Dirty Addiction (Dirty 2)

I frown. Matteo’s never let me off the property before. The only time I’ve left since he kidnapped me was when Armas stole me.

“Why are we going?”

He folds his arms across his chest as he leans against the counter.

“Because we are letting his family know Armas deserved to die. We are making sure they understand that.”

My stomach flips. “And how does going to the ball help? Couldn’t you go talk to them with some of your men?”

He shakes his head. “That’s not how things work. Appearances are everything when it comes to rich families.”

“Why am I going?” I ask, needing to know the answer, even though I’m excited at the thought of getting out of the house and having a chance to escape.

“Because I need a date. And I want to see what you look like in the dress I bought for you.”

He nods to the dress hanging on the hook at the rear of the bathroom and my mouth drops. It’s sparkly and red and divine. It’s been a while since I’ve worn anything this fancy before and I desperately want to wear it. I want to feel pretty, which this dress would definitely help me achieve. I would also be able to seduce Matteo or any other man at the ball I want to. Possibly even make Matteo jealous.

I run my hand over the fabric already imagining it on my body when I get to the bottom of the dress and see the shoes sitting underneath. Tall, spiky heels the kind only models and women who hate their feet wear.

“I can’t wear those heels.”

He smirks. “If you want to go to the ball with me, you’re wearing them. And preferably with no underwear underneath.”

He playfully swats my ass, but there is nothing playful about it.

“I’m serious. My leg has hardly healed. I can walk, but not in heels like that.”

“Fine, then I guess I’ll have to find a last minute date.”

I glare at him as he starts to strut by me.

“Fine, I’ll wear them.”

He grins. “Good. Be ready in twenty.”

“Twenty minutes! I can’t even do my hair in that amount of time. And did you get me any makeup?”

He nods toward one of the drawers. I pull the drawer open, and it’s filled with the most expensive makeups money can buy.

“I mean it. I’m leaving in twenty so be ready, or your ass is staying here.”

He shuts the door, leaving me alone in the bathroom to get ready. It’s going to take a lot longer than twenty minutes for me to do my hair and makeup. And I’ll make sure Matteo thinks it is worth the wait.

“Eden Marie! Get your ass out here now, or I’m leaving you,” Matteo shouts.

It’s the third time he’s shouted at me. I apply my lipstick before I answer back. “How do you know my middle name is Marie?”

“I don’t. But every American’s middle name is either Elizabeth or Marie. Marie sounded better with Eden.”

I smile. I like it when Matteo’s relaxed with me. He’s funny and charming and human.

I walk to the door and open it. I take two steps out before I see Matteo standing with his hands in his pockets in the most glorious tuxedo I’ve ever seen. It fits him snug, and his five o’clock shadow makes him appear rugged, despite how clean cut he looks in his tux. His eyes and grin are what make me weak in the knees though.

He’s seen me naked dozens of times now, but he’s never looked at me the way he is looking at me now. He makes me feel special, like we are going out on a proper date instead of him bringing me to a job.

“What do you think?” I ask, because I want to hear him say I’m beautiful and to fawn all over me. I like the attention.