Page 1 of Tempting Tessa

Prologue

MATTEO

Isee her walk into my house, and I know I’m going to hell. I also don’t give a single fuck.

Alvarez opens the door, and there’s Conrad’s little girl. Except she’s not so little anymore.

I stand at the foot of the stairs, my fingers curling around the banister as I watch Contessa glide into my foyer like she owns the place. The light from the chandelier catches in her pastel-purple hair as it falls in waves down her back. My cock stirs at the sight.

“Contessa,” I say, my voice rougher than I intended. “What a surprise.”

Her pencil skirt hugs every curve of her ass and thighs; the white blouse tucked in tight enough that I can see the outline of her bra. Black heels that make her legs look a mile long. She’s dressed for business, but all I can think about is bending her over and finding out how vocal she is.

“Uncle Matteo,” she says with that sassy smile that’s haunted me for years. “Thank you for seeing me without notice.”

I descend the last few steps, closing the distance between us. “You look good. Very professional.” I circle her slowly, taking in the view from all angles. “You changed your hair. And your perfume.” I lean in, not touching her but close enough to breathe her in. “Something with apple and cedar?”

Her pulse jumps in her throat. I watch it flutter beneath her skin.

“Yes,” she says, looking up at me through those thick lashes. “Uncle Matteo, I grew up.”

“So you did,” I murmur, allowing my gaze to travel down her body without bothering to hide it. Twenty-three. Old enough to know better. Young enough to ruin me completely.

I clear my throat. “So, to what do I owe this visit?”

My hand finds the small of her back as I guide her toward the lounge. Her body heat burns through the thin fabric of her blouse. The curve of her spine fits perfectly against my palm, like it was made for me.

She hesitates just a moment before stepping into my touch, and I feel her subtle shift toward me rather than away. That tiny movement makes my cock throb harder than any woman spreading her legs ever has.

“I have a business proposition,” she says, but her voice has gone slightly breathless.

I keep my hand firmly in place as we walk toward the lounge, savoring the way she moves beneath my touch. Conrad would put a bullet in my brain if he could see the thoughts I’m having about his daughter.

But Conrad isn’t here.

I lead her to the wingback chairs in front of the cold fireplace, my hand still possessively pressed against her lower back. The pressure of my fingers increases slightly as we cross the room, not enough to hurt, just enough to remind her who’s in control.

“Sit,” I say, extending my hand toward one of the chairs. It’s not a request.

She arches one perfect eyebrow at the command but takes her seat anyway, smoothing her skirt underneath her as she does. I drop into the chair opposite her, not bothering to hide my stare. The distance between us feels like nothing and everything at once.

She shifts in her seat, clearly uncomfortable under my gaze. Good. I want her off-balance. When she crosses her legs, the slit in her skirt parts, revealing a stretch of smooth, tanned thigh. My eyes lock onto a small crown tattoo just on her thigh.

I don’t mention the tattoo, but I file it away. A little crown for Contessa. Fitting.

“Does your father know you’re here?” I ask, voice low.

She hesitates, just for a second. “No, he doesn’t.”

“Hmm.” I study her face, the confident tilt of her chin. “Well, I’m listening whenever you want to tell me about your…proposition, Contessa.”

Her eyes narrow slightly. “Why are you using my full name and not calling me Coco?”

The corner of my mouth twitches. “Because Coco is your childhood nickname, and as we’ve already determined—” my eyes drift deliberately down her body “—you are all grown up now.”

A flush creeps up her neck at my words. She uncrosses her legs and then recrosses them the other way, giving me another glimpse of that tattoo. My cock strains against my zipper, and I don’t bother hiding the adjustment I make.

“So, this business proposition,” I prompt, watching her face carefully. “I’m curious what’s so important you’d come to me behind Conrad’s back.”