Dirty Addiction (Dirty 2)

I take a step forward so he can get a better look and I trip in my damn shoes.

He catches me.

“Why are you always catching me?” I breathe into his chest, as his cologne sneaks up my nostrils.

“Because you’re always falling.”

I laugh.

“You’re in a good mood,” he says.

“I guess something about getting out of this dark mansion and doing something fun for a change makes me happy.”

His eyes narrow and I expect him to realize I could escape. After tonight, I could no longer be his slave. He doesn’t say anything though.

Instead, he holds out his arm, and I take it. For once, I’m not going to worry about anything other than enjoying myself. I’m his date. I’m not his slave.

He leads me out of the house and out to a waiting limo. He holds the door open for me, and I climb in. But the limo isn’t empty like I expect.

“Uh…hi…” I say staring at the two strangers already sitting inside.

“It took you long enough. We were supposed to leave thirty minutes ago,” the woman says, who has a striking resemblance to Matteo.

“I’m sorry. Your brother only told me to start getting ready twenty minutes before he wanted to leave.”

Gia smiles when I call Matteo her brother. She glares at Matteo when he enters and swats his leg.

“What were you thinking not telling her earlier to start getting dressed? You know it takes women longer than twenty minutes to get ready, especially for a night like tonight.”

Matteo shrugs. “I thought she was my slave and she would do what she’s told.”

Gia hits him harder.

“Fine. I’m sorry. Next time I’ll give her more time. Happy?” Matteo says.

“Yes,” Gia says, smiling.

I watch the exchange happily. I can’t believe Gia got Matteo to apologize. He’s not usually the type of guy to give apologies, but I guess Gia might be the only one who has him wrapped around her finger.

“I’m Gia, but you already figured that out,” she says.

“I’m Eden.”

“And this is Stephen, my date for tonight.”

The good-looking man nods at us, but otherwise doesn’t seem interested in our conversation or Gia. I hope he isn’t the guy she got her heart broken for.

Matteo puts his arm around my back, and I lean back into his arm. Gia stares at us intently, looking back and forth between us.

“What? Is my makeup messed up? It’s been a while since I’ve applied makeup or done my hair.”

Gia laughs. “No, you’re beautiful.”

I smile hesitantly, still not understanding why she is gazing at me so weirdly.

I stare out the window trying to relax until I realize where we are going.

“You didn’t tell me the ball was going to be at Armas’ house.”