Read Online Matteo (Dark Erotic Mob Romance) (Rossi Family Book 1) by Rachael Orman - Free Book Online Page B

questions.
    “We haven’t known each other long and it wasn’t far from here we met. It’s a long story,” I answered as briefly with as few details as I could manage. “You?”
    “Me and Matteo? He’s part of my extended family. Never thought he’d settle down. At least he never brought a woman around the family, anyway. We all figured he’d be a bachelor forever.” She laughed and slapped my thigh as if it was incredibly funny.
    I forced a smile, not sure why it was so funny or even humorous that I was at a dinner with him. He’d not said a handful of words to me since guests had started arriving.
    “I... I meant the man you are with,” I stuttered, trying to shift the focus back to her instead of the incredibly awkward situation I was in. Sure, I’d been schooled in all things formal by Madam, but carrying on a conversation with a woman who clearly had no problem prying into people’s personal lives was turning out to be quite difficult. There wasn’t much I could share with her about my past or even my present.
    “Oh, he’s just my date. We’ve been together for a few weeks. Nothing serious.” She shrugged and looked over my shoulder toward Matteo.
    I glanced at him, but he was still deep in conversation with the man on the other side of him.
    “What makes you think we’re serious? You brought someone you’re seeing casually.” I hadn’t meant for the question to slip from my lips, but it was out before I could stop it.
    “As I said, he doesn’t bring just anyone to these events.” Allegra’s attention was drawn to her date just in time for Matteo’s fingers to painfully dig into my thigh.
    “Stop digging,” he growled into my ear before turning his attention away again. The pressure lessened on my sensitive skin.
    I dug into the bowl of soup that was delivered shortly after and tried to keep my head down, hoping Allegra would leave me alone, since obviously I was failing to please Matteo.
    It didn’t work. After the soup we were given appetizers to nibble on, and once the plates were taken away, she bumped my shoulder with hers.
    “You’re so quiet. It’s so refreshing. I’m so used to all the noisy Italians. Plus, most of the women are… well, bitches. You’re different though. I can tell. We’d get along so great. I bet if we got away from all of these men, you’d open up so much more. We should do a spa date or go shopping sometime,” Allegra said, smiling brightly at me.
    “Uh, sure. Sounds great.” I smiled back, but Matteo’s fingernails were digging into me, causing me to squirm. “As long as Matteo says it’s okay.”
    “Oh, hush. He doesn’t control you. If you want to go, we’ll go.” Allegra waved off the absurd idea of having to get approval from anyone to go anywhere.
    Delivery of the salad cut her off from speaking further. Matteo wrapped an arm around my shoulders and sank his hand into my hair to clasp the back of my neck as he leaned close.
    “You are in big trouble, bella ,” he whispered into my ear before biting the lobe hard enough I feared it would be bleeding. “I suggest you stop talking immediately.”
    “Yes, Matteo,” I murmured.
    His fingers twisted in my nape painfully. From the outside, it probably appeared he was being affectionate and whispering sweet nothings.
    Inside, I felt like dying. I’d failed more miserably than I could have ever imagined, and the idea that there would be a punishment waiting at the end of the evening loomed over me. If I could I’d excuse myself, but knew that wouldn’t go over well either.
    Thankfully Allegra got caught up in a conversation with one of the men across the table from her about a sport of some kind that I knew nothing about. It wasn’t until dessert was served that she started in on me again.
    “So, where do you work?” she pried again.
    I looked from her to Matteo, then back to her.
    She sighed loudly, having spotted my hesitation.
    “Fine. I know, I’m so curious and full of