8. A Leopard Walking
CHAPTER 8
A Leopard Walking
THERE ARE MORE MONSTERS HIDDEN IN THE SHADOWS THAN YOU KNOW MIGHT NEED TO brING A FLASHLIGHT
I was a bundle of nerves the rest of the day. I kept eyeing the garment bag. Inside was a red backless dress that could cling to my curves. It was about to be five when I closed up shop and headed back to my apartment.
It was almost seven when I placed the last finishing touches. One thing about me is that I will always be on time no matter what. My family had always been a stickler when it came to time.
I stared at myself in the mirror. My dark hair was swept up in a loose messy bun with a few front pieces. My brown eyes were traced with black and my lips were red. Tonight I was going to get under Dante’s skin and find out how much blood was on my av?’s hands. There was a knock at the door.
"Lucia?" Dante's voice carried through the door. Taking a deep breath I walked out to open it.
Dante stood before me in the suit I made him and it made my body ache. It fit him perfectly, curving with his muscles. His dark hair was gelled back and his scruff was trimmed, accentuating his sharp cheekbones.
I was used to seeing people wear my clothes. But to see Dante? It made me want to get on my knees for him. He was wearing my name on his back and fuck that did more things to me than I thought it would. It made him feel as if he belonged to me.
His eyes followed the curve of my body, devouring me like I was a four course meal. I hoped I would be by the end of the night. He licked his bottom lip and handed me a single rose.
“ Bella. I knew you would look good in that dress." His tone was oozing confidence causing me to roll my eyes.
"Mhmm. Nice suit," I said, smirking. He let out a chuckle. I felt a surge of pride. I made Dante look damn good. I couldn’t help but admire my work.
"Don't look at me like that. We'll have time for that later," he teased, taking a step forward until our chests were touching. My nipples tightened and from the way his jaw tick I knew he could see. I gingerly placed my hand on his chest. His hand grazed the exposed part of my back, leaving tinges in their wake.
"We'll find out how I look out of this dress later," I promised. I pushed away to place the rose inside.
He led me to a black car with tinted windows. Opening the door I slid across the leather seats. A partition separated us from the driver. I could feel Dante's warmth as he slid next to me.
We drove in silence and nerves began settling across my skin. I was worried because of Dante. I knew that stepping out with him in front of all those people could mean different possibilities. And whether I wanted to, I needed to be there because I was representing my av?’s shop. I was representing the Silva family .
I began fidgeting with my nails. Dante pulled my hands apart. "What's wrong?" he asked. His gray eyes held me still. I stared at him silently, trying to find the right words. "If it makes you feel better we can enter separately," he offered with a lopsided grin. A sigh escaped me.
"Don't worry. I get it. We'll drop you off first. Circle twice and I'll see you inside," he said. I wrapped my hand around his and squeezed. It was unnerving in the best way that he was able to read me. If we entered separately there would be less questions and I had enough on my plate to deal with. He leaned towards my ear.
"And then after we can go back to your place," he said in a hushed voice. I turned to face him with a foxy smile.
"Only if we pick up fast food on the way back," I said. He chuckled but I was serious. I didn't have the taste buds for fancy food at events like these. "I know what they serve at these flamboyant events and I don't have the palette of a silver spoon brat," I said with full confidence that made Dante laugh some more.
"I couldn't agree more," he said with an easy smile and I pulled my hand away from his, breaking the connection. Dante sat back, his smile turning into amusement. "You know what sucks?" he said. I raised an eyebrow for him to continue whatever ridiculous perverted thought he was thinking.
"That thing there," he said, pointing to the partition and my body responded. My heart picked up its pace. He leaned to place a soft kiss on my neck, causing my body to shiver. His finger traced down my bare arm. "It sucks they don't block out noise." He continued to kiss up and down my neck, coaxing faint moans.
"Are you generally loud?" I murmured. I placed a hand on his knee and began tracing circles. His eyes shot to me with hunger.
"You know I can think of a way where you won't mess up your makeup." His lips were so close. His hand rested high up on my thigh, pinching the soft fabric of my dress. I leaned slightly forward.
"But then you'll mess up my hair," I countered. His eyes spark with challenge.
“How? Can’t keep still if I finger fuck you,” he teased as his hand began dragging the skirt of my dress up. I sucked in a breath and my greedy hips moved, trying to ease the pressure between my thighs.
I cupped his cock through his pants and offered a squeeze. He hardened beneath my touch. His eyes fluttered close as he took a deep breath.
"You're playing rough Cinderella,” he said, leaning away. His fingers traced circles at the apex of my thighs.
"And you're not doing the same?" I said, rubbing slowly .
"I like being in charge,” he said, eyes closing briefly as my fingers worked him through his pants.
“And I do too,” I said, nonchalantly.
