I sighed. My stomach did feel empty, even though I knew accepting a date with Alessio was like accepting a deal with the devil.
“Okay,” I said. “I’ll be down soon.”
An hour later, Alessio and I were seated in the dining room of the Russian Tea Room. Despite all my time in New York City that I’d spent hanging out with rich people, I’d never been before. Alessio seemed pleased when I told him, and he wasted no time ordering a lavish spread that included a delicious cold duck appetizer and a full caviar service. He hadn’t even let me look at the menu, but instead ordered almost everything.
“So you can choose,” Alessio said grandly. His dark eyes shone in his handsome olive face.
I spooned some caviar and cream onto a blini before folding the delicate pancake and eating the whole thing in one bite.
“This is incredible,” I said honestly. And it was incredible. I’d never tasted food like this before. Despite his insane fortune, Michael had never developed a taste for dining out. He liked cheap fast food, like Five Guys, but that was about as gourmet as he got. And whenever I’d asked to spend money on a fancy dinner, Michael had always made me feel like a gold-digging criminal.
Alessio smiled darkly. The look on his face sent a shiver down my spine – even when he looked happy, he was still intense and almost scary. When I felt his hand inching up my bare leg under the table, I had to bite my lip to keep from moaning.
“I’m enjoying myself, too,” Alessio said. His voice was hoarse with lust. His dark eyes focused on my breasts and I blushed, suddenly glad that I’d chosen such a revealing dress to wear.
I licked my lips. “So,” I said casually. “You’re volunteering with the homeless now.”
Alessio smiled ironically. “I have to prove that I’m a changed man,” he said. He raised one eyebrow and I blushed hotly. “And I believe it’s working.”
“Not a chance,” I lied. “It just seems like such an obvious attempt, Alessio. You’re going to have to work a lot harder if you want to impress me.”
“Oh, the lady isn’t so easily impressed,” Alessio said. He snickered, making me feel like a little kid. “Well, be assured, Beth, I’m capable of working very hard.” His hand gripped my thigh and I whimpered softly as his fingers inched towards the crotch of my panties. My pussy was soaked and desperate for Alessio’s touch and my clit was throbbing. I closed my eyes and moaned softly as Alessio stroked his thumb over my pussy, rubbing me gently through the material of my panties.
“Alessio,” I moaned softly. “We’re in public!”
“I know,” Alessio said. He smirked. “It isn’t my fault if you can’t help responding to my touch.” He slid a finger inside my panties and into my waiting pussy. It felt so good that my eyes rolled back in my head and I moaned softly, spreading my legs and thrusting my hips forward in my seat.
The waiter breezed past the table and I jumped in my chair. I cried out and wriggled away from Alessio’s fingers. He licked his lips and watched me, seemingly aware that his dark stare made me both lustful and shy.
Alessio brought his fingers to his mouth. He sniffed them, then closed his eyes and leisurely sucked the finger he’d slid inside of me. Watching him enjoy the scent of my pussy musk sent a hot thrill through my body and I shivered.
“Does the lady feel like dessert?” Alessio raised his eyebrow. He looked down at the dessert menu.
I shook my head. “Get the check,” I whispered. “I need to be alone with you.”
Alessio’s eyes flashed with dark passion. “Yes ma’am,” he said slowly. “I believe I can do that.”
I’m falling in love with you, I thought as I searched Alessio’s face for any hint of emotion. And I don’t know how I can stop myself before it’s too late.
Chapter Eighteen
Beth
Alessio and I had wild, crazy sex in the
back of his limo that left me panting and craving more. By the time he dropped me off at home, I was so tired that I fell into bed still wearing the remains of my dress. Hooking up with Alessio is bad for my wardrobe, I realized with a smile as I drifted off to sleep. He keeps ripping up my clothes…I’m gonna really need to go shopping soon.
In the morning, I woke up in a better mood than I’d felt in a long time. It was a beautiful day outside – the sun was shining and it was unseasonably warm for the winter. I made myself a big pot of coffee and sat by the window, sipping and just enjoying the morning sun.
I knew I should feel guilty about being so involved with Alessio. But being around him was like being on an incredibly addictive drug. I couldn’t think straight – I couldn’t even see straight when Alessio’s powerfully hypnotic eyes focused on me.
My phone buzzed and I smiled. I can’t believe he’s calling me again, I thought as I reached down and grabbed it. It hasn’t even been twelve hours. Maybe men really can change.
“Hey,” I said. A smile spread across my face. “Didn’t think I’d be hearing from you so soon.”
There was a cough – a distinct sound that I knew wasn’t coming from Alessio. My heart sank and my cheeks reddened.
“Beth, this is Detective Aberson. I’m sorry to ask on such short notice, but would you be available to come down to the station? I’d like to speak with you.”