Page 66 of Vengeful Vows

“Oh?”

“There’s security, and people watching. Cameras. Or do you think the rules don’t apply to you?”

My grin is quick and wicked. “I’ll let you answer that.”

I crush her lips beneath mine, leaving her no doubt which one of us is in charge. Her tantrum is now over, and it’s time for her to accept her cruel fate.

With no tenderness, I devour her mouth, and when I reach to cup her breast, she manages to press her hand against my chest, forcing me back, but not before I feel her nipple harden in response to my roughness.

“Nico, no.” Response flares in her eyes.

The passion between us is still there, simmering on a low boil, and my cock hardens.

“Please… Please don’t do this to me. Not in this way.”

Her soft words of acknowledgment get to me, soothing my inner beast, and I shake my head.

“You’ve made your point.”

Not quite.

I pull out her engagement ring. “Give me your left hand, Bella.”

“Do we have to do this?”

Anger flashes back through me, and I’m forced to contain it. “My family will expect to see it on you. And my aunt will make a fuss.” I slip the symbol of her ownership back into place.Where it belongs. “You will never remove this again.”

She snatches her hand away.

“Do you understand me?”

Her eyes are wide, and she obviously recognizes my seriousness and the fact she’s trapped here, between the wall and my body, until she agrees.

Slowly she nods.

“I want to hear the words.”

Her body stiff, disobedience sparking in her eyes, she nevertheless acquiesces. “Yes, Nico.”

“So perfect.”

Sergio steps aside as I release her.

As we walk toward the exit, I place my fingers on the small of her back.

Moments later, Rafe Sterling—the owner of the most successful chain of hotels in the world—steps into our path, leaving me with no option but to stop. “Rafe,” I greet, offering my hand.

His gaze is on my fiancée. “Ms. Calabrese. Rafe Sterling,” he introduces himself. “Is everything okay?”

She attempts a smile.

“My fiancée and I are on our way to meet my family,” I say.

“Which doesn’t answer my question.” He continues to ignore me. “Ms. Calabrese, is everything okay?”

After clearing her throat, she promises it is.

Only then does he shake my hand.