VALERIA

My mother always said I was a trouble magnet. She was right. If she wasn't why on earth am I kissing a total stranger without zero abandonment? I might be on the brink of living on the streets but that doesn't mean I wasn't trained better.

I don't know how we managed to leave the club when neither of us could take our hands off each other but we made it to his Mercedes where I performed a much needed handjob.

" You have a beautiful home," I murmur admiring a nude sculpture of a woman in the middle of the hallway. Dante doesn't reply right away , instead he comes behind me, his hard length poking my butt. His big hands wrap around my waist, he pulls me closer and what ever sassy sentence I had in mind dies. Hot breath snakes over my neck and I let out a small whimper. Dante's hand move over the slope of my shoulders, feathery strokes brushing my bare skin. I throw my head backward, grabbing a fist full of his hair as my lips part in a silent gasp.

" Surely we're not going to have sex here ," I rasp. Dante let's out a dark sexy chuckle that sends a thrill to my pussy so that it contracts. As if he can read my mind , his hands move lower to my abdomen before finally resting on my pussy. Thick fingers gently press my pubic bone, the contact and heat makes me to press my ass firmer against his crotch. A moan slips my lips and I pull his hair harder. This foreplay is starting to get on my nerves.

I learn very quickly that Dante Romano is a patient and thorough man when lazy kisses are littered on my neck each one driving me close to a hornier edge , his hands, those Damned hands move away from my pussy when I begin to press them for friction instead they travel up to my breast, I'm too flustered to make out something he mutters under his breath but I can tell he's impressed...as he should. He grabs each breast as if weighting them, his thumb stroking my hardened nipples in that annoying way that makes me want to growl in frustration.

" Harder," I manage to say. " Don't make me have to teach–" the words are barely out of my mouth when a shot of pain stabs me in my chest. His fingers clamp both nipples with a force that both excites and pains me . My thighs press together, pussy tightening like never before as slippery warm juices coat my g-string and even though I'm on heels, the passion makes my toes to curl, hence on tiptoes.

" Ahhhh" my voice is low, needy and eager.

" Ssssh. Save your voice for when the real drill begins " Dante whispers in my ear. God and here I thought all the good in bed men died in my mother's generation.

Dante tilts my waist to face him. I look up into green lust glazed eyes that look like they want to eat me up and lick my lips. My gesture is seductive enough to cause a twitch in his pants. Dante's gaze grows darker, one minute I'm standing, the next I'm being flung over his shoulder.

" Hey!" Is my weak protest and Dante spanks my ass. A fresh jolt of pain stings there and my pussy grows more moist .I'm about to press my thighs closer if that's a possibility when his hand slips between them, quickly moving to my pussy. I let out a faint sound, stretching my hands to his ass I plan on spanking but he's so tall that my longest finger stops at his belt. Dante chuckles knowingly and when I pull myself lower, he yanks up my dress. Cool air kisses both ass cheeks amplifying the sting. I stop moving my hands. Another yank and I feel my panties slide down to my ankle. Dante rubs both cheeks, then flicks my...pussy. Santa Madre la dios! Did he just? I don't have enough to react because the next thing I know is I'm dripping, yes like dripping wet and my legs are still parted....God this isn't fair. I clutch his shirt and cry out in pleasure.

Dante's steps come to halt and he moves into a large room, just like the rest of the house it gorgeous. The walls are covered with glass panes, the lighting impeccable, the furnishing minimalist and monochrome.

He moves to the bed and shoves me down , I fall in the centre, my chest heaving as I do so. Dante...God knows I've seen so many handsome men, had a fair share of flings with them but he's– he's on of the first humans God created when he wasn't tired, deep set eyes that are so intense sitting perfectly below thick brows, slightly full lips that are darker in their corners and pink in the centre, soft to the kiss and enticing to the eyes, high cheekbones and sharp jaws that compliment his other perfect features... demonically attractive.

I gulp hard as I watch him unbutton his shirt , pulling it off. Let's not even get started with his body, just the way I like my men, ripped but not overly. There's a damp spot on his crotch and just knowing I'm the cause makes me bite my lips in pure satisfaction. A devilish smirk tips the corner of his lips and he chuckles knowingly.

He moves to the bedside drawer and rips off a packet condom. My breath hitches in my throat , fingers digging into the sheets.

The first thing to come off is his belt, one by one other items land on the floor till he's stark naked. My throat runs dry, it would when all you're looking at a man with the largest dick you've seen, it's tilted up, almost touching his stomach, long and alarmingly thick, greenish blue veins bulge against his shaft, the swollen centre of his darkened tip glistens with precum.

