Chapter 34
Her prayer dissolved in the instant his next words left his lips.
“I was right. You want me to fuck you, Bambola. There is no fight in you,” he murmured, his hot breath ghosting along her ear, a whisper that threatened to shatter every fragment of control she had left.
“You are dreaming,” she spat, head whipping to the side in defiance.
“Am I?” His fingers drifted, impossibly slow, tracing the curve of her thighs, brushing over the lace of her underwear, and she felt herself betray herself entirely. The wet patch that betrayed her desire bloomed under his touch.
“Lie to me once again,” he purred.
“You just made me watch a live porn show. What did you think was going to happen p>
Luca chuckled softly. “I thought you hated me for taking your sister, for taking you he murmured. “And yet, you’re dripping for me. Right here. Right now. Admit it and I will give you what you want and more p>
His hands moved to her ass, cupping it hard, fingers digging in with unapologetic possession. The pressure made her gasp before she could stop it. The car beneath her was unyielding.
“Let go of me,” Vee snapped. “I hate you. I don’t want you. All you did tonight was humiliate me by making me watch that. This… this will not happen unless you force it out of me p>
“The night is not over yet, Bambola,” he said. “I am still going to punish you. You did dress up for me,” he added smoothly, tilting his head. “Didn’t you p>
“Because you asked me to, asshole p>
“True,” Luca agreed easily. “But now you know something else.” His grip tightened just enough to remind her he was still in control. “I can have any woman I want. Whenever I want p>
“Trust me,” she said. “I know I’m nothing special p>
That stopped him.
“But you are,” he said quietly. “Bambola, I chose you. I don’t do that p>
His fingers moved then, slipping up her coat, unfastening a button. His hand slid inside, warm against her skin, cupping her breast.
“What are you doing?” she asked, and this time there was no hiding the way her voice shook.
“Let me show you why I chose you p>
His fingers brushed her nipple, a slow touch that sent a jolt straight through her spine. She sucked in a breath, want making her dizzy. When he squeezed, a sharp sound escaped her.
“Fuck,” she whispered, furious with herself.
Her mind screamed at her to fight, but her body was already betraying her, arching just slightly into his hand.
“You see that,” Luca murmured near her ear. “That’s why I chose you. The way you want me and fight me at the same time p>
She squeezed her eyes shut, fighting the ache in her chest, the pull she didn’t want and didn’t know how to escape.
“You just want to fuck me, Luca. Who are you kidding? That’s why you chose me,” she said.
“It’s much… much more than that,” he said quietly, “But that too p>
Before she could respond, his mouth brushed her neck. Her breath stuttered as his fingers rolled her nipple. When he pinched harder, she gasped again.
“Luca please p>
“Please, what… Bambola,” he murmured into her ear. He was painfully aware of his body’s reaction, of how his cock had already betrayed him, twitching in his pants despite the very recent exertion.
Her hands curled against the car. “Please,” she said again, the fight draining out of her. “Let me go p>
He released her abruptly, stepping back. She swayed slightly, stunned by the sudden absence of him.
“Get into the car,” Luca said. “We’re going to see your boyfriend p>
She turned slowly, disbelief flickering across her face. “Why p>
“Because he’s going to get himself killed,” Luca replied flatly, “and you have to talk some sense into him p>
Cassidy’s house sat in a quiet stretch of street. Low lights. Trim hedges.
Luca’s driver invited Cassidy outside. Vee was already standing there, arms wrapped around herself, coat pulled tight. Luca didn’t let her be alone. He stayed in the car, windows rolled down, posture relaxed but eyes razor-sharp, watching everything.
As soon as Cassidy stepped out and saw her, his face lit up with relief so fierce it hurt to look at. One eye was still blackened, an ugly bruise blooming across his cheekbone.
“Babe!” he breathed, rushing forward and pulling her into his arms.
Veronica stood stiff, detached. She let the hug happen without returning it.
“I was so worried. Are you okay?” Cas asked.
“Yes.” Vee nodded quickly. “I’ve been trying to call you all day p>
“That asshole’s muscle had my phone broken last night,” Cassidy said, jerking his thumb in Luca’s direction without even looking.
Vee’s eyes flicking briefly toward the idling car at the curb.
“Cas,” she said gently, stepping closer, lowering her voice. “What are you doing going to the police? I’m fine p>
He stared at her. “Are you?” His jaw tightened. “Your dad told me everything. The debt. The threats. All of it. I don’t give a damn what the debt is. You and Valentina are going to get your lives back p>
“Cas, please,” she said, reaching for his arm, fingers light, careful. “You’re just making it worse for us. Please. Trust that I know what I’m doing. Please p>
The second please broke him a little. He searched her face, eyes frantic, desperate for an explanation.
“What does that mean for us?” he asked quietly.
Vee swallowed. Her throat burned. “I’m sorry, Cas,” she said. “I’m truly sorry p>
He shook his head immediately. “No. No, I refuse that. Vee, I love you.” He laughed weakly. “Maybe I should have told you a while ago, but I was afraid you’d take off. But I do. I love you p>
Her eyes shimmered, tears gathering stubbornly.
“Please, Cas,” she whispered. “You need to let me go p>
He stared at her, stunned. “Let you go?” he repeated. “Vee, I’m trying to fight for you p>
“I know,” she said softly. “You deserve better than this,” she continued, forcing the words out before she could lose her nerve. “Better than cleaning up messes that aren’t yours p>