Page 77 of Deal with the Devil
He’s in an immaculately tailored three-piece suit darker than midnight. His signature mask is back in place tonight, the dark crimson leather gleaming in the low light, the devil’s horns looking sharper than usual.
The only other splash of color on him comes from the pocket square tucked into the right side of his suit jacket. It’s the same dark crimson as his mask, serving as a stark contrast against the midnight black.
“You look stunning,” he says as soon as I’m within reach.
I hesitate for half a second, then mumble, “Err… thank you.”
His head tilts to the side. “You’re allowed to accept compliments from me, dolcezza. It’s called having manners. Otherwise known as basic civility.”
“I’d rather just get on with the evening,” I reply stiffly, avoiding his gaze.
He chuckles. “Very well. But first.”
His hand slips into the inner pocket of his suit jacket, from which he pulls out a long, narrow box—smooth, lacquered, elegant; it’s forjewelry.
He holds it out to me with a nod, like a challenge.
“Open it,” he says.
You’d think he’d offered me a vial of snake venom the way I take from his hand, reluctant but compelled. I hold the box in the palm of my hand distrustfully, like I’m prepared to drop it at any second should there be anything remotely problematic.
Sliding the top off slowly, I gasp at what’s inside. Nestled against a cushion of black velvet lies necklace you’d see in some glass case in museum.
…or maybe a film likeTitanic.
The giant sapphire stone reminds me of the ocean as it twinkles under the Belluccis’ chandelier lighting on its delicate white gold chain.
“I thought of you when I saw it,” he says.
“I don’t want this.”
I shake my head, already trying to hand it back.
He’s quicker than I am, slipping the necklace from the box and stepping behind me before I can return it to him.
“I insist.”
I go still, my breath catching in my throat as I feel the cool kiss of the chain against my collarbones. His fingers brush the nape of my neck. The contact sends a shiver down my spine.I hate the way my body reacts to him so immediately, like it believes he’s Rafael when it couldn’t be further from the truth.
My teeth pull my bottom lip in between, and I try to ignore the heat prickling my skin.
But he takes his time, lingering behind me. He moves slowly, his touch sensuous as he clasps the necklace into place.
How his presence can be magnetic and oppressive all at once, I’ll never know. It makes no god damn sense, yet here I am fighting how hard desire rises up so instantly inside me.
He leans closer, his breath grazing my ear.
“A rare gem,” he murmurs, voice low and dark, “for an even rarer woman.”
I’ve not only gone speechless, I’ve gone breathless. My thoughts are scrambled, and my body has once again betrayed me.
He steps around to face me again, gaze unreadable behind that mask. Then he extends his hand once more, less as an offer and more a command.
“Venire.Or we’ll be late. The show begins soon.”
Before I can gather myself, he takes my hand without asking and leads me toward the door, his grip unyielding, his pace brisk. The expensive necklace lays flush and heavy against my chest as the double doors open wide and the cool, dark night swallows me whole…
We ride in silence.
