Beautifully Brutal ( Cavalieri Della 1)

“Yes.” I offer him a smile as he leads me toward the door, and soon, we’re on our way into town not far from his beautiful home.

* * *

I’m still not sure about this dress. Looking at my reflection, I take in every inch of material, or should I say, missing material. The deep blue spandex hugs my slim frame like a second skin. And even though it’s a floor-length garment, there are slits on either side which dip to the upper thigh. The back is low cut, scooping to the base of my spine. Only the neckline allows some modesty. Even though it’s not my style and hardly covers my body, I must be honest. It’s beautiful.

Since this has a low back, I’m only wearing a pair of black panties. The soft lace hugs my hips, and I can’t help but revel in how good the material feels on my skin.

My feet fit perfectly in a pair of sleek silver heels, which offer me height, and the necklace Jezebel bought for me when we went shopping yesterday is tight around my neck, like a choker, offering some glitz to the otherwise elegant yet sexy outfit.

My hair is loose, hanging in gentle waves of shimmering blonde down my back, and the dark, smoky eye she insisted on completes the look. I notice it’s almost time to go, so I offer myself a quick you can do it and head out of the bedroom, down the stairs, and out to the patio, where there are already a handful of people milling around.

I take in each one, watching them as I try to find Jezebel or Sergio. One of the wait staff moves by, offering me a glass of champagne, which I gratefully accept.

Taking a tentative sip, I allow the flavors to burst on my tongue. Even after last night’s wine, it’s been so long since I’ve had bubbly I know I should take it slow, but I gulp down another mouthful in an attempt to calm my nerves.

“There she is.” The deep, silky accent of Sergio comes from behind me. I can’t help but smile up at him. Even though I’m in heels, he still towers over me. “You look . . .” His appreciative gaze roves over me, taking me in slow and steady. “This dress is incredible,” he smirks.

“Thank you. If it weren’t for Jezebel, I wouldn’t be here.”

“She’s a good girl for doing that,” he approves proudly. “Shall we?” He offers his arm, arching a dark brow at me, and I slip my arm through his. As we move through the small crowd, he introduces me as a friend, and people offer their friendly smiles and welcoming greetings, and I slowly relax into the conversation.

Jezebel’s laugh comes from the door, capturing ev

eryone’s attention. And when I turn to regard her, my breath hitches in my throat, caught in a vise-like hold when my gaze falls on the man beside her.

Lance

The world stops for a moment. Just that one, single second when our gazes lock, everything stills, and I’m alone with her. She doesn’t breathe. I notice her posture turns rigid. The small twitch at the corner of her mouth is the only sign that she recognizes me, that she wants to smile, but what I don’t understand is why she’s here.

My brow furrows in confusion, but I know the moment I acknowledge her Sergio will know I’m here for something more than being his sister’s date. He doesn’t know I work for the Cavalieri, but if I offer one ounce of recognition toward Giuliana, he will question it.

Arthur must be playing some fucked-up game, and I’m not about to get myself killed because of it. He must’ve known she’d be here, but even that makes no sense.

He’s clearly making a move, and I wonder what Sergio has to do with it. He wants the man dead, or I wouldn’t be here, but surely he would know Giuliana is here. Arthur’s not only playing with my life: he’s putting his daughter’s in danger. And if that’s how he wants to go down, I’ll gladly take the fucker out myself. I don’t mind if he tries to kill me. My life means nothing, but Giuliana? There’s no fucking way she’s here of her own free will.

Turning my attention away from the sultry blonde, I glance over at my date for the evening. She’s practically draped herself over my shoulder, her smile sexy, teasing, and I’m sure she’s trying to make some rich asshole in the crowd jealous.

“Come meet my brother’s date. She’s lovely,” she urges me, pulling me along as if I’m her lap dog. I don’t respond, merely follow along, acting as if I’m as enchanted by her as she is with me.

My looks have always allowed my jobs to run smoothly when there are women involved, only, I’m not sure how to act around Giuliana when she’s clearly here with another man. One that I want to kill. Perhaps I’ll gut him right here in front of her.

Becoming a nun?

Arthur must think I’m a fucking idiot.

“Lance, this is my brother, Sergio, and his date, Giuliana,” Jezebel coos in my ear sending cold shivers down my spine. She’s nothing more than a pawn in a game, and I’m tempted to slide my blade through her ribs right now, but instead, I smile and offer my hand to the woman who’s held my heart from the moment she looked my way.

“Lovely to meet you, Giuliana,” I say, keeping my tone calm, aloof, and I notice the flinch in her gaze. You’re the one who wanted to jump on the dick of the man I’m about to kill. I smile, bringing her knuckles to my lips, and revel in the feel of her smooth skin.

As much as I’d like to pull her into my arms and claim her mouth with mine, I know I can’t. It’s all part of the game we’re playing. She watches me for a moment, and I wonder what’s going through her mind.

I glance over at my mark, offering my hand. “Good to meet you, Sergio.” I can’t deny the pain coursing through my heart. My chest aches when I think about Giuliana anywhere near this asshole. I need to talk to her privately. To find out what’s going on. Why she’s here and not locked up in the convent.

“Good evening. It’s not every day my sister brings a man along to one of these,” Sergio smirks over at me, tightening his hold on Giuliana when he notices her lips parted in a gasp at the kiss I’ve given her.

“She explained your outlook for the next few years, and I’m intrigued to hear your plans on expansion into Texas,” I tell him. He doesn’t know who I am, where I’m from, or even what my business interests are, but at the mention of the expansion, his eyes glow with pride.

“Yes, well, that will all be discussed this evening.” He nods, pulling Giuliana impossibly closer. I’m about to lose my shit when she leans up and whispers in his ear.