Page 396 of Valentino

“I am well aware of that.”

“So why bring me here?” I huff.

I want answers, all of them. Start talking, motherfucker.

He stands silently as if contemplating my question and the elevator doors give a soft ding as we arrive at the floor. They open and my heart drops.

Fuck.

The elevator has opened straight into his apartment, or should I call it an…. Italian Colosseum.

He steps out of the elevator, but I stay still as I look around.

I’m too shocked to move.

“Out.” He grabs my hand and pulls me out of the elevator, and I stumble forward.

I swallow the lump in my throat as I look around.

Jeez.

I always knew that Gabriel Ferrara had expensive taste, but this is next level. The walls are a soft hue of gold. The ceilings are sky high and huge dark wooden archways interconnect the rooms. The arches remind me of something you would see in an historic church or something. Grand and oversized.

The furnishings are all beautiful dark wooden antiques, and huge navy and maroon Aubusson rugs are on the dark timber floors. Beautiful artwork in huge gold gilded frames is hanging on the walls.

It’s like a step back in time to a King’s palace or something.

“Welcome to my home.” His eyes twinkle with pride.

Suddenly I remember the mission, that’s right, I hate you.

“It’s nice,” I lie through gritted teeth. It’s not nice, it’s fucking fabulous, but I’m not giving him the satisfaction of gushing over it.

His dark eyes hold mine.

“Don’t look at me like that.” I drop my shoulders to try and look tough and in control.

“Like what?” Before I can answer the question, he cuts me off. “Like I want to taste every inch of your skin?”

I feel myself melt into a puddle, don’t start talking dirty, I won’t stand a chance.

“Yes.”

“But I do, Gracie. I cannot hide it. I won’t even try to. I haven’t even touched the surface with the things I want to do to you.”

Arousal begins to steal my brain, “You shouldn’t be such an asshole then,” I whisper, that didn’t sound convincing, even to me.

“Do you know me at all?” He smiles as he lifts my hand to his lips and kisses my fingertips. The hairs on the back of my neck stand to attention.

Oh….

I watch him softly kiss my hand. “That’s the problem, I do,” I whisper distracted.

He’s just so…….

“I’m not your plaything, Gabriel,” I say as I pull my hand from his grip.

“But I am your toy to play with.” He smirks. “Only too happy to donate my body to science.”