CHAPTER FOUR: DANCING WITH THE DEVIL

“Ok, that’s new,” was the thought that went through her mind as a jolt of attraction shot through her as their palms touched.

Normally, male touch either disgusted her, she was indifferent to it, or she tolerated it.

This was the first time she had ever felt a shiver of attraction at a man's touch.

On the dance floor, the world around them blurred into a haze of light and sound. They moved together perfectly; his hand on her waist led her gently along to his steps.

Normally with most men, by now their hands would have started wandering. Trying to caress her ass and back, but his hand stayed in place.

She felt herself relax, leaning closer to him. As if sensing her thoughts, he gently but firmly moved her closer to his body. Even with her heels, she only came up to his neck, and she was not a short woman.

His scent was dark and earthy, its heady aroma enveloped her anytime she inhaled.

She looked up, meeting his eyes. It felt like she was sinking into molten silver, scorching hot and cold at the same time.

Everything around them disappeared.

“What's your name?” he whispered, his voice deep, low, and raspy.

She felt his chest vibrate, and a shiver ran through her spine. Her nipples tingled and hardened where they pressed against his chest.

“Carmen,” she lied. She was surprised her brain was still working enough to know not to drop her real name. Guess years of habits never die.

“You are as breathtaking as your name, though I feel that the name Bella would have been more fitting for you, hmm, more like Bellissima,” he said, chuckling sexily.

She stumbled, missing a step in surprise. If only he knew, she thought to herself.

Moving his palm to her mid-back, he quickly steadied her. This brought her attention to his lips; they looked so plump, and she wondered how they would taste. He seemed like the intense type, the ones that would like to see women under them unravel completely.

He smirked a little, catching her looking at his lips.

Holding eye contact, he pulled her closer, moving his hand slowly up her spine, up her neck, to the back of her head.

Just as their lips were about to touch, the music reduced and lights brightened, jolting her from the trance she had found herself in.

“God, it must be the amount of champagne I downed this night that made me lose control like this,”

She thought to herself as she tried to bring her racing heart and libido under control.

Then an announcement sounded over the speakers, shattering the trance she seemed to be under:

“Hello, esteemed guest. I can see we are enjoying the night’s festivities. The band has been wonderful tonight.”

The band played a short, jolly tune, making everyone laugh.

“Right now, I want to call the man of the hour, our wonderfully handsome host, Mr Alexandro, to the stage to give us a short closing speech.”

Reluctantly, he excused himself. “Please stay a little while longer,” he whispered into her ear as he leaned down to kiss her cheek.

Offering her a parting smile that gave sultry and passionate promises, he walked to the stage.

She watched as he walked to the stage, dark hair gleaming under the stage lights, a smile showcasing his perfect lips and teeth. He excluded charm and confidence.

Remembering the cold and commanding voice he had used when talking to the detective, she felt a hot flush run down her back and pool in her pussy. She wondered just how he would be in bed.

“Oh, billionaire playboy CEO, what are you hiding under that persona…” she murmured, watching him take the microphone. His voice wrapped around the room, effortless and commanding. She smirked, tilting her head. “You just keep getting more interesting.”

She turned and strode toward the exit. She waited on no man. Whatever this was…this pull between them… it was dangerous. If she stayed, she wasn’t sure she’d be able to control it.

Onstage, Alexandro watched her leave. “Hmmm, so you’re a headstrong one,” he thought to himself in amusement.

His gaze flicked to one of his personal guards. Catching his eyes, he gave a subtle but understood signal to him and nodded his head slightly at her retreating figure.

The guard quickly peeled away from his position, moving toward the valet station with purpose. In a low, firm whisper to the attendants standing there

"On the boss's orders, find a way to delay bringing her car around. Till he is done on stage." Then he slipped them three $100 bills.

Outside, Bella sat waiting for the valet to bring her car around, arms crossed. Seconds stretched into minutes.

Her irritation flared.

She didn’t know it yet, but she wasn’t leaving this gala as easily as she thought.

Alexandro D’Soto always got what he wanted.