"You know who I am," he said sternly. When he opened his eyes they burned. I lifted my skirt and shifted to straddle him. Dante bit his lip to keep from moaning as I rocked. My satin panties provided little barrier.
“My hair and makeup is safe now,” I said with a smirk. He gripped my hips, letting me take control of the rhythm. "Just because you're in charge of other people doesn't mean you get to boss me around," I said. One of his hands slid underneath my skirt.
"Lucia," he whispered against my neck as I rocked faster. His fingers dug into my ass cheek.
“You said until I finish right? I can finish right now,” I said, grinding into him. A storm of pleasure was barreling through me. Dante cursed under his breath. His hands gripped my hips again, rocking with me.
“I never said you were going to finish in the car,” he hissed. I peeked at him from beneath my lashes.
“You never really declared the rules in our little game, Dante,” I said, breathlessly. The car was slowing down but I was so close. I shut my eyes, enjoying the ride. My orgasm was just out of reach.
Before I could succumb to the explosion of pleasure Dante pulled me off his lap. He was breathing heavily as he adjusted himself. I bashfully watched him.
“You’re right I haven’t,” he said, moving to grip my jaw. I clamped my hand around his wrist and our eyes clashed, fighting for dominance. “You will finish with either my mouth, my tongue or my cock,” he stated. I finally pulled free from his grip to adjust the skirt of my dress. I reached for my clutch as the car rolled to a complete stop.
“I could have; on your cock just now,” I said, eyeing his pants. Fuck, I couldn’t wait for him to be inside me. Dante’s grin was one that promised blissful torture.
“Oh Cinderella, when you come it won’t be in the back of a car but on a bed where you can scream my name,” he said. I reached for the handle.
“That’s if you can make me scream,” I said with a mischievous grin. I was challenging him on purpose. I needed to push him so when the time came he wouldn’t resist answering my questions.
"You should know I always get what I want," he said, looking determined.
"This is about getting what I want, remember?" I teased. And with that I stepped out of the car and walked into flashing lights with a painted smile.
Time had passed and I was slowly feeling the effects of mindless conversations. I was speaking with clients and possible future clients. Many of the people here were wearing gowns we had either created or altered. I felt pride seeing that the Silva mark was glittered around the room.
I turned around to meet the eyes of a man in a deep violet suit. He took a sip of his champagne before walking up to me. A shiver crawled up my spine. There was something about this man. He stalked towards me like a leopard; dark and deadly. I swallowed.
"Ah, you're from the Silva family, correct?" he asked in a deep voice. My lungs tightened. There was something about the wicked gleam in his eyes that he was trying to mask that made my stomach twist. I tortured my face into a pleasant smile.
"Yes and you?" I said, offering a handshake. He didn't take it and that made my eyes twitch. Rude . Did he think I wasn’t worth something as simple as a handshake?
"My name is Cole. Cole Anders," he said. The name loosely sounded familiar but I couldn’t place it. The Anders for sure hadn’t stepped foot inside my av?’s shop.
"Well it's nice to meet you," I said. Although I offered politeness, all I wanted was to leave. He made me uneasy and I learned long ago to trust my gut. Although my gut also told me to not be afraid of Dante despite his career choice .
Glancing to the side I noticed Luca looking at me, jaw clenched and his hands in fists. That bad feeling in my stomach began spreading.
If sunshine Luca didn’t look happy about this man talking to me that meant something. And I was once again the person with the missing puzzle pieces.
"Is there something you want?" I said, pulling my hand away. He took a step forward and I stood my ground. I needed to show him he couldn’t intimidate me.
"What I want is many but I don't want anything from you. More like…a need," he said, casually. I took a cautious sip of my drink. I kept my eyes on him. He seemed almost amused.
"I'm a seamstress," I said, keeping my tone flat.
"Just that?" he asked. A flare of anger arose. I didn’t like what he was implying. His eyes widened slightly for a second, a flash of regret. "That was rude. My apologies. I would like a suit made personally by you," he said. I eyed him as he tried to offer a genuine smile. From behind I noticed Dante walking up, his face deadly. I pulled a card from my clutch.
"It has the address and hours for the shop," I said. He took it, his fingers brushing against mine and his hand trembled slightly.
Interesting.
"But what if I require time outside the hours. I tend to be busy," he said. I nodded in understanding. I could see through his fa?ade.
Judging from Luca’s reaction and the way Dante was walking towards us this man must be one of them . He belonged to one of the mafia factions. He’s also probably been watching my shop–watching me. I took a deep breath.
"Those are the hours Mr. Anders," I said firmly. Before he could speak again Dante interrupted.
"I was hoping for a dance Ms. Silva." Dante's voice had a hard edge.
"Mr. Costa!" Mr. Anders said with fake enthusiasm.
