My hair falls in soft curls over my back. And the white fabric of my dress gives a healthy glow to my tanned skin, after spending days outside in the sun. I like the soft makeup I put on. It makes me look innocent, and I know how much Luca likes it that way.
I touch the gold olive branch accessory that holds my white dress on my shoulder. The white chiffon falls over my skin effortlessly, sitting in the right places to accentuate my curves. I’m not wearing any underwear, and that makes me want to smirk. I can’t stop thinking about how good it would feel having Luca against me. And I can’t wait for him to peel it off of me later tonight and finally take me the way we’re both dying for.
I don’t know why he’s still waiting to take my virginity, but I know tonight will be the night. I can feel it, and I’m crazy for that moment to come.
With a smile on my face, I step out of the bedroom and walk into the living room area. I find him sitting on the barstool, drinking his amber liquid. When his eyes turn to me, I hold my breath. His gaze moves over me in a searing look, and when he strolls toward me, I bite my lip.
He stands right in front of me. He doesn’t touch me, but his warmth surrounds me in the most tempting way.
His hands finally come to stop on my waist and I exhale with relief. When he touches me, everything is right in the world.
He nuzzles my jaw and my neck, before whispering, “You look like a dream.”
Smiling at him, I hit his chest. “Don’t distract me. I have a ball to go to with a very handsome man.”
“Handsome man, hmm? I should find him and punch his handsome face,” he gruffs.
“Are you jealous, Mr. Caruso?”
A dark look passes over his face. For a second, it seems like a mixture of fury and anguish, but it passes so quickly, I can’t be sure.
“I’ll kill whoever touches you,” he promises or maybe threatens. I shouldn’t like the violent jealousy and possessiveness he has over me, but I do.
Lifting myself on my tiptoes, I kiss his lips. He doesn’t miss a moment to deepen the kiss, and I taste the bitter alcohol on his tongue.
“Don’t worry, this girl wants only one man and he’s standing right in front of her.”
He closes his eyes at my words, and his body tenses against mine. When I touch his cheek, he stops my wrist and kisses my knuckles. “Let’s go. We don’t want to be late.”
Chapter Sixteen
Luca
I can’t back out.
This is the last year, and I can’t fuck it up.
I won’t jeopardize my father’s name for… for a girl.
No matter how breathtaking she looks. No matter how amazing she makes me feel. No matter how much she feels like the perfect match for me. For my dark desires. A perfect partner to receive all the pain I’ll dish out until I finally give her the pleasure she seeks.
I look at her relaxed form resting under my arm in the limo taking us to the mansion. Her face fits perfectly against my chest, her body molds against my side like she was made just for me. And I try to push all these feelings and thoughts aside. But it’s harder than I thought it would be. Much harder when the girl next to me manages to surprise me at every turn since I first saw her.
I smile, remembering that day in the club. With her roller skates on and her sultry voice filling the space, I should’ve known that she was so much more than a beautiful woman. She takes as much as she gives. She smiles as much as she makes me smile. And I hate her for it.
I realize if I let her, she can ruin me. Just like my mom ruined my father. And I won’t let her. I can’t.
I hate how damn weak she made me in such a short time.
When the car stops in front of the building where the ball and auction will take place, I know I have a decision to make. And fast.
Chapter Seventeen
Ramona
The place is extraordinary. The moment we step through the big double doors, the scent of freesias and jasmine greets us. In the middle of the wide foyer, there is an enormous tree adorned with crystal Christmas ornaments. The