Chapter 7: Rejection

The touch of his hand on her waist sent a jolt through her.

Instant. Searing. Unacceptable.

Hope stiffened. Her heart was pounding, too fast, too loud. Everything in her screamed to pull back, resist, not to give in. Not in front of him. Not here.

She raised her eyes and met his gaze. Brown, deep, threatening.

Alessandro.

Even more magnetic up close. Even more dangerous in this club where no one dared approach him.

— You haven’t changed your look, he murmured against her ear. Or your dress. You want people to notice you?

She didn’t answer.

She caught the hand gripping her waist and pushed it away. Slowly. Firmly.

— Get off.

A hint of a smile. But his eyes darkened.

— I’m not a man you reject, Hope.

She stepped closer. Right up to him. Just enough for their breaths to mingle.

— And I’m not a woman you own.

Then she spun away with a sharp turn—and caught sight of Lorenzo leaning against the bar, looking both worried and ready to pounce.

She headed straight for him without hesitation. Slipped an arm around his waist, chin high, posture proud.

— Baby, will you walk me out? I’ve had enough for tonight.

Lorenzo understood immediately. He played along without a flicker.

— Of course, gorgeous.

He slipped an arm around her and led her out of the club.

Hope didn’t look back.

But she could feel it.

His gaze burning into her back. His cold anger.

And the desire pulsing under her own skin.

In the cab she kept her jaw clenched.

Lorenzo finally exhaled:

— You like him, huh?

She closed her eyes.

— He annoys me. He intimidates me. He…

She stopped.

— He unsettles you, Lorenzo concluded.

She turned her head toward the window and whispered:

— He scares me. And I want to jump him. That’s a bad sign.

— Or the start of an excellent story.

She shrugged.

But deep inside, a fire had been lit.

And she knew it wouldn’t go out easily.