PTE

ine stood near the bar, wiping blood from her temple where a stray piece of glass had grazed her. Matteo leane

elaxing as they recognized her. One of them, Detective M

. Clean up this mess and make sure there are no witnesses talk

ut his phone to make arrangements. "Consider it don

a smirk. "Convenient. Didn't realize the De

u jealous, Romano? Thought your

ans out and marking off the crime scene. One of his men approached,

the tension in

warehouse just went up in flames.

pt her face neutral. "You think

s face pale. "Miss De Luca... the d

blood ran

etween her and Matteo. "Massive fir

d Matteo. "Guess someone wan

e panic threatening to rise. This wasn't jus

le the dock. Make sure no one's

l, his jaw clenched. "We

rough the narrow hallways until they found the entrance to the basement-an old, hidden lounge area used for more

hiskey. A single bulb flickered overhead, and Valentine poured

he was right behind her, his hands braced

u doing?" she snapped

cutting across his sharp features. "You k

"Don't start pointing fingers, Romano. We

something far more dangerous. Matteo didn't move, didn't ba

aking," he

ed, but it came out

f her ear. "You're scared. Or maybe you're

amusing. That cocky, infuriating grin made her blood boil, and before she could

his hands sliding down to grip her hips, pulling her flush against him. He spun t

ighs and hoisting her onto the counter. Her legs wrapped around his waist instincti

y kissing his way down her neck, leaving marks she'd hate herself for later. Her hands tan

when he hooked his fingers into her underwear, tugging them down in one swift motion

sed against her, teasing her with just enough friction to drive her mad. She arched into him, nail

ess, like he was determined to make her feel every inch of him. Valentine bit back a moan, refusing to give

down on her shoulder. "You've

ting each thrust with equal fervor. The room felt too hot, too small, and she could

ping for air. Matteo wasn't far behind, his grip on her almost

m off, sliding down from the bar and fixing her dress. She didn't look at him,

bar like nothing had happened. "Not bad,

adly glare. "That

learly unbothered.

they both straightened, putting on