Dante moves to bed and it dips under his weight. His moves are predatory as he corners me, in a flash he grabs my legs, lifting them to his shoulder. An excited yelp sounds in the room, my heartbeat thrums heavily with raw dark excitement.

" The safe word is my name, " there's a glint of mischief in his eyes.

Fucker.

" That's one hell of a safe word when you're the only thing on my mind "

" That's the point, you say my name Bellissima and I stop" he smirks.

Dante pulls my legs higher...his length glides into my aching pussy in one smooth stroke causing my hips to buckle. A strangled moan slips out, it hurts like hell in that erotic way,I part my legs wider , my weight propped by my elbow. Dante grips my waist slamming into me with so much force that my breasts jiggle in reaction. The second thrust is less aggressive , and just when I think I've gotten his full length there's a third that sends my back into a deep arch.

" Da–oh my fucking God!" I slap the bed. Dante's thrust increase, growing quicker and aggressive. The sound of our bodies slamming into each other in a slippery melody, my moans and his groans fill the air. My pussy tightens over his length and I'm left wondering if I can take more of him. With one hand pinning my waist, the other wrapped around my neck.

" Look at me while I fuck you Bellissima " Dante growls when my eyelids begin to flutter.

It's at that moment I realize this man would be the end of me.

♠♠♠♠

Warm sunlight filters through the blinds, brushing against my face until I stir. I stretch, letting out a sleepy yawn, and turn to my left-only to freeze. The space beside me is cold. My eyes fly open. He's not here.

I'm ready to toss the sheets aside when the door clicks. Dante walks in, a tray balanced in his hands. The grey sweatsuit does nothing to hide those shoulders-if anything, it makes them look broader. His hair's tousled, messy in the kind of way that makes my fingers twitch.

"For someone unemployed, you take your beauty sleep very seriously."His voice is rough , dimples cutting deep when he smirks.

" What time is it ?" I say groggily, rubbing my eyes.

" Way past opening hours if you work 9-5 like me " he shrugs and places the tray before me. I scan it's contents; pancakes, bacon , scrambled eggs and a cup of coffee.

A man who can fuck and feed. Hallelujah.

" Thanks boss with a night like yesterday I'm sure I'd be the first to sign in, " I snort rolling my eyes and begin to dig into my food.

" Don't you want to know about your new job?" Dante corks a brow, eyeing me lazily.

" I didn't think you were serious," I laugh softly, raising the mug to my lips.

" Well I wasn't. Would you be my wife? A contract wife?" Hot coffee scalds the roof of my mouth and I begin to cough.

" Your what?" I ask once again to make sure I'm hearing right. Is this really happening? I mean –

"Would you be my wife Valeria Torres?"

VALERIA

At the mention of my last name my body goes stiff.

"Twenty-five. Born in San Diego. Dropped out of college sophomore year. Worked at a diner, briefly. Got evicted twice."My jaw tightens, and I stop chewing, pretending to focus on my plate.

He continues, unfazed. "You're two months behind on rent. Owe your former landlord fourteen hundred. Took a small loan from someone named Tony Morales - which, judging from his record, wasn't the brightest move. No steady income. No family. No boyfriend."

"Wow," A dry laugh escapes me. "You've really done your homework." More like a whole fucking research . You'd think he'll at least need my consent before digging through my life like a public record.

He glances up, eyes glinting. "You're clean though. No priors, no addictions, no legal baggage. Just... cornered." Something in the way he says it lights a spark in my chest.

" Were you snooping through my things ?" My voice rises by an octave. I start to stand but my hand knocks over the mug , spilling it's hot content over my skin.

" Fuck!" I hiss , blowing air on my blistered palm. Dante rushes to my side his hand wrapping around my wrist before I can move.

" I'll get a soothing balm ,okay? Don't touch it "I nod, too hurt to argue. He applies the balm gently and the relief hits almost instantly.

" Thanks," I mutter, then narrow my eyes. "You went through my things."

" Positive. I'm sorry I invaded your privacy." He says without a hint of guilt." but I needed to run a background check on you."

His voice doesn't waver - smooth, unbothered, confident. And somehow, that single act of assertiveness makes my toes curl. Seriously, does this man have to make everything sound so damn sexy?

I wait for him to crack a smile and tell me it's a joke, but he doesn't. Not even close.

" Okay," I chuckle nervously, shifting on the bed. " When you said you had a job I thought it was–"

" Something more professional?" Dante offers, clearly amused.

My lips part to complete the sentence before they clamp back shut. I nod instead.

" Dignified , more like. What's my guarantee you're not bluffing? " I fold my hands over my shoulder and gently pushing the tray away.

