There will be no quenching this thirst except by giving in.
If I break… when I break, there will be consequences neither of us can escape.
And still, knowing all this, I can't stop wanting her.
5
VALENTINA
I stand before my closet, contemplating my arsenal of dresses.
Today isn't just another shopping trip with my friends.
It's another opportunity to chip away at Cristian's resolve.
"Too modest… too girlish… too boring," I mutter, pushing hangers aside as I search for the perfect dress.
My gaze lands on a deep purple dress tucked between two basic black dresses.
I pull it free, holding it against my body as I turn to the mirror.
The dress is sinfully short, with a neckline that plunges between my breasts.
I'd bought it on impulse months ago but haven’t had a chance to wear it yet.
I slip out of my robe and step into the dress.
The fabric clings to every curve, leaving little to imagination.
"Perfect.” I twist to see how the dress hugs my backside. Cristian's eyes will certainly follow me in this.
If this doesn't crack his precious control, nothing will.
I step into strappy heeled gold sandals and add a delicate gold necklace that draws attention to my collarbone, just above the swells of my breasts.
I smile at my reflection, already imagining Cristian's face when he sees me.
He’ll scowl to cover the flicker of interest.
I sling my purse over my shoulder and open my bedroom door, almost colliding with a solid chest.
My teasing smile freezes when I realize it's not Cristian standing there, but Alessandro.
My brother's eyes narrow as they travel from my face down to my heels and back again. "What the hell are you wearing?" His voice is quiet, the kind of quiet that precedes someone’s death in our world.
I lift my chin. "It's called fashion, Alessandro. Not that you'd know, with your endless parade of black suits."
"Go change." He blocks my path, arms crossed. "Now."
“No.”
His jaw clenches tightly.
It reminds me of our father, who often was at a loss of words when it came to my defiance.
Alessandro is the epitome of like father, like son.
“This is not how you represent the family.”