Chapter 22
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Chapter 22
Chapter 22
Aria’s POV
I tried to keep a straight face.
Tried to hold my posture, keep my breathing even, keep my expression blank
But the vibrator was moving.
It was subtle, low, teasing, a slow, pulsing thrum that sent waves of heat through my body, curling in my belly, tightening my thighs and making my panties soaked. Every time I shifted in my seat, every time the car bumped slightly over the road, it pressed just right inside me.
And Dominic knew it.
I stole a glance at him from the corner of my eye.
He sat beside me, legs spread in that arrogant, commanding way of his, fingers resting lazily on his thigh.
His suit was black, perfectly tailored, the crisp white shirt beneath it open just slightly at the collar, revealing the hint of tanned skin and the silver chain he never took off.
He looked unbothered. Cool, Calm.
Except for his lips.
That slight, infuriating smirk.
I knew what it meant.
He was enjoying this.
Seeing me all slutty and crazy for a touch as he controlled the vibrator with his phone.
I clenched my jaw, my nails digging into my palms as I fought the desperate need to squirm.
I wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction.
I lifted my chin slightly , forcing my gaze ahead.
The car slowed as we approached the venue, a grand estate, towering and opulent, chandeliers glowing through massive glass windows, the golden light spilling onto stone steps leading to the entrance.
The car door opened, and Dominic stepped out first. His presence was immediate, commanding, like the entire world slowed just to take notice of him. He extended a hand toward me , his fingers curled slightly, waiting.
1 hesitated only for a second.
Then I placed my hand in his.
His fingers wrapped around mine, firm and warm, guiding me as I stepped onto the pavement.
A sharp pulse shot through me the moment I straightened, the vibrator humming to life again.
I stiffened, my breath catching, heat rising up my neck.
Dominic turned slightly, his lips brushing my ear. “Careful” he murmured, low and smooth. “People are watching. Remember to keep straight. Don’t slouch.”
I swallowed hard
Oh how I wish I could kick him in the balls right now.
People are watching, obviously
But right now I wished I had some sort of invincibility power. It would do me good.
Men in sleek suits, women in designer gowns, security stationed at every corner, this was the kind of place Dominic lived and breathed in. Powerful people, dangerous people, all gathered in one place, discussing things that never made it into
newspapers .
And here I was, standing next to him, with a secret only he and I knew
I glanced at him as we walked toward the entrance.
He didn’t look concerned.
Not even a little
That bothered me more than anything.
1/3
Chapter 22
The moment we stepped inside, the air changed, thicker, heavier, buzzing with power.
You can smell it in the air.
A place I never thought I would visit in this lifetime.
The ballroom was breathtaking. Massive chandeliers dripping with crystals, a grand staircase leading to the upper floors, gold–trimmed walls reflecting the soft glow of candlelight. Walters in black tuxedos moved between guests, offering champagne and expensive hors d’oeuvres.
I could feel eyes on us
Whispers. Curious glances.
But before 1 could process any of it, a movement ahead caught my eye.
A woman.
She was stunning..
Tall, poised, effortlessly elegant. She had long, dark auburn hair styled in loose waves, cascading over one shoulder. Her dress was blood red , sk clinging to her body like it was made for her, hugging her hourglass curves, dipping dangerously low at the back. Her lips were the same color as her dress–bold, sharp, perfectly painted.
And her eyes …
Cold, Calculating. Watching me.
Then I saw him.
A man, standing beside her.
Older–mid–fifties, maybe. But still undeniably handsome. Sharp features , salt– and – pepper hair slicked back, piercing gray eyes that held the kind of quiet, dangerous power that made men twice his size hesitate. His suit was charcoal gray, crisp and tailored, the very definition of old–money wealth.
His hand rested lightly on the small of the woman’s back. Possessive. Claiming.
And I couldn’t help but wonder-
What was a beautiful young woman like her doing with a man like that?
Dominic stopped beside me, standing tall, composed, his presence as effortless as ever.
And then, in a voice smooth as velvet , he spoke.
“Mr. and Mrs. Petrov.”
The couple turned toward us, the woman’s striking features tightening with something unreadable, surprise, maybe, or jealousy.
Though why would she be jealous of me?
Her full lips parted slightly, her deep red nails tightening on the man’s arm before she quickly schooled her expression inta something smooth and unreadable.
The man, Petrov, name sounded familiar in a way, he looked entirely unfazed, his gray eyes scanning Dominic with quiet calculation. He had the aura of a man who had seen it all, who had held power for so long that nothing truly surprised him. He was the kind of man who rarely spoke unless necessary, but when he did, people listened.
“Dominic” He said, his voice even, unreadable. He turned his gaze to me, assessing, before looking back at Dominic. “Didn’t expect you to bring company. A beauty for that matter.”
Dominic’s hand found my waist, fingers pressing just enough to remind me that he was in control. “Well things happens, I finally found my woman, Mikael” he said simply, his tone making it clear that there was nothing else to discuss on the
matter.
The woman’s gaze flickered back to me, sharp, lingering Then, just as quickly, she smiled, sultry and slow
“I don’t believe we’ve met,” she said, her voice smooth, almost purring. “I’m Victoria”
Something about the way she said it, the way she looked at Dominic first before addressing me, sent a st through me.
I forced my expression into something neutral. “Aria.”
eripple
Her lips curved slightly, her red–painted nails tracing slow circles along the stem of the champagne glass in her hand.
Mikael, disinterested in the silent exchange, turned back to Dominic. “We’ll talk later, Inside”
Dominic gave a curt nod, his grip on my waist tightening ever so slightly before he led me away from them, maneuvering through the crowd with ease.
The moment we were out of earshot, I exhaled, my body still humming from the subtle tension in that interaction.
Chapter 22
“Who was that ?” I asked, keeping my voice even
Dominic didn’t look at me, but there was a sharp edge to his smirk. “Mikael is a businessman. A man who plays by different rules. He’s been in this world long enough to know where the power shifts.”
I frowned. “And the woman?”
Dominic’s smirk didn’t waver. “His wife”
I stopped in my tracks for a fraction of a second. “His wife?”
Dominic finally glanced at me, something amused and dark flickering in his gaze. “Surprised?”
I wasn’t sure what I was feeling, but I knew something about her had made me uneasy.
Before I could say anything else, Dominic leaned down, his lips brushing my ear. “We’ll be here for a while, he murmured.” There’s an auction later. A way for the wealthy to throw their money around.”
I swallowed, confused . “An auction?”
He chuckled, straightening. “Not for art, gattina,” he said, amusement lacing his tone. “For people. Influence. Power. Investments. These men don’t just trade in businesses–they trade in control.”
A chill slid down my spine.
“And what else do rich men do at these events?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
Dominic’s smirk grew, as if he knew exactly what I was thinking. “They make deals. They show off their wealth. Some gamble, some ruin lives, some buy whatever–or whoever–they want.”
His fingers traced slow, lazy circles against my hip. It’s a place where alliances are built and broken. Where secrets are sold at a price.”
I shivered, not just from the meaning behind his words but from the way his hand lingered, possessive and warm
Then his mouth was at my ear again, his breath sending another unwanted shiver through me.
“You’re slouching, mia bella, he murmured, the Italian rolling off his tongue like silk. “ Stand tall . Let them see you.”
Lexhaled slowly, forcing my shoulders back, my chin lifting. Even though my pussy was throbbing.
Because no matter what game he was playing
no matter how much control he thought he had over me one thing was certain.
I would not break easily.
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Chapter 23
Chapter 23