Read Online Dante's Fire by Jennifer Probst - Free Book Online

reading sonnets from her poetry book.
    "I’m sorry, Selina. That must’ve been tough on you. Bet that’s how you learned to be so tough and handle the men on your team.”
    "Yep, I had training. Many of my foster siblings taught me how to stand up to bullies and play with the big boys. Never let them see you cry. Keep your head down and your nose clean. If you're hit first, hit back. And don't be a Mary ."
    A shadow crossed her face, and Dante knew she thought of that night, when fighting back wasn't enough. He spoke fast. "And why property? Were you an Apprentice fan?"
    Laughter replaced the darkness. "You gotta love Trump. I fell into it. I used to imagine who would live in certain houses, and made a game out of it. Instead of cutting out pictures of cute guys to post on my wall, I had a bulletin board of mansions. I was a good salesperson too. Not to brag, but it’s almost like I have this gift. I can look at an empty lot or a space and know if it's going to work. Almost like an image appears before me. Weird."
    "Like a super power?"
    "Yeah, I like that. I always wanted to have my own superpowers. Always dreamed of being Catwoman in bad-ass leather.”
    “You’re named after her, you know.”
    She lowered her head and glanced around nervously. Dropped her voice. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. We have nothing to do with each other.” The ridiculousness of the conversation filled him with pleasure. This was a woman he could kick back with and enjoy. "Your secret’s safe with me. Favorite superhero?”
    “Thor.”
    He rolled his eyes. “Girls. There’s only one real superhero to kick everyone’s ass and that’s Superman.”
    "Screw you. Thor is cosmic and he'd win every time."
    "A hammer? You really think a hammer can beat up Superman?"
    Her eyes sparkled with light and humor. "A little kryptonite and your man is down. Can't do that to Thor."
    "I think you just have a weakness for blondes."
    Her laugh rang out strong and clear. Arousal squeezed through him, the need to possess her both physically and emotionally. Dante breathed in and out and prayed the moment would pass. He'd need to keep his napkin firmly on his lap for a while. "Maybe. So, if I like blondes and you like French women, where does that leave us?"
    Her playful words held a hint of a question. Satisfaction hummed through his veins. She was attracted to him, but didn't know how to handle it. Stripped away from the office barriers, their connection burned bright and hot. The easygoing manner between them just added to the pleasure. He deliberately let the silence lengthen and leaned in.
    "It leaves us right here. Together." He paused. "To figure it out."
    Those green-gold eyes widened. She opened her mouth to say something but the waiter interrupted. After ordering the tartufo and cappuccino, he sat back. The moment had passed.
    "Your turn. How did you come about working in the mailroom?"
    He enjoyed her directness. She wasn't afraid to mention the dead end job or question his intentions. Dante wondered how he could answer her with the same honesty. He picked his words carefully. "When my parents died, I inherited some money. Enough so I wouldn't have to worry about making enough. But not enough where I didn't have to work. I enjoy being around people on a regular basis and helping out. Inferno gave me the job, and I figured I'd take it from there. So far, I haven't wanted to leave."
    Her gaze probed and searched for the words beneath his words. "Are you afraid to go after what you really want?"
    Yes. Because what he really wanted was her .
    In that moment, he almost wished he were Bruce Wayne, a millionaire with ambition, who had the option of courting the woman he loved. Hell, he’d even take being a reporter at this point. Instead, his disguise was a working stiff lusting after the big corporate executive.
    "No," he said. The waiter placed the dessert and coffee on the table and disappeared. "I wish I could tell you I have a secret