Chapter 14 #2
Both have laser focus on me now and I squirm a bit in my seat, not liking the attention. “What?”
Enzo’s brow peaks. “Have you had it before?”
“Of course I’ve had spaghetti."
“Next,” Enzo commands and Nova lists off a multitude of dishes, some I’ve heard of, others I haven’t.
By the time we’re done, Enzo has written down all the foods I’ve yet to try, including deep fried Oreos, chili fries, cinnamon sugar pretzels, an Icee, pineapple pizza, and mint chocolate chip ice cream.
“My list is growing, Little Doc. We better get to checking some of these off,” Enzo drawls and I resist the urge to snatch his phone from him to see what all he has on said list.
“Well, let me see the list and I can help.”
Enzo tilts his head suspiciously and my heart rate increases thinking he may let me see his list. “Nah, I think I’ll keep it a surprise.”
Interrupting what would have been me tackling him for the phone, Nova’s own phone buzzes and she glances down. “Shit, gotta go! Dante calls!”
I give her a worried glance. “Don’t worry, Lucy. I’m a pro.”
She dashes out of the kitchen as Enzo rounds the island. He invades my space, pushing between my knees as I spin toward him. “I think we should start with—”
His phone ringing interrupts his thoughts and we both glance down to see Rafael’s name on the screen. He presses ignore but as soon as he opens his mouth, it buzzes again.
He answers the call, annoyance flashing across his face. “Someone better be fucking dead,” he snaps.
I do my best to bite back my smile, but it slips out and I hate myself for it. He watches the action, eyes burning with a different kind of heat.
“Well fuck. Be there in a minute.” He hangs up the phone, tucking it away and pulls my bottom lip from between my teeth with his thumb. “Rain check on those plans, Little Doc.”
I’ve prided myself on being a strong woman, I’ve endured shit that would give Hitler nightmares, but the way this man looks at me in this moment, I’m fucking fawning, dissolved into utter putty.
But that’s the thing with Enzo—he doesn’t make me feel weak, even in these moments where he could ask for anything and I’d give it. My submission feels like power when it’s given to him.
So, when he leans in, brushing his lips against the corner of my mouth, I can’t help but want more. I grip his button up shirt and pull him in, demanding everything.
His dark chuckle fills me with a nervous yet thrilling energy as he steps away, running his thumb over his bottom lip. “I’ll meet you in my dreams, Lucy.”
His absence makes that spark in my heart grow, seeking him like a flame to oxygen. My mind slams the door on the attention seeking organ, depriving it of the one thing she desires most.
Focus, Katya.
Guard your heart.
Remember your purpose.
My feet hit the floor when shoes clack down the hallway and I spin toward the arched entrance of the kitchen.
My jaw tightens when Dante walks through, clad in a deep navy three-piece suit, his graying hair pushed back and perfectly tame.
I thought Nova had left to see him? He can’t already be finished?
“Ah, Doctor Sinclair. I was meaning to speak with you privately but now’s as good a time as any I suppose.”
My spine straightens and I clench my fists, wishing they were gripping my blades. “Dante, I had planned to email to set up a good time.”
He stops a few inches from me, far too close for my liking and I take a single step back, my back pressing into the cool countertops.
“No need, it’s a simple request really.”
“Oh? What can I do?”
Slip arsenic into your morning tea? Lace your multivitamin with Fentanyl? Swap your shampoo with hydrochloric acid?
“You can meet me in my room tonight.” He pushes into me, his hand finding my waist. When his mouth finds my neck, I turn, slipping out of his hold.
My chest heaves, anger coursing through my veins. Not at his pitiful attempt to get me under him, but at the fact I can’t do shit to him. The instructions of this mission were clear, Dante was to remain unharmed. Why? Fuck if I know. Alexey must have some plan for him in the future.
But fuck, sliding my knife between his second and third rib sounds orgasmic at this moment.
“Mr. Alessi, I am not one of your Angels.”
He slowly circles me, combing back his hair, his lip ticked up in a snarl.
“But you are mine, Doctor Sinclair. I pay you to follow my command. To be,” he lunges forward, fingers clasping my throat, cutting my oxygen off as he lifts, my toes dragging against the kitchen floor, “Obedient.” He growls in my face, spittle hitting my cheeks.
“Dante?” Nova’s sweet voice filters through the doorways and I want to scream at her to stay away but she emerges.
She doesn’t miss a beat, striding in with a sexy sway to her hips. Dante’s grip loosens slightly, but he keeps his attention on me.
Her small hand gently pulls his fingers from my throat. Releasing me in a huff, he turns toward Nova as she draws him in like a siren.
“Dante, my love. You weren’t in bed waiting for me,” Nova pouts, batting her lashes at him and my stomach sours.
“Come.” She interlocks her fingers with his as she leads him away from me.
“You don’t need the doctor. I can give you everything you need.
She could never handle you, you’re too…” her words quiet as she continues to lead him down the hall and for the first time in my life, I vomit.
The grilled cheese comes up in half-digested chunks all over the floor. It’s not because of the words she said, but because I know what she’s about to do for the bastard.
It’s because I let her.