His gaze lingers a moment longer than usual before he stands up. Those confident strides eat up the distance to his bedside drawer , and when he comes back there's a long manilla envelope stretched toward me.

I eye it skeptically, only taking it when he starts to withdraw. I scan through the first page slowly to find out he's not kidding afterall. When I glance up, I catch him watching me intently.

The contract is made up of stapled sheets of paper that promise the life I've only seen but never dared to dream of.It offers everything I need at this point in my life;

Thirty-five grand a month.

Free food. Housing. Clothing . A stylist.

Three and a half million at the end of eighteen months?!

It takes every ounce of self-control I have not to grin like an idiot and keep my expression calm.

The rules are simple too. it's mandatory I follow Dante to all social, business and official functions that demand my presence. The second States that if any of us is involved in a romantic relationship it shouldn't get to the public. And the third states if I don't comply to his rules the contract would be terminated and other legal jargons I can't bother myself with.

" What if I'm a criminal and was sent to kill you," I tip my chin.

" Your records are credible," Dante says dryly "Good luck trying though "

" So if I pen my signature, I get all of this? Is that what this means?" Hope rises in my voice before I can catch myself.

" You get all this if you play your role for eighteen months, yes," Dante corrects me. I roll my eyes in mock offense but the smile tilting my lips is hard to hide.

" Well," I say , glancing back down at the contract the "As tempting as this sounds i remember I mentioned something about getting into trouble and you agreeing."

" I didn't agree" he says easily, sliding his hands into his pocket. " But I figured I'd tell you my reasons for needing a wife."

My brows lift. " I'm listening."

Dante meets my gaze squarely. "Let's just say my image is in the toilet. The Feds are poking around my company, my investors are panicking, and apparently, I don't look responsible enough to trust with a billion-dollar brand. They think I need... stability."

"Stability?" I echo.

"Yeah. And nothing screams stable like a wife," he says with a half-smile. "You make me look settled. Clean. The kind of man who doesn't shoot people or hide money offshore."

I blink, trying to process that. "And the playboy part?"

"Still me," he admits, "just... with better PR."

I stare at him, the irony too rich to ignore.

"So basically," I say slowly, "you want me to be your cover story."

"You can call it that," Dante says. "Or you can call it an opportunity."

" Alright. You have a deal," I shrug. He studies me for a second too long, eyes narrowing slightly like he's trying to figure me out. There's the faintest flicker of surprise ,maybe amusement.

" What?" I roll my eyes.

" You're not going to give me a lecture about how they're better women out there and how you don't fit into my world?"

" And kiss three and a half million goodbye. No thank you. Hand me a pen ,please" Dante chuckles - a deep, rich sound that feels expensive somehow. He's still laughing when I sign the last page.

" We're officially what now, husband and wife?" I tease, handing over the papers.

"Engaged for now," he replies, signing his name with a lazy flourish. He glances up, the corner of his mouth lifting. "But give it twenty-four hours, Bellissima - and the world will think you tamed me." Such a smooth talker. I hate that I actually like his wit.

" Bellissima– what does it mean?"

" Most beautiful," his dimple deepen as he smirks. My heart performs a full-blown backflip.

" Huh," I murmur pretending to think . "So what do I call you, besides trouble?"

Before he can answer , the door flies open, a sharp thud echoes when it slams against the wall. A woman stands there, her eyes blazing, anger rolling off her in black waves.

" What the fuck Dante?!" She spits marching straight to him " You're cheating one me with this..." Her gaze finally lands on me like she's just noticing me and the disgust that flashes in her eyes could kill.

" This lowlife gold digging–"

"Enough!" Dante's voice slices through the air like a whip. A muscle ticks in his jaw, his hands curling into fists as he steps forward. He grips her elbow, firmly, and steers her toward the door.

"Stay here," he says to me, voice controlled but sharp. Then, without looking back, he shuts the door with a slam that reverberates through the room and I'm left alone.

VALERIA

The door shuts, and my chest drops with a sigh. That was, hold up, did I just get dragged into a lover's spat? That girl, whoever she is, is clearly involved with Dante. Does that mean... nope! Definitely none of my business. That's Dante's problem alone... hopefully.

Shaking off my mini trauma, I eat the rest of my now cold breakfast, shower, and grab a sweatshirt from his wardrobe. Good thing this man weighs over a hundred and ninety pounds, it ends up looking like I'm wearing a dress instead. It smells faintly of his cologne; musk, pinewood and a hint of cedar... I take a deep sniff.

It's been over twenty minutes since Dante left, there's no sound of either of their voices as it should be in a house like this and I'm tempted to check for myself out of habit. I chew my lower lip, thinking about calling Diego, my best friend but decide against it. Too risky.

