Forced To Be The Mafia King's Bride (by Oma Green) novel Chapter 206

Dante's POV

Everyone settled into their seats around the table. The room was small in the best way, candles lit, wine glasses set, the table arranged like someone actually gave a damn. Nothing like the circus going on out there.

I let out a deep breath, trying to calm the noise in my mind. A lot was riding on tonight. Everything, really.

Roberto gestured toward the servers.

"I have to brag about my chef. Trained in Paris, worked in Milan."

The first course arrived, carpaccio drizzled with truffle oil, then seared scallops. Wine was poured into our glasses.

Vera set her fork down after the first bite, pressing her fingers to her lips.

"This is incredible."

She glanced at Estelle.

"I hope you don't mind, but I'm going to have to steal him for any future events I have."

Estelle waved a hand.

"Absolutely, he's all yours. I'll introduce you both later."

Cesare leaned back, swirling his glass.

"And just like that, the evening becomes a recruitment dinner."

His eyes moved to Vera.

"We haven't even reached the main course and you've already locked in a vendor."

Vera smiled at him.

"Your wife is efficient."

Cesare chuckled.

"Aha, one of the many reasons I married you."

Roberto lifted his glass, glancing between the two women with a hint of fondness.

"Our women are quite similar, always planning, always finding new ways to spend our money."

He paused, glancing briefly at Estelle before adding, softer,

"But we wouldn't have it any other way."

He raised his glass.

"To them."

Cesare followed, lifting his glass with a grin.

"Of course. To the beautiful women who make our lives more expensive and somehow better at the same time."

Across the table, Estelle let out a soft laugh, already reaching for her glass.

"Listen to them."

Gianna glanced at her, a smile tugging at her lips.

"The men are ganging up on us."

Estelle shook her head, amused.

"Please. They don't stand a chance against us."

She lifted her glass, eyes gleaming.

"We always win."

Gianna let out a soft laugh and raised hers too.

Their glasses clinked.

Vera looked at Estelle.

"Where's the birthday boy?"

Estelle sighed.

"AWOL. I threw that party out there, invited all his friends, hoping it would make him show up at least once tonight."

Roberto frowned.

"The boy spits on everything we've done for him. All the sacrifice, the affection. Children raised in affluence don't understand blood and sweat."

He turned to Estelle, his tone firm.

"And you need to stop spoiling him further."

Estelle opened her mouth to protest, but Cesare spoke up.

"I was the same at his age," Cesare added. "I thought I knew everything and never appreciated what I had."

Vera nodded.

"It's youthful exuberance. They grow out of it."

"Let's hope," Roberto muttered.

Estelle turned her attention to Gianna.

"So how are you enjoying Monaco? Your honeymoon?"

"It's been lovely." Gianna shifted her gaze to mine. "Though I haven't seen much of the city yet."

Roberto raised an eyebrow at me.

"Dante, you're not doing a very good job."

I looked at Gianna, guilt washing over me.

"I must confess, I've been carried away with our intended deal." My eyes shifted to Roberto, holding his gaze with meaning. "But once it's sorted, I'll make up for it."

She shifted closer, her chest brushing against my arm. Her fingers traced patterns on my thigh, inching upward.

I sucked in a deep breath.

"Something wrong?" she asked sweetly, her eyes locked on mine with pure seduction.

"You have no idea what you're doing to me."

"Oh, I think I have some idea." Her hand pressed more firmly, and I had to bite back a groan.

I caught her wrist again, pulling her hand away before I lost all control.

"Keep testing me and I'll bend you over this table, dinner guests be damned."

Her pupils dilated, her breath hitching.

"That's a bold threat for someone trying to close a business deal."

"It's a promise."

She bit her lower lip, and the sight nearly undid me.

"Then maybe I should keep testing you."

"Gianna..."

Her hand slipped free and was back on me, fingers tracing lightly.

"Yes?"

I grabbed her thigh under the table, my hand sliding up her dress.

"Two can play this game."

"Then play." Her voice was breathy now, her composure slipping.

I hadn't expected this.

Gianna, bold and unashamed, taking what she wanted right here in the open, and I was enjoying every second of it.

She was trying to seduce me into losing control without fully committing herself. It was a strategy, and she was good at it.

Part of me wanted to hold back, maintain control. But another part, the stronger part, wanted to turn this around. Seduce her instead. Make her the one begging.

My fingers traced higher, finding the edge of her underwear.

"You want me to play? Right here? With everyone watching?"

"They're not watching." But her eyes darted to the others nervously.

"Not yet." I leaned closer, my lips at her ear. "But if you keep touching me like that, I won't be responsible for what happens next."

She turned her head, her mouth inches from mine.

"Maybe I want to see what happens next."