Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 89772 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 449(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89772 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 449(@200wpm)___ 359(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
I jerked back, not expecting her to say that. Before I could reply, she spun and left, making me question what the fuck just happened.
“Huh, who would have thought…”
“Ari,” I warned, fully conscious of where she was going with this. “Don’t fuck with me.”
My sister stepped out in front. “Holy shit, Hell has officially frozen over. How’s it feel to get rejected for the first time ever? Like a swift kick in the balls? She definitely provoked you.”
“And you’re provoking me.”
“So go chase after her,” she laughed. “Girls like that. You know, actually showing you care.”
“I’m not a pussy, Ari.”
“You mean a puppy?”
“Same difference.”
“That’s because you’ve never been in love.”
“And now you’re suddenly an expert on the subject?”
“I’m a woman, Cruz. It’s instinctual for us. Besides, look at mom and dad. After all the years they’ve been together, they’re still madly in love with each other. We’ve always had a good example of what a marriage should be.”
“What point are you trying to make?”
“The same one you’re ignoring. You know you want to go to her.”
“I’m not leaving you alone.”
“Ummm…” She peered around. “I won’t exactly be by myself with all these people here.”
“You know what I mean.”
“So you’re just going to let her have the last word? That’s not the brother I know and love.”
“Who said that was the last word? She may have walked away, but I’m the one who decides when we’re done.”
“Then prove it.”
“Ari—”
“Come on, Cruz. Just go! I’ll stay right here. I won’t move, I promise.”
“No.”
“Fine.” She shrugged, nodding behind me. “Your loss.”
I turned to see what she was gesturing at, taken off guard she was dancing a little too close for my comfort with someone I immediately recognized. His touch carnal and claiming.
Within seconds, jealousy was washing over me at an unstoppable pace. My possessiveness over her spread rapidly from across the room.
He tugged her closer to his torso, wrapping his arm around her lower back, and placing her left arm on his shoulder. Entwining their other hands at his sides. Her pouty lips parted when he unexpectedly brought her right leg in between his, so she was pretty much straddling his thigh. Hugging her to his body, he allowed no space between her tits and his chest.
This motherfucker.
I locked eyes with Ari, who could see right through me. We always had a tight and special bond. She wasn’t just my sister, she was my best friend. She knew me like the back of her hand and vice versa.
“Jealousy doesn’t suit you, brother. It looks like you might have some competition. They do make a cute couple though.”
“Do you even remember the last time you shut the fuck up? Yeah, neither do I.”
“Did I hit a nerve?”
“Yeah, right in my ass.”
“Oh! Look at her now. She’s leaving and he’s actually following behind her. I wonder where they’re going? Maybe up to her room? Is that Giovanni she’s with? That’s him, right? It has to be him. He’s a notorious womanizer. You need to warn her.”
“Ari—”
“This is what you do, Cruz. It’s in your nature. You may sleep around, but you don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. Your conquests know what they’re getting into. You know there are rumors that he doesn’t like to take no for an answer.”
Gazing back and forth between Adriana and Sienna, I deeply sighed, realizing it was Giovanni and obviously the piece of shit was up to no good.
What other choice did I have?
“You don’t move from this spot. Do you understand me?”
She smiled, content I gave in to her demands. “Loud and clear.”
“I’m serious, Adriana. You don’t move.”
“As a heart attack.”
“Ari, I mean it. I’ll be right back.”
“Take your time, I promise I’ll be right here waiting for you.”
My eyes did another quick scan around the room, looking for our guards.
“Relax, Cruz. They’re over there by the bar. Can’t you see them? They’re the ones acting like they’re not watching my every move. Oh and, Cruz, what did you do with Papás gun?”
Slowly, I backed away, ignoring her question. I was surprised she asked, she knew I had it on me. “Don’t make me regret this.”
Knowing the guards were there, protecting her made it a little easier for me to leave. I’d never done this before, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t conflicted about what I was about to do.
Leave Adriana alone to go chase after…
Sienna.
My eighth deadly sin.
Chapter 5
—Sienna—
Giovanni caged me in with his strong, muscular arms, slowly backing me up against the railing of the balcony, overlooking our property.
We were alone, no one was around us. Which normally wouldn’t be the case, not if my father could help it. I usually had an arsenal of bodyguards surrounding me everywhere I went. Although, since it was my graduation party, I made sure to request I get the day to myself. Yes, there were hundreds of people in our home, except they weren’t there for me.