Just when I curl up for a catnap the door opens and Dante steps in. Whatever kept him away for that long wasn't rosy. Veins pulse along his neck, jaw locked tight, eyes dark enough to freeze anyone mid-step. His eyes soften when they land on me and he pauses in his step.

"I'm sorry you had to see that. That was my ex, Alex. I broke up with her a few weeks back but she's yet to come to terms with our separation," the irritation in his voice is heavy.

"Broke up? What happened?" I yawn, pulling the covers higher now I'm sure I won't get the other end of the brunt.

"What do you think happened?" Dante asks dryly, and for the first time I see him roll his eyes. That girl must have been a handful.

"She cheated on you?" I ask, wincing as soon as the words leave my mouth. He quirks a brow. "Your best friend then." Dante shakes his head.

"Your dad?" I add quickly.

"Valeria."

"Or maybe she was too clingy?" I say quickly.

"Alex and I weren't compatible for obvious reasons. You got the clingy part right though," he's still frowning.

"Should I be concerned about my safety then?"

"Alex?" he chuckles dryly already moving to the wardrobe. "She's harmless." I'm not sure a woman who looked like she could rip off my hair is harmless but I don't press.

An awkward silence takes over the room, Dante backs me, searching for what I'm guessing is work clothes and from the way those hangers rattle I think it's in my best interest to stay quiet. I watch him or rather watch those muscles flex beneath his clothes; even when he's doing nothing, he's still doing a lot. I press my thighs against each other and sink further into the comforter. Looking this good should be banned.

Dante lays his outfit on his side of the bed and pulls off his shirt. Last night I was probably too distracted by his cock to admire him properly but now I'm getting to understand why Alex's still hung up on him. His biceps are hard, ridiculously defined against olive skin in that way that looks like they were sculpted carefully on his torso. Broad shoulders, toned arms connect with the rest of his body to create a perfectly balanced frame.

"Before I leave for the office I need to get a few things straight between us," Dante pauses and I nod. "Alright, Helen is the oldest staff member of the house, she'll introduce you to the other staff and show you around, you'll pick your new room and if you need anything at all, she can handle that."

"I can start with new clothes–"

"A stylist is coming anytime from now, she'll help you with your shopping. Here," I stare hard at the black card stretched towards me. A fucking black card! I collect it and mutter thanks.

"Check your mail for a PDF of my personal data, at least what you need to know. There's a second one you're to fill and send to me. Helen's waiting outside the door. See you later Valeria."

Just like that, the door to the bathroom shuts. I'm left with a black card that costs way more than my dignity. Welcome to marriage, Valeria.

I don't need anyone to tell me he prefers me out of his room by the time he gets back. Alright Mr. grumpy.

♣♣♠♠

Whoever said money can't buy happiness must not have had enough money to solve 'em... Ari has never been more correct. Why else am I grinning when I should be passed out from a color analysis, five boutique trips, a new haircut, nails and a visit to the dermatologist? Fucking kill me!

Sylvia is every girl's dream shopping companion, at least to those who can afford her. The trunk of the car is filled with carton bags from high end brands; Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton etcetera. The minute I showed the sales girl the card, her eyes practically lit up, suddenly I was 'Ms. Torres,' escorted to a private room lined with champagne and clothes. Guess money really does talk, or maybe Dante's card did the talking for me.

My screen lights up, a text from Dante. 'Get dressed. We're eating dinner at my parents'. One text, just one text and my grin fades. I've watched enough movies to know my night has already been ruined before it's even begun. I bite my lips, typing back a depressed okay.

♠♠♠♠

"Is there anything you should warn me about your parents?" I cast a side glance at the man beside me who's been strangely absent minded since I joined him in the car.

"No." Is his flat reply. He doesn't spare me a glance, just continues swiping at his screen.

"Well," I drag out my word, "Are they scary? Like monster in-law level kind?" Dante's hand freezes and I scold myself for my inability to shut up. He lets out a deep sigh, the reflection from his phone revealing a small smile.

"You can call them that," then he turns to face me. "You don't have to be scared." He says calmly.

The rest of the ride is quiet, both of us sitting in comfortable silence. The car slows to a stop, and the gates open before us. I grip my bag a little tighter as we drive in. Even from here, the house looks intimidating. Massive, quiet, and too perfect to be real reminding me that people like me don't belong in places like this.

My throat goes dry, palms slick against my dress.

I try not to stare, but it's hard not to. Everything about this place screams power.

When the car finally stops in front of the entrance, I realize I haven't said a word the whole ride. The gates close behind us with a soft thud, and for some reason, it feels like the air changes.

Lord please.