It’s irrational and I know it. But my temper gets the better of me. “Open the fucking thing.”
India shakes her head, and my veins thicken.
26
INDIA
“No.”
Rather than obey him, I shift my hips and climb off his lap. The bunched hem of my dress glides from waist to mid-thigh.
I quickly move across the room, putting distance between us and plant my feet on the rug underfoot, still tingling from sex.
“Not if you’re going to speak to me like that.”
His chest expands in bursts, a hint of jealousy lurking in his pretty green eyes.
“If you want to see what’s inside, then ask nicely. I’m not a school kid who deserves to be scolded for wearing jewelry. I’m the woman who chooses to be by your side and demands more respect.”
I roll back my shoulders, strengthening the stand I’m taking. “And the photo inside means something to me.” I tap the golden locket. “It’smyfamily. The men who were there for me long before you decided I was worthy of your attention.”
“India.” He warns, and I sense his short fuse igniting.
He’s off the armchair, rising to his full height. My insides coil when he stalks forward, his determined footfall not making a sound as he comes for me. “Show me the photograph, India.”
I scowl and slowly crack it open, holding the locket out for him to inspect.
Inside, my brother's face greets him. It doesn’t matter that André and Letterman are there too, or that I’m younger and smiling. Because Reno was happy that day. We all were. And the locket will continue to dangle next to my heart, precious and thoughtful.
“That’s his way of remindingmeyou belong to him.” His arm twitches like he’s fighting the impulse to yank it off my neck and snap the chain. “Take it off.”
I suck in sharply, straighten my spine that little bit more and clasp the locket in my hand tightly. My defensive stance earns a low growl. “No way! It’s mine.”
“India.” His Colombian accent caresses my scalp, so the hairs prickle in waves.
But I’m pissed off––and he’s even more so. I swallow in a loud gulp when he narrows his eyes. “Take it the fuck off.”
Shelving my hands on my hips, I continue to stare up at him, unafraid. “This bullshit alpha nonsense between you and Dré has to stop. You’re jealous of myfamily. And he thinks you’re only using me for sex.”
He arches a brow at me. “The sex is pretty fucking amazing… the best I’ve ever had.” I’m attuned to the quick drop in his timbre, how it switches from angry to animalistic. “Now hand it over.”
“Giovanni!” I hiss at him, still hot and wet. “Those three guys practically raised me. So, you aren’t allowed to confiscate a locket that makes me feel closer to them. Especially while I’m right here, withyou! I pickedyou, Giovanni. Why can’t you see that? I’m in front of you now, aren’t I?”
I dart sideways. “Maybe Dré was right, and this was never going to work.”
Launching myself toward the door, my heart jumps to my throat and my lungs cramp. Next thing I know, possessive arms wrap around me from behind. He holds me there, locked tight against him.
A raging heat burns in my core, a mixture of deep upset and the desire to be chased, kissed, and tied up by him.
“Stop it, Giovanni,” I plead, knowing I’m right to call him out for being so unreasonable. “I need space…weneed space.”
“Too late, you already said it out loud. You’re mine.”
I close my eyes briefly and inhale. “Not if it means turning my back on the people who matter to me.”
“Can you feel it?” His mouth is by my ear, his voice a growl and breath a whisper.
I should fight against him and put my combat skills to the test again, but I don’t. Not this time. Being held by him brings out big feelings inside of me. Safety. Warmth. Belonging. It’s all there in the power of his consuming embrace.
