Chapter 7

Raven’s POV

My boobs look incredible in this dress. I twist slightly, glancing over my shoulder to check out my ass, firm and round, just as expected.

Perfect dress for the perfect seduction.

I wasn’t just trained to be an emotionless weapon. I’d mastered the art of seduction, too.

Leon Vitali wouldn’t know what hit him.

First, I need to check on Sienna. Her snoring could raise the dead, so I left her passed out in my room and took the guest room next door.

Leon was right, red really is my color.

I give myself one last look in the mirror before stepping out of the guest room.

No need to knock on my own door. I ease it open, the lights still off inside. Sienna’s probably still asleep.

Quietly, I shut the door and make my way to Leon’s wing.

For a mafia boss, he sure starts his days late.

His door is shut, as always. But I don’t knock,why bother, when he’ll likely just ignore it?

I push the door open and freeze.

Leon stands there, wearing nothing but boxers, a towel draped over his damp hair,fresh from the shower.

God.

My eyes roam before I can stop myself, shamelessly appreciating the solid muscles, the faint trail of water on his chest… and the very prominent bulge in his underwear.

“My eyes are up here,” he says dryly, amusement threading through his voice.

“I want to speak to you,” I say, dragging my gaze to his face.

“Why?”

Like he doesn’t know. The insufferable bastard.

“You know why,” I snap, trying,failing,to keep the edge out of my voice. I’d promised myself I’d play nice today. This plan has to work. Jack would kill me if it doesn’t.

“No, I don’t,” he replies smoothly, tossing the towel aside and grabbing a dress shirt from his bed. He starts buttoning it like we’re having a casual chat over coffee.

“I do know I told you to be out of my estate by morning.”

“You didn’t mean it.”

“Didn’t I?” he tilts his head, challenging.

I step closer, giving him a perfect view of my cleavage.

“You didn’t,” I whisper. “I’m fire, Leon. And you want to know what it feels like to get burned.”

His eyes flick down, then back to mine. He’s tempted.

Good.

“I don’t like being disrespected, Miss Caruso.”

I tilt my head and bite my bottom lip, flashing him my most seductive look.

“But I do. You can disrespect me all you want, Vitali.”

He stops buttoning his shirt. A hand lifts to my chin, tilting my face up.

It takes everything in me not to recoil.

Not yet.

He studies me in silence for a beat, then says softly,

“I can smell the lies on you.”

The words hit me harder than I expect, but I keep my face still. I don’t blink, don’t speak.

“I changed my mind,” he says at last.

Of course he did.

“Stay for breakfast. Be gone by afternoon.”

What?

“What?” I echo, stunned.

He releases my chin and turns away, reaching for the matching pants on the bed.

“I don’t want to marry you. It’s not worth it.”

“You’re not marrying me for love, so what does it matter what I’m like?”

“I have certain requirements for a wife. You meet none of them.”

Before I can reply, a flush sounds from his bathroom.

Then the shower turns on.

He had company.

Of course he did.

I glance discreetly toward the bed, hoping to catch a clue. And there ,on the bedside table,something shiny catches my eye.

An earring.

I walk slowly toward it, pretending to be casual as I sit on the edge of the bed.

“I can meet them,” I say, crossing my legs, holding his gaze.

“You’re too hot-headed. Opinionated. Aggressive.”

Funny, all those things sound like compliments to me.

“Then teach me to be what you want.”

I lower my voice, biting my lip again.

His eyes dart down for a second, lingering, just a heartbeat,before returning to mine.

Swallowing.

Progress.

“Leave,” he says flatly.

Damn it.

“Fine.”

I rise, but my heel wobbles. I stumble, catching myself on the nightstand before I fall.

He doesn’t move to help me.

What a gentleman.

“Such grace,” he mutters sarcastically.

I resist the urge to roll my eyes and walk out. He shuts the door behind me.

Once in the hallway, I open my palm.

The earring glints in the light.

Silver. Teardrop-shaped. A diamond in the center.

The earring I gave Sienna for her 24th birthday.

That bitch.