Page 5 of United Loyalties
Bea looks like she wants to vomit. Roberto and Sandro are Leo’s cousins, their father was who Bea had been engaged to. He’s also the man who murdered her father, my Uncle Duran. Not that I think Bea knows that. I overheard Nic and Ant talking about it recently. So, Leo killed his uncle, and now his cousins are on the run.
“Anyway… let’s not dwell on the negatives. It’s your wedding day, Bea. Let’s enjoy it.” I squeeze her hand whilst sending a silencing glare toward my younger cousin.
The rest of the short drive is filled with light chatter.
* * *
The wedding passes quickly. It was a beautiful ceremony, even if Bea did look petrified. Now that we’ve all had a few glasses of champagne, the atmosphere seems to be much calmer. I haven’t danced much tonight, but I plan to change that.
Holding out my hand to Nic, I flutter my lashes at him. “Will you dance with me, big brother?”
He glances up at me before whispering something to Ant, then stands to lead me over to the dance floor.
Once there, I kind of become stuck. Each dance moves into the next, and it’s like it’ll never end. I’m constantly being asked to dance by multiple men.
Fortunately, I’m eventually back dancing with Nic.
“I need a wee,” I whisper and then snort a very unladylike giggle when he frowns at me and shakes his head.
“Seriously, how are we ever going to get rid of you? You’re so bloody unladylike.” Nic grins and then pulls me in close for a side hug.
“You still love me.” I squeeze him back. “I’ll just have to come and live with you and your unlucky wife when no one wants me.”
He stiffens and then softens his reaction by pushing me in the direction of the restroom.
“Go on, go to the ladies’ room before someone tries to dance with you again.” He grins as he makes his way back over to Ant.
When I’m exiting the restroom, I narrowly miss bumping into someone. That someone puts his hands out to steady me on my feet.
“You’re looking seriously hot tonight,angelo.” Without even glancing up, I know who it is, even without my nickname on his lips. No way that smooth voice wouldn’t make me shiver with anticipation.
“Thank you.” I smile shyly.
This man seriously turns me inside out.
He’s still holding onto my hips like he has a right to.
“Such a shame my pretty underwear will go to waste.” I grin up at him before attempting to pull out of his hold.
I know I shouldn’t be flirting with him, but I’ve had a few glasses of champagne, and I enjoy teasing him. No one else dares to make the comments to me he does, like he has a right to. I also hate that the men in this world can sleep with as many women as they like, but we’re expected to be a virgin on our wedding night.
What a joke!
His grip becomes tighter on my hips, and I relish in the spark of pleasure that shoots to my core. He wraps one hand around my waist as he uses his other to grip my chin and lift it so I’m staring him straight in the eyes. Those eyes that are like melted pools of chocolate. He’s the perfect predator, he looks warm and inviting, yet underneath, he’s a vicious viper. One that I’m more than happy to get wrapped up in. He’s wearing a three-piece gray suit, and he literally oozes sex appeal.
“Keep talking like that,angelo,and I’m going to do something we’ll both likely regret.”
I manage to slip my hotel key out of my clutch. Mustering all the courage I can, I slip it into the top pocket of his jacket.
“Make sure you’re there before me. There’s no way you’ll get past the guards otherwise.” Slipping from his hold as he’s staring at me dumbfounded, I sashay toward the music.
I have no idea where that came from, but I want this. I really hope he takes me up on my offer. I know nothing good will come of it, but the thought of taking this little bit of control of my life is exhilarating.
For the rest of the night, I struggle to not look for Alessandro.
Leo and Bea decide to leave and head back to his penthouse in New York.
As I lean in to give Bea a hug goodbye, I whisper in her ear, “I’ve got you covered with your overnight bag.” I kiss her cheek and wink as she blushes.
