Page 16 of Captured Innocence
I pressed the button then shoved my hands in my pockets, taking two strides toward her, stopping only when she pushed her hand against my chest. She glanced down at my jacket, a moment of concern entering her eyes. When she rolled her fingers through the substance on my jacket, I took and held my breath.
“Blood,” she whispered, blinking rapidly. “You killed someone else. Didn’t you?”
Else. The fact she’d witnessed three necessary murders was yet another reminder that our lives were already intertwined.
“It’s part of my job, Sophia. You already know that.”
“Inside your club?”
“Wherever it is necessary. Tell me. Are you afraid of me because of what you witnessed in the past?”
“Should I be?”
I smirked, chuckling under my breath. “Absolutely but I don’t think you are. In fact, I think the thought of being with me excites you.” I rubbed my knuckle across her chin then took her hand, rubbing her bloodstained fingers across my jacket. Her slight smile was a beautiful reward.
“You are one arrogant bastard.”
“Absolutely, which is another reason you’re attracted to me.”
She rolled her eyes. “You’re used to getting everything you want. Aren’t you?”
Her question made me laugh. “Isn’t that what being rich and powerful is about?”
She shrugged then tossed her long curls over her shoulder, glancing away as if bored. Or as if she believed she was in control of the situation. She was the only woman who’d dared act like I wasn’t in charge, which was another reason I found myself enamored with her. Nothing about me or my club impressed her. That was a powerful aphrodisiac.
“Not necessarily,” she said quietly as the elevator finally began to make its ascent.
“Then what does it mean to you?”
She wrinkled her nose, thinking about my question briefly. “It means being kept in a gilded cage with a crystal bubble surrounding it. A location where all the ugly people can bask in the beautiful opulence not realizing that with one rock tossed, their precious, protected world would be shattered, death for the protected bird possible depending on the size and velocity of the stone thrown.”
“Wow. For someone so young, you’re completely jaded. And here I thought you were protected from the dangerous, unseemly aspects of the business our parents are in.” I planted one hand on the wall beside her turned head and she was instantly uncomfortable, her breath hitching.
“Then you thought wrong.”
“What a shame.”
“I’m a realist, Mattia. Just like you. Well, if you aren’t then you’re a fool and somehow, I don’t see you that way, more of an astute professional who doesn’t allow anything to get past him.”
“Quite a compliment. I would think you’d consider me a nightmare, Sophia. Isn’t that what your father has told you about my entire family?”
“Don’t be silly. My father called you a worthless piece of human flesh.” Her sparkling laughter lit up the entire dense space, her teasing mannerisms keeping the beast inside very hungry. He would need to be fed soon or I wouldn’t be able to guarantee control of that side of my sadistic personality.
“To be expected. However, did you know our respective fathers were once close friends?”
Her eyes shadowed in momentary confusion. “No. That I didn’t know.”
“Yes, the best of friends. Then everything changed. Now you have me curious as to what you see me as, sweet princess.” I couldn’t help but tease. I was enjoying the bantering as much as the company. Perhaps because I was used to being around flakes or thugs far too often in my life.
“A man who’s hard of hearing since I’ve told you more than once I don’t like being called a princess,” she pounced, giving me a hard look.
“And you’ve already determined that I don’t follow anyone’s rules. Besides, princess. As of this moment you belong to me.”
“Not a chance.” As soon as she tried to sidestep me, I grabbed her wrist, shoving her against the cold steel.
“Not so fast. You aren’t going anywhere.”
Her mouth twisted in frustration, but her eyes continued to flash total desire.