UNHOLY DESIRE

DEIDRE

I fastened the top button of Matteo’s dress shirt and rolled up the sleeves before heading toward the only window in the spacious cabin. The view of the sea was mesmerizing.

I wasn’t really a fan of the sea. I suppose not knowing how to swim was the main reason, but still, it had always held a fascination for me. I’d always wanted to get a close-up view like this.

As I opened the window, letting my head out, a cool breeze tousled my hair, and I heaved out a breath. I straightened up when I heard the door creak open.

My brows furrowed as Matteo entered the room. It had been a while since he left, and I hadn’t expected him back until evening. He seemed to be in a bad mood, and I wondered who had upset him.

I turned away, focusing on the beautiful blue sea, taking a deep breath. I could feel Matteo behind me.

“Mia Moglie,” he whispered, leaning in. His body pressed against my back, his shirt riding up as he held onto my waist.

“What is it, Matteo?” I murmured, biting my lower lip and pushing aside thoughts of his touch.

His hand moved up and down my body, sending waves of desire coursing through me. My nipples tightened in anticipation, and I could feel my juice starting to leak into my pant.

I wonder if I would be able to resist the feel of Matteo because each time he did this, my treacherous body responded to him even if I never wanted to.

“You irritated me earlier, Deirdre. How can you step out looking like some random whore I picked up off the street, with every man ogling you like a piece of meat?” His voice had turned sharper.

I knew Matteo would be angry with me. That was why I had done what I did. He was always trying to control and oversee everything I did.

I turned in his arms, now facing away from the window, and looked up at Matteo, regretting it instantly. I could see the desire he didn’t bother to hide in his eyes. I wondered how he could switch moods so easily. He had been furious when he came in, and now he was gazing at me with lust.

“Would it be a problem if someone desires me, Matteo?” I asked, frowning as I glanced at the undone top button of his shirt.

Licking my lips as I ogled the mat of dark hair on his chest, I reluctantly peeled my eyes from it to his face.

“Do you not see anything wrong with that?” Matteo’s voice held genuine surprise, and his eyes narrowed as I simply shrugged. “Do you have plans to be with another man while you’re here, Deirdre? I swear to God, I’ll take down the first person who tries to touch you, and then you’ll face the consequences. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

His words filled me with a chilling dread. He had been cautioning me all along. I didn’t want to think about what he might actually do because, deep down, I believed he would follow through.

Matteo moved away from me, and I let out a disappointed sigh. He loosened the tie around his neck and shot me a stern look before pointing at the bed.

“Open that,” he instructed.

“What’s inside?” I asked, my attention now drawn to the box I had only just noticed.

“Open it now; question me later,” he replied.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

With reluctance, I approached the neatly wrapped box, pulled on the ribbon, and lifted the lid. A vibrant blue dress was neatly folded inside. I turned back to Matteo, staring at him in surprise. “What is this for?” I inquired, taking it out.

A mysterious glint sparkled in Matteo’s eyes as he met my gaze, and a smirk played on his lips. “Consider it a gift, Mia Cara. I thought it might be fitting for tonight’s celebration.”

“What celebration?” I asked, running my fingers over the luxurious fabric.

Matteo had never mentioned any event taking place today. In fact, earlier, he had spoken of wanting me in the room, just wanting to see my face.

But now, it seemed he had changed his mind.

“It’s an annual party, darling,” Matteo explained.

“You never told me,” I grumbled, shooting him a glare.

“Well, now you know,” he replied, sounding rather dismissive.

I let out a sigh and sat on the bed, placing the dress beside me. My thoughts briefly wandered to Kendall. I couldn’t deny that, even though Matteo had assured me she was in good hands and Lucia would take care of her, I still felt uneasy about this trip altogether.

“Are you not up for it?” Matteo inquired, stepping away from the door and moving to the center of the room. I glanced up to find him watching me intently.

“I wonder if Kendall will miss us. She might be crying for me and…”

“She’s fine, Deirdre,” Matteo assured. “This is about us, not Kendall. We’ll be back with her soon.”

“About us,” I murmured. I didn’t want to ask him what he meant by it being about us because I understood his words all too well. He wanted to make it work for our daughter, not for me.

Matteo had made it clear that he saw me solely as a means for his pleasure. Though I doubted I would give in to his desires, being in the same room with him, feeling his presence and scent, it was a challenge to hold onto my resolve.

“You should get dressed; the party starts in two hours,” Matteo instructed, heading towards the door.

“You never told me exactly what it’s about,” I said, narrowing my eyes at him.

“It’s a masquerade party,” he replied simply. “And don’t worry, your pretty head, you’ll be by my side all night. I only need you to make an appearance…”

“And be a showpiece,” I finished for him. “I understand, and thank you.”

I wasn’t surprised. This had always been my role with Matteo. Attending events with him, acting as his trophy. He only wanted to display me to others and never bothered to introduce me to anyone.

And if he felt I was attracting too much attention, he would glare at the men, making it clear they should back off. I envisioned he would do the same tonight. After all, he was Matteo Ferrari.