Page 25

Okay, the last part was all me.

I looked up at my friend and winked as I slid my hand under the slit of her dress, caressing her silky skin. I felt her tremble. Our bodies were so close I could feel the heat rolling off her, but I didn’t take my eyes off Caleb. I loved the way his jaw ticked at my antics. I lived to fuck with Caleb, and I had a few scars from when I pushed him a bit too far. Niko gave me the slightest of headshakes, but he secretly loved my shit-stirring. He’d never said that, but I could tell.

“What happened to the union with my beautiful daughter?” Dominick asked, rubbing his wrist, which already had a purple hue. “It’s the perfect deal for both of us. You will have access to the dowry she comes with, and I want to be treated as a partner in your dealings,” he added when he hadn’t received the response he was looking for.

“No,” Caleb stated. The rest of his response was interrupted by Dominick’s fist hitting the penthouse door, the slam echoing through the entry.

“No? What more do you want? Milania too?” Dominick yelled, causing his underboss, Enzo, to stiffen, his hand moving toward his firearm.

Yeah, that’s what we wanted. Both of your idiot daughters.

I apparently didn’t keep that thought to myself because Enzo sent a glare my way. Red crept up his neck, peeking out over his collar when he spotted my hand on Scar’s upper thigh. A possessive look crossed his face.

Interesting. Was this the girlfriend he dumped for Dominick’s daughter?

To fuck with him, I leaned forward and sucked on the tender flesh behind her ear. My free hand came up to rest high on her ribs, my thumb gracing the curve of her breast.

“You’re going to give me a hickey,” she hissed, but she didn’t make an effort to shake me off, and I nipped at her lobe.

Enzo broke, speaking out of turn. “Get the fuck up, Scarletta. You’re acting like a whore sitting on that stronzo’s lap. And what the fuck are you wearing?” he bit out.

Niko’s fists tightened at his sides, and he glanced at Caleb. But he was too busy staring holes in the cocky fucker.

“If you want to tell a woman what to do, go tell your own fucking wife, Enzo.” Caleb canted his head toward Scar. “She can wear whatever the fuck she wants. One, because that’s her fucking prerogative, and two, I know my dick is good enough to keep her coming and coming and coming…back to me every time.”

Enzo practically vibrated with rage. Caleb turned his attention back to Dominick. “We have plenty of money. Keep your daughters and their dowries. Scar will do,” Caleb replied.

“And we don’t need more than one woman,” I added, savoring the unhinged expression on Enzo.

“And what the fuck am I getting in exchange for her?” Dominick practically spat out the words. I didn’t know why he hated his niece. None of us had even known he had one before tonight.

There were a lot of questions surrounding the spitfire. A mystery waiting to be solved.

My eyes fell back on her as Dominick yelled about compensation and disrespect for denying him. But I tuned him out, focusing on her. Other than the outburst she’d had a few moments ago, she’d been quiet. Most would assume that meant she was like the other women in our world—submissive. But it was a ploy. I watched as the pulse in her neck beat wildly, and I didn’t think it was from fear.

I doubted her uncle even knew how perceptive his niece was. Scar seemed happy to let those around her underestimate her. Maybe Caleb should have agreed to let her leave the room, because she was collecting all the bits of information she could to prepare for her escape.

God, did I love a challenge.

Once more, I found the shell of her ear. “I’ll find you, Scar.” Her back stiffened. “I see the wheels turning in that pretty little head. You can try to run…hide. But I’ll hunt you down.”

She turned to face me; her piercing eyes felt like they were staring into my soul. She didn’t appear to be the least bit intimidated. My pulse jumped for a second, and my confidence slipped slightly. There was definitely more to this woman than we knew. My instincts screamed that she was a fellow predator. Her face broke out in a cocky grin, like I had said my thoughts aloud.

“Scarletta. You have not been given over yet. I need details of my compensation,” barked Dominick.

Instantly, a mask came down over the woman I’d just seen.

“Yes, Scarletta. Why don’t you stand up until we have properly paid for you? But good to know you’re so willing to cooperate,” Caleb drawled.

She peered at him, mimicking the bored expression he did so well, before getting up and walking toward him. The tension between the two was palpable, but it wasn’t all anger. Lust charged the space between them.

Even in heels, she had to stand on her toes to reach Caleb’s ear. “If you want me to sit on your lap, Caleb, ask me like a good boy,” she whispered, only loud enough for Niko and me to hear as well.

The ghost of a smile pulled at his lips, but he squashed it almost as quickly as it appeared. “Deal is the same, Dominick. I’m still marrying your blood. Why does it matter if it’s a daughter or a niece?” he asked.

Scar’s throat did a nervous bob at the question. But Dominick? He smiled for the first time since Caleb had dropped his bomb on him.

The don laughed and grabbed for the door handle. “You’re so right. The deal is good if you’re marrying my blood. Please, enjoy your new wife, and we will be in touch to discuss business. No?” His attention moved to Scar, who looked like a caged animal. “Scarletta, don’t forget your place.”