"Anders," Dante said quickly. The men held an internal battle through their eyes, waiting for someone to give in. Mr. Anders’ gaze slid to mine again.
"We'll be in touch," Mr. Anders said, bowing slightly. Dante didn't look away until the man was out of sight. Without warning he grabbed my glass and placed it on the tray of a passing waiter.
Pulling me against him, I relaxed against him. With my heels I was slightly taller than Dante. His hand on my bare back made me tingle. I let out a breath. He placed his mouth against my ear.
"I don't want you alone with him," he whispered. We began swaying to the music.
"Trust me I don't want to be," I whispered.
Mr. Anders felt wrong. I could still feel him. It was like his energy had latched onto mine. As much as he scared me there was also a part of me that felt sad for him. But I couldn't explain why.
"Another hour and we'll head out. Still up for food?" Dante asked. I nodded. But with the way his fingers lazily traced circles on my back that wasn't all I was in the mood for.
Grabbing the food was quick and I couldn't wait to dive into the delicious greasiness. Once at my apartment we sat at the table and enjoyed the comfort of quietness, wine and burgers.
"So much better than what they had," I said while taking a bite of fries.
“The bruschetta wasn’t too bad,” he commented. I let out a giggle.
“Really because I saw the face you and Luca made,” I pointed out. Dante shrugged his shoulders as he wiped his face.
“I wasn’t in charge so who am I to judge,” he said. I threw my head back in laughter.
“Really? Because I distinctly remember you questioning my degree with your judgey attitude,” I said.
“Well Cinderella I can assure you that you proved me wrong,” he said. Dante shot me a smile that relaxed his features. He truly was handsome. It wasn’t right for a man of his nature to be that good looking.
A strong jaw that begged to be under my tongue, full lips that deserve to be nipped, stubble that’s short enough to make my thighs red, a face that would make the perfect seat to make me scream.
As if he knew what I was thinking, his eyes met mine from above his wine glass. He took a slow sip and I watched as his throat bobbed up and down. I reached for my own glass feeling parched in so many ways.
Tonight was going to be my night.
Once we were done eating I moved to wipe the table. I could hear Dante’s footsteps behind me. He slowly walked up from behind and placed his hands on either side of me, caging me in. I sucked in a breath. His body felt so good and his clothes teased my exposed skin.
"So shall we resume our game?" he asked. His breath was hot on my neck. I squared my shoulders to allow room for me to twist around. I wrapped my arms around his neck, resting my weight against the table. Dante's eyes were playful. I offered a flirtatious smile.
"Last time I checked I was winning," I said. He chuckled and grazed his lips across my cheek.
"I think that's the point, right?" he said. I hummed in agreement as he placed kisses down my neck. He gently grabbed the back of my head, gliding his fingers in between my hair, tugging my bun loose. I moaned as his fingernails scraped my scalp.
He smirked into the side of my neck. His other hand skimmed my hip, over and over again. I leaned my neck away, begging to feel his lips more. Without thinking I began unbuttoning his shirt, itching to feel his skin.
"Lucia," he muttered. His skin was hot to the touch and I scratched down his chest causing him to hiss.
"Dante?" I asked innocently. He pulled back, pressing his forehead against mine. Our bodies trembled with anticipation.
"Sì, amore ?" he said. My heart thumped against my chest.
"Beija-me," I asked, hoping he understood what I said.
His lips tentatively touched mine, savoring, memorizing the feel. It was almost like we were melting into each other. He nipped my bottom lip and my body tightened under his hands. I slipped my hands under the back of his shirt to pull him closer. He groaned deep in his throat as our tongues slipped around each other.
The fire between us ascended until Dante couldn't take it. He pushed away roughly and tossed his shirt to the floor. I gasped and shoved him away to grab it.
"This is Tim Forn. You are not leaving this on the floor," I chastised. I placed it around the back of one of the chairs. Something hard pressed against my ass causing me to grip the edge of the table. He kissed down the back of my neck and over my shoulder blades while his fingers toyed with the zipper at my lower back.
"This isn't a bad position," he mumbled. I leaned forward to push against him, needing more friction. "Fuck," he hissed. I giggled. I knew what I was doing and liked having the upper hand. He grabbed my hips, pushing forward roughly and I gasped as I collapsed on top of the table. I leaned back against him, arching my back. This felt too good.
I glanced over my shoulder to see a shirtless Dante, breathing heavy. His hair had tumbled forward, across his eyes. He was becoming undone and it was breathtaking. He glanced at my dress.
"May I take the dress off?" he asked, giving a coy smile. His fingers slipped under my straps. I stood up, pulling away from him. I strutted towards the bedroom, slowly unzipping my dress. Once at the door I looked over my shoulder again. Dante's hands trembled, itching to touch me again. I gave him a wink.
"Play your cards right and you might win too, Dante," I said and then my dress dropped to the floor.