Page 66 of Where Dark Hearts Devour
If I didn’t know better, I’d detect a trace of bitterness on the edge of his tongue. As it stands, I’ve amused Cristiano enough throughout breakfast to know he’s more than likely relieved to not be marrying me.
Penelope continues to stare at me until I realize she’s asking if I’m okay to do this. I nod once, and she lets the gown fall to its full length. She walks around me, nipping and tucking the edgesinto all the right places, until it looks like I was born wearing the beautiful garment. Then she stands to one side and pulls back the curtain.
I have my back to Cristiano, but I can see his reflection in the floor-length mirror. He’s sitting on the black velvet couch, his knees spread and his elbows resting on them. When the curtain pulls back, his expression is stunned.
Then, as he takes in the backless dress, the waist dipping low toward my buttocks, the skirt clinging to my hips and my thighs before floating outward in a graceful fishtail, his gaze darkens, a treasonous glint drawing in the light.
I’ve seen those eyes before.
He held them over me right before he slammed his fist into his kitchen island.
I move my focus back to the bodice of my dress and concentrate on counting the glass beads and pearls—anything to avoid the rolling thunder in his eyes.
“Is it to your liking, Mr. Di Santo?” Penelope asks nervously.
I listen to the beat of my heart.
B-bum, b-bum, b-bum.
Then he answers.
“It’s exquisite.”
My stomach liquifies, and I lift my gaze to meet his. His stare is no longer indifferent. It’s frighteningly possessive, and I have to look away. I stroke my hands down my hips, distracting myself with the beautiful finish and the craftsmanship.
“Is everything okay, Mr. Di Santo?” Penelope asks.
I look over my shoulder to see Cristiano’s back disappearing in the direction of the exit.
“I have to make a call,” he replies without looking around. Then he yanks open the door and leaves.
My stomach drops. That look in his eye ...
How will I ever be able to face Savero on our wedding night, let alone our wedding day, when all I’ll be able to see is the way Cristiano stares at me with eyes as black as a starless sky?
Cristiano
I haven’t bummed a smoke off a total stranger since I was fifteen years old, but I need something to calm my racing pulse.
I stand on the corner of the street watching the sun bounce off the hood of my car and fill my lungs. The cigarette’s harsh enough to distract me until I can reassemble my thoughts into something less obscene; less inconvenient.
I type one-handed into my phone.
Me: Any news?
I blow a curl of smoke into the air and watch as Sav types a response.
Sav: It’s done.
I breathe out a long sigh of relief.
Me: So you’re on your way back?
Sav: Tomorrow.
Fuck.I chew my bottom lip. I can’t have Castellano at my apartment another night regardless of what I said about her not locking her door. The temptation was too greatbeforeI saw her in that dress. And now that I have ...
I shake every thought from my head. There’s really only one thing for it.
