Chapter 26
Ava’s POV
My eyebrow shot up. What was he thinking? That I was trying to be provocative?
I quickly pushed myself away and stood up, a little breathless. He stood too, his eyes on me, waiting.
+8 Pearls:
“Maybe you forgot I’m a woman,” I said, my voice a bit sharp. “Of course, they’d teach me to use that. It’s the easiest way to distract someone bigger and stronger. You’re too big, too muscular, taller than me. I have to use my brain to win, Don Moretti. I met his stare, refusing to back down. “And it’s called strategy.”
His lips curved into a slow, almost preying smile. Was that amusement in his eyes? Or something more… intense?
You’re a captivating distraction. Ava,” he murmured, the smile pausing. He held out his hand, an invitation that felt like a challenge. “Come closer…”
Hesitantly, I took a step. In a swift move, he took my hand and pulled me against his chest. His arms wrapped around me, a tight embrace that made it hard to breathe. He lowered his head, his voice a low, intoxicating whisper near my ear. “Is it my face. my body, or the way my arms hold you that leaves you speechless?”
I gasped, my heart pounding. His body heat surrounded me. “You’re crossing the line, Fabio,” I whispered.
He tilted his head, his gaze sharp and intent. “Am I? Or have you been playing it from the start, cara?”
He released me, and I took a shaky breath. “I want a different kind of training next Sunday–a hunting game. You’ll be the hunter, and I’ll be the prey. If I win, let’s stop this nonsense training
He smirked, a dangerous flash in his eyes. “And if I win?”
“I don’t know, I admitted, a nervous flutter in my chest. You can name
A slow smile spread across his face, a silent promise of things to come.
price.”
I raised my hand, trying to regain some control. “No. Don’t even think of anything ridiculous. My body is not up for negotiation.
He scoffed, then laughed, a low, rich sound that vibrated through me. “Is that truly what you believe I want? I could have that any time I chose.”
He took a step closer, and I instinctively stepped backward, his gaze intensifying my pulse. It was like being cornered by a predator. Shit.
“Stop staring at me like that,” I said, my voice barely a whisper. “You’re scaring me.”
A jolt of surprise crossed his face, quickly replaced by a knowing smirk. “Oh! I didn’t realize you were afraid of me.”
“I’m not afraid of you,” I retorted, annoyed, though my heart betrayed my words. “You’re just… incredibly confusing me.”
His gaze swept over me, lingering from my head to my toes, before finally settling on my lips, then my eyes. I felt exposed as if he were stripping me bare with his stare.
I gasped softly. “What?”
“Don’t worry,” he said, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. “My prize won’t be too demanding… but you will need to prepare yourself. With that, he turned and strode out of the ring-
I thought he was leaving, but he paused, turning back to pin me with that intense gaze. “What? Planning to live here now?”
Ibit my lip, a mix of frustration and awareness swirling within me. “What?” I muttered, awkwardly stepping out of the ring and rolling my eyes. Ugh. I hate him. He makes me so uncomfortable, so self–conscious. Why does he have to be the one training me? He could’ve chosen anyone else.
Stop thinking so hard. I can practically hear you,” he teased, stepping beside me as I walked.
Did he just say
he can r
read my mind? He’s not a mind reader. I spun around to confront him, and my head collided with his
Chapter 26
chest. He stopped, his hands resting on my arms, steadying me and forcing me to face him.
+8 Pearls
He lowered his head slightly, his gaze dropping to my lips and back to my eyes. “Let’s grab some lunch, he murmured, then turned and walked down the hallway, the maids lining up to serve him like royalty.
Stupid
I walked into the dining room to find the three brothers already eating. Dante and Diego were halfway through their meal as a maid pulled out my chair and served my food. I sat down slowly and reached for a glass of water, trying not to feel awkward with all eyes on me.
Dante cleared his throat, but didn’t say anything. He just looked at one of his brothers, like they were having a conversation without words. Weird.
Then Diego, who always seemed so calm, asked, “Do you like the food? You haven’t even touched it.”
I picked up my fork and knife. “Yes, of course.”
Meanwhile. Fabio was completely focused on eating, not even bothering to talk to his brothers.
So. I decided to do the same. I cut into the steak, and it was so tender. It looked like a chef had really taken their time to make it juicy. I took a bite, and a soft moan escaped me as I chewed with my eyes closed. I hadn’t realized how hungry I was, and for a moment, I completely forgot about everyone else at the table.
I savored another bite. “Hmm, wow, this is so good… hmmm,” I mumbled, completely absorbed in the taste.
Fabio finally put his knife and fork down. “Good,” he said, looking at me. Then he turned to his brothers, his voice changing. “Now, boys, finish your steak. Or else.”
I blinked, glancing at Fabio, He always sounded so serious, like he was always threatening his younger brothers. It was a little strange to watch.
“Hmm… I moaned softly again, totally lost in the deliciousness of the steak.
Suddenly, Diego stood up from the table. “Okay, I’m done,” he announced casually and then simply walked out of the dining
Toom
Dante, who had been quiet until now, let out a chuckle from his side of the table. “Stop moaning, Ava, he said with a smirk. “You’re getting us all hard.”
Fabio shot Dante a sharp glare. “Dante…” he warned.
I raised an eyebrow, a sarcastic smile playing on my lips. “Oh, really?” I retorted. “That must be so hard on you- getting all worked up and not having a… I paused for emphasis, a willing participanr’to help you out?*
Dante’s mouth dropped open slightly. “Oh, fuck,” he breathed. “You want to try it with me? I can make you squirt.. messily.” Fabio’s hand slammed down on the table, the sudden impact making the plates and glasses jump. “Dante, get out of here!” he barked, his voice filled with authority.
Dante just grinned, a mischievous sparkle in his eyes. He grabbed his plate and sauntered out of the dining room, a crazy smile still plastered on his lips.
Then, Fabio turned his sharp gaze on me. “Now… you…”
A shiver of unease washed over me. I’d seen him annoyed before, but this felt different, more.. strict. “W–What?” I stammered, my heart suddenly pounding a little faster.
Finish your food.”
