Licking my lips, I try to compose myself, to find that spot inside me that’s stronger than my desires. “I’m not sure I’d believe you.”
One of his calloused thumbs brushes over my cheeks, and I love the contrast of it on my skin.
He pauses. “Good. I know words don’t mean as much as actions, but I want you to know anyway.”
“You’re really going to call off the engagement?”
Another rough caress over my cheek. “I am. I talked to Nikolai earlier, and he’ll bring Ally home in two weeks, as long as I end things between us.”
A sudden lightness starts in my chest and spreads throughout my body. “She’s really coming back?”
“Yes.”
“Thank you.” I don’t think, I just act and throw my arms around his neck, pressing my naked body against his. “Thank you.”
“It was in my best interests.”
That statement triggers something in my brain, the conversation I overheard on our drive up here last month. I’d forgotten about it, writing it off as one of those things you imagine while you’re half asleep. “You want Nikolai, not Ally.”
“Yes.” There’s no pause before he answers, and I’m surprised he admits it without any hesitation.
My brain is spinning in circles until it connects some dots, and I gasp. “Was the whole engagement a setup?”
“Yes.”
I draw back. “Why?”
“Business.”
I imagine him shrugging, since that’s a nonchalant thing he’d do, as if we’re talking about something mundane like the weather.
“Business?” I peel myself out of his arms, wanting to create some distance between us. I can’t think this close to him.
Matteo is quiet, without further explanation. What a surprise.
“What does Ally have to do with your business?”
He sighs. “Honestly, nothing.”
My mouth opens and closes, not that he can see it. I couldn’t have possibly heard correctly. “You’re saying you have some kind of business beef, or whatever, going on with Nikolai, and Ally got caught in the crossfire, and now you’re using her as leverage to get what you want?”
“Yes and no.”
I ball my hands into fists and I growl. I legitimately growl into the darkness. “You’re driving me insane. Just spit. It. Out.”
A noise comes from him at my outburst. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he just snorted, but not Matteo. Right?
“Calm down, passerotta. Even though I have to say it’s hot when you’re angry.”
If he continues like this, I’ll have steam coming out of my ears soon. “Hot?”
This time, he most definitely chuckles. “You don’t believe me?”
“Pffft, of course I don’t.”
He grabs my hand and drags me closer. Holy shit. He’s a vampire who can see perfectly in the dark, while I can barely see my own hand in front of my face.
My fingers touch something hot, and my scattering thoughts disappear. It’s something smooth yet hard. Rock-hard, to be exact. Matteo’s fingers are on top of mine, and he puts our joined hands around his massive erection.