princess.”
I am pleased, but I’m also terrified. Every time we take a step forward it’s quickly followed by a giant leap back. And it’s that irrational fear that compels the words from my mouth. “What exactly are we doing, Luca?”
His eyes narrow, the heat from his gaze only intensifying. “I’m trying to give you what you want.”
How could he know what that is when I can’t even figure it out?
“Do you want an official relationship status? Should I confirm it on Facebook?”
I shrug, embarrassment flooding my cheeks. It sounds so silly out loud, but yes, I guess that is what I need.
He dances me back a few steps then twirls me around. A photographer stands before us, his camera inches from my face. Beside him stands a familiar reporter. The woman is all smiles as her eager gaze lands on Luca.
“Kerry, I need a good one, please, cover worthy, got it?”
Her eyes widen like she’s just stumbled upon the Holy Grail of celebrity shots, and she nudges the cameraman. “You heard Mr. Valentino, Harry. The best you’ve got in you.” She inches closer with a wry smile. “And remind me again, who is this beautiful woman at your side?”
Luca’s eyes latch onto mine, and a mad flutter of butterfly wings assaults my insides. “This is my girlfriend, Stella Esposito.”
“Girlfriend?” The reporter’s smile only grows hungrier.
“That’s what I said, didn’t I?” He slides his hand down my lower back and entwines his fingers through mine.
“So does that mean you’re no longer Manhattan’s most eligible bachelor?”
“That’s exactly what it means.”
My breath hitches at his words. It’s so stupid but they mean so much.
He gives her a panty-dropping smirk, and I clench my thighs together to stifle the rising heat.
Once we’ve posed for a dozen pictures, Luca thanks them and tugs me back on the dance floor, a shit-eating grin plastered on his unfairly handsome face. “Are you happy now?” he asks as he spins me into his arms.
“How do I know that was real? I was supposed to be your arm candy, wasn’t that the deal?”
“It’s never going to be easy with you, is it, princess?” He turns that blinding smile on me before he captures my lips.
A collective gasp resounds from every corner of the dancefloor. Or maybe it’s just me. He kisses me so fully, my knees wobble. If it wasn’t for his firm hold around my waist, I would’ve been reduced to a puddle on the parquet. He finally releases me, and I stagger back, or at least I try to, but his hold only tightens.
“Now are you convinced?” He nuzzles his nose against mine, and my breath hitches again. I’m so overwhelmed by him and that kiss, I’m considering reaching for my inhaler. “Anyone that knows me at all has never seen me kiss a woman. It’s official, princess, you’re mine.”
“O.M.G., Stella!”
A familiar screech has my head spinning on a swivel. “Rose!” I wiggle out of Luca’s embrace and race into my best friend’s arms.
“What the hell are you doing here?” she squeals. “Your dad said you left for Florida. I’ve been trying to call you for the past month. What the hell, girl? I leave for a couple weeks to Long Island, and you vanish.”
