Page 48 of The Serpent's Bride
“Exactly.” He looked at Leo. “Boss, respectfully, she looks like she should still be asking permission to go to parties.”
Heat rushed into my face. Leo sat at the head of the table, completely relaxed. “And yet here she is.”
Sergio smirked slightly. “Barefoot and threatening to kill you before breakfast.”
“I can hear you,” I snapped.
“I know. That’s what makes this fun,” he laughed. I folded my arms tighter across my chest. Sergio continued like he was dissecting a business problem instead of talking about me. “She’s inexperienced. Stubborn. Probably high maintenance.”
“I am not stubborn,” I hissed.
“You refused medical treatment out of spite,” Sergio reminded me. “That’s the definition of fucking stubborn.”
Leo took a slow sip of espresso, watching us over the rim of the cup with infuriating calm.
“And,” Sergio added thoughtfully, “I still don’t think she’s enough for you.”
The words hit harder than they should have. Not enough. Like I was some disappointing object Leo had accidentally brought home. I looked away first, furious that the comment stung at all. Sergio noticed.
“Aw,” he mocked lightly. “Did I hurt the little fiancée’s feelings?”
“I don’t care what you think,” I said, feigning disinterest.
“Sure you don’t,” Sergio chuckled.
Leo finally spoke, voice low and dangerous. “Enough.”
Sergio lifted both hands innocently. “What? I’m helping.”
“You’re irritating me,” Leo replied.
I should’ve stayed quiet. Instead, anger burst out of me sharp and reckless. “At least I’m not some emotionless attack dog following him around all day.”
Sergio barked out a laugh. Leo’s mouth twitched faintly.
“Oh, she’s got claws,” Sergio said. “Maybe there’s hope for you yet, little wifey. You’re not completely spineless.”
“Whoever told you I was spineless,” I hissed, glancing at Leo. “Was a liar.”
“Mm.” Sergio tilted his head at me. “Then prove it.”
I narrowed my eyes. “What does that mean?”
“It means,” he drawled, “if you’re really brave enough to handle my boss, accept his invitation to the bedroom tonight.”
The entire room went still. My pulse slammed against my ribs. Leo didn’t move. Didn’t interrupt. But all his attention shifted onto me so heavily I could practically feel it against my skin. Sergio smirked when I didn’t answer.
“That’s what I thought,” he drawled.
Humiliation burned through me. I lifted my chin. “Fine.”
Both men went quiet.
“I’ll do it,” I said, forcing the words out. “Maybe then he’ll finally get bored of me.”
Sergio stared at me for a second before laughing under his breath. “Jesus Christ.”
Leo set his espresso cup down carefully. Too carefully. Something dark flickered behind his eyes now. Hunger. Possession. Satisfaction.
