Tower of Temptations – Seven Ways To Sin Read Online Nicole Casey

Categories Genre: Alpha Male, Contemporary, Mafia Tags Authors: Nicole Casey Advertisement
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She approached the box slowly, and I found myself tracking every movement—the subtle sway of her hips, how her hair fell forward when she bent to examine the books, the soft sound of her breath catching when she saw the titles.

Her fingers traced the embossed spine of Alias Grace. "I wouldn't have expected a man like you to appreciate Atwood," she said, her voice soft but with an edge of curiosity.

"There's something else," I said, nodding toward the burgundy leather journal nestled among the books. I'd chosen it carefully— Italian-made, with thick cream pages and a silk ribbon marker. The kind meant for private thoughts.

She lifted the journal from the box, her expression changing for a moment—something real breaking through that careful mask she always wore. "Are you always this generous with your hostages?" She glanced up through those lashes, and something molten curled in my chest.

I leaned against the wall, desperately needing the support. "Only the ones who behave."

"And have I been behaving?" Her fingers traced the spine of a leather-bound volume, and I couldn't help imagining those delicate fingers elsewhere. The way she'd touch⁠—

"That depends on your definition of behavior." I crossed my arms, trying to ignore how the sunlight played across her skin, highlighting curves that had haunted my dreams. "I've seen how you affect my men."

She shifted, and the movement drew my eyes to the gentle curve of her neck, the way her pulse fluttered there. "Worried about your crew getting soft?" Those blue eyes met mine, knowing. "Or worried about yourself?"

I shouldn't have enjoyed the way she said that, shouldn't want to hear what other sounds I could draw from those perfect lips. "Careful, princess. You're playing a dangerous game."

"Maybe I like dangerous games." She settled onto the edge of the bed, those endless legs folding beneath her. The dress rode up further, and I had to force my eyes back to her face. "After all, isn't that what this is? Just another move in whatever game you're playing with my stepfather?"

Fuck, she was sharp. Even with that innocent act, there was steel beneath. It made me want to find out just how deep that strength ran. "You think you've got it all figured out?"

"Not even close." Her eyes met mine, direct and unflinching. She leaned back slightly, the movement drawing my attention to the gentle rise and fall of her chest. "But I'm starting to wonder if you do."

I pushed off the wall before I could do something stupid like cross the room and show her exactly what I had figured out. The things I wanted to do to that smart mouth of hers. "Enjoy the books. I'll have someone bring dinner later."

"Leaving already?" Something in her voice made my blood burn—a soft invitation that tested my restraint.

I turned back, and the sight nearly undid me. She'd shifted forward on the bed, like her body was unconsciously seeking mine. A pink flush painted her cheeks, her chest rising with quick breaths that made me think of other ways I could leave her breathless. But it was her eyes that truly betrayed her—those blue depths darkening with desire as they followed my movements with an intensity that matched the ache in my own body.

"And here I thought the great Giuliano Barbieri never backed down from a challenge." Her voice was honey and sin, each word a deliberate test of my self-control.

"Trust me, princess," I managed, my voice rougher than intended. "You don't want to challenge me."

She tilted her head, that golden hair spilling over one shoulder. "Don't I?"

The air thickened between us. One step and I could show her exactly how ruthless I could be. Pin her to that bed and find out if she'd arch for me the way she did in my dreams. If she tasted as sweet as she looked...

My father's words echoed: Don't disappoint me.

I forced myself to turn away, fighting every instinct that screamed to stay. "Get some rest, Pearl."

Her soft "thank you for the books" followed me out, breathier than before. This time I did look back—just in time to catch her pressed against the window again, that golden light making her glow.

I practically ran to my office. Because for the first time in my life, I was starting to question whether making my father proud was worth denying what burned through my veins.

And that kind of thinking would get us both killed.

7

VITTORIO

Istared at my reflection in the mahogany-framed mirror, adjusting my silk tie with practiced precision. The face that looked back at me was handsome enough—distinguished silver at the temples, strong jaw, cold eyes that could charm or terrify depending on my needs.

But today, those eyes held something darker.

"Boss." Carlo's voice crackled through my phone speaker. "You sitting down? I got bad news."

Already, I could hear the fear in his voice—that distinctive tremor that told me he was about to disappoint me. I despised weakness, especially in my men.


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