“Okay, I’ll tell you something about myself.” She nibbled on her lip as she realized how boring she was. “I love animals.”
He tilted his head, raising an eyebrow. “What animals?”
“All animals. I study them, too. I choose one a week and research everything about them.”
“You like books? You study for the fun of it?”
“I guess so.”
“They say opposites attract, so I wouldn’t worry.” He was toying with her again. She could see it in his eyes.
“Tell me about you. I mean, besides the rumors,” she said.
He took a breath, getting more comfortable in his chair. He was sexy. Way too sexy. How could she not have seen it before?
“Sometimes … I tire of this life. Money and trinkets don’t excite me. I have everything money can buy, so I’m not sure what I’m looking for.” He paused. No humor in his expression. “Surprising? What about you, Bella?”
She wasn’t expecting him to get so real, so fast. What was she supposed to say? Her parents valued their material possessions above all else. All Isabella wanted was peace.
“No, I’m not happy. But no one’s ever questioned me about it before.”
The waiter returned with the cannolis, and she hadn’t realized how in tune they were, the background fading out completely. She swallowed and focused on the present.
His façade returned, and she wanted that crack in his armor back.
“Try one.”
She stared at the pastry. It looked like the most delicious thing she’d ever seen, but she’d been drilled never to eat sweets. Her life revolved around dieting and sacrifices.
“It won’t bite you.”
“I shouldn’t,” she said. “It’s probably like a thousand calories.”
“And?”
She shrugged. “I can’t.”
“Bella, a few more days, and you belong to me. You’ll be an Accardi. Eat the damn cannoli. Live a little, for God’s sake.”
When he put it that way, she felt stupid. Isabella picked it up and took a bite, the cream getting on her lips. And maybe her nose.
It felt like sweet heaven, and her eyes closed of their own accord. She heard herself moan and snapped out of the trance.
He was smiling at her. Was that a dimple?
“I told you so.” Klaus leaned across the table and used a finger to wipe some cream off her face. She should feel like a child, but instead, his actions felt sexual. His touch traveled all the way to her clit. “Can you believe I can make you feel even better than that dessert?”
Yes, she believed it. The look in his eyes alone promised hours of depraved pleasure. What was she getting herself into? This marriage would either be a blessing or curse for her personally, and she wasn’t sure which one just yet.
“Klaus…”
“Okay.” He leaned back. “I know you’re skittish. We can wait for our wedding night.”
“Have you been with many women?
She bit her tongue after speaking. Her curiosity would be the death of her.
“I’m breaking down that icy exterior after all.”
Isabella frowned.
She didn’t want him to think of her as frigid. Her mother drilled the need to be respectful and a lady at all times. To keep her mouth shut. To never say no to her husband.
“Yes, many,” he said. “But none of them were you.”
“What about after our marriage? There are diseases, you know?”
“Don’t worry your little head about my loyalties. I’m already devoted to you, bella.” He whispered the last word, and she felt his voice dance along her skin.
She was tongue-tied, completely enraptured by Klaus. Either he was very good at seduction or she was a sucker for sweet words.
“Should we head to the church now?” he asked.
Isabella nodded, still unable to form words.
They left soon afterward. His hand at the small of her back felt good. Possessive. People moved aside for them, like the rushing river around a boulder. Klaus had presence, and she felt safe with him.
He was the mafia monster.
The church grounds were bustling. It was one of the most popular churches in the city, well-respected, and had a massive wait list for weddings and christenings.
Klaus exhaled, an irritated sound, after turning off the car.
“What is it?” she asked.
He kept looking forward, not in her direction. “This place. It doesn’t inspire the happiest of memories.”
“Really?” It reminded her of her grandmother, and that was all that had to be said. That woman was the only person she loved with all her heart.
He didn’t expand or talk more on the subject, just got out of the car and came around to help her out. Klaus was still such a mystery to her.
There were several of her father’s men smoking near a limo. She held her breath and hoped they wouldn’t notice her.
No such luck.
“Isabella Lastra?”
They approached them as they walked through the parking lot toward the church.
“Yes.”
The man looked around, probably in shock she had no chaperone. And was alone with Klaus Accardi. “Wait here. I have to call your father.” He held a flattened hand to Klaus’s chest.