Chapter 29
D A N T E
I couldn’t stay away from Ariana anymore and I can’t deny that anymore. The past two days since I’d been sick had changed everything, the way she cared for me, the softness in her touch, that damn kiss we shared it all played in my mind on repeat.
I wanted her.
Not just her body, not just as my wife on paper.
All of her.
And I couldn’t deny it anymore the more I denied it the more it got worse.
My office door opened without warning, Isabella, my secretary for the past three years, walked in with her usual confidence, her tight skirt hugged her curves as she placed files on my desk, swaying her hips just a little too much.
“Your afternoon schedule,” she purred, leaning forward just enough to give me a view of her cleavage.
I barely glanced up. “Leave it p>
Isabella pouted, running a finger along the edge of my desk. “You’ve been so distant lately p>
I finally looked at her, really looked. Yes, we’d fucked a few times before my marriage with no strings, no feelings, at least not on my side.
Even while fucking other ladies I’d always picture Ariana. It’s like she’s got me hypnotized, she was a sinful drug I got addicted to and after years of staying away, I count resist her not when she’s in my domain now.
The only woman I saw was Ariana.
The only woman I wanted was Ariana.
And that’s all it would ever be.
“Tonight’s my grandmother’s birthday party,” I said, turning back to my work. “Have my designer pick out a dress for my wife.” I emphasized the words My wife making it clear to her that I didn’t want her and none of her tactics where going to work on me.
And the sooner she accepts that the better it is for her.
Isabella’s smile faltered. “Your…wife p>
“Yes.” My voice left no room for argument. “The best dress they have, something that will make every man in the room envy me p>
Isabella opened her mouth, then closed it. After a long pause, she nodded stiffly. “Of course, Mr. Russo p>
As she turned to leave, I added, “And Isabella p>
She looked back hopefully.
“From now on, knock before entering p>
The door clicked shut harder than necessary.
I leaned back in my chair, already picturing Ariana tonight beautiful in whatever dress they chose, her dark eyes shining, her lips curved in that smile she only showed when she thought no one was looking.
My wife.
My Ariana.
And soon, if I had my way, she’d be mine in every way that mattered.
I closed up work early, so as not to be late for the birthday cause if I wash Nonna would hang my head up for dinner.
The mansion was quiet when I arrived, I found Lina dusting the hallway.
“Tell Ariana to get ready,” I ordered. “We leave in an hour p>
Lina nodded eagerly and scurried off.
I took my time showering, the hot water doing little to calm my restless energy and tiredness. After, I dressed carefully black tailored suit, crisp white shirt, the ruby cufflinks Nonna had given me last Christmas I headed downstairs.
I checked my watch, twenty minutes late already, typical woman.
My phone rang and it was Marco, calling about the Milan deal.
I answered absently, pacing the foyer.
“Yes, the numbers look good,” I said, barely listening to his report. “Just handle it p>
Then I heard the soft click of heels on marble urging me to turn and for a moment I forgot how to breathe.
Ariana stood at the top of the stairs, like a fucking perfection that she is in emerald green silk. The dress hugged every perfect curve, the neckline dipping just enough to tease but not enough to be indecent, her dark hair cascaded over one bare shoulder, her lips painted the same deep red as when I’d kissed them.
“Marco,” I said hoarsely into the phone, not taking my eyes off my wife. “I’ll call you back p>
I hung up without waiting for a response.
Ariana descended slowly, her cheeks pink under my stare. “Is something wrong p>
Everything was wrong, because all I could think about was peeling that dress off her with my teeth.
And having her.
This woman would ruin me to the peak and even without making effort, she still topped up all the time.
“You’re late,” I managed to say instead.
She rolled her eyes, that fire I loved flashing in them. “Worth the wait, though p>
Damn right it was.
I offered my arm. “Shall we, Mrs. Russo p>
The way her fingers trembled on my sleeve told me she felt it too this new thing between us, electric and undeniable.
“You look beautiful,” I said, the words coming out rougher than I intended.
Ariana’s cheeks turned that perfect shade of pink I loved, she glanced down at her dress, then back up at me through her lashes. “You don’t look so bad yourself,” she murmured.
I smirked, leading her to the waiting car, my fingers stayed tangled with hers, our palms pressed together.
The driver held the door open, and I helped Ariana inside before sliding in beside her.
The ride to my grandma’s house silent, but the air wasn’t the tense as it use to be, thiswas different… comfortable, almost peaceful.
Still, I didn’t let go of her hand.
My thumb traced slow circles over her knuckles, my grip firm as if she might disappear if I loosened my hold even a little.
Ariana didn’t pull away her fingers curled tighter around mine, her warmth seeping into my skin.
She stared out the window, but I caught the small smile playing at the corners of her lips.
This woman would be thr end of me and it didn’t bother me.
I never wanted to let her go.
Not tonight.
Not ever.