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She paused on the threshold, the bal in her chest for all sorts of reasons She had no idea as going to happen tonight What she would be expected to do And as for Cristiano…

He lookedhis broad shoulders to perfection, the crisp snohiteness of his shirt the perfect foil to his dark hair and olive skin

Then he turned and Laurel caught her breath, because the heat flaring in Cristiano’s eyes ht in all its exquisite detail She didn’t want the reht With what felt like superhuman effort she banished the memory and stepped out onto the terrace

‘So here I ao’

His eyes simmered like liquid silver, his e to run her hand along his chiselled jaith its hint of sexy stubble To feel his skin under her fingers again ‘On the contrary You have soo’

Her heart stuttered in her chest ‘Where?’

‘Down to the casino With me’

Laurel sed dryly The last tiht? Ito be here for teeks…’ She trailed off, a desperate note entering her voice She didn’t want to go down there Didn’t want to see Bavasso again, or be another ornament on someone’s arm, even Cristiano’s Especially Cristiano’s

‘Of course so soon,’ Cristiano answered in a clipped voice ‘Why wait? The sooner Bavasso realises you’re mine, the better’

‘Maybe I don’t want to be anyone’s’

‘Too late, bella, and too bad You don’t have a choice any more’ Cristiano’s smile was hard, the kind of smile she was used to, the kind she really didn’t like ‘You should have thought of that before you tangled with Bavasso Fortunately, I think this can be resolved quickly The sooner Bavasso is off my property, the better’