Red Card to Your Heart: You Don't Deserve My Love Extra Time novel Chapter 21

That night, Salvatore brought Carina back to our villa.

I walked several paces behind them, watching as Salvatore's hand rested possessively on the small of her back—the same gesture he'd used with me countless times before. Before entering, Carina turned, her eyes meeting mine with calculated innocence.

She laced her fingers through Salvatore's and smiled sweetly. "Salvatore, caro, perhaps your... friend... should wait until morning to leave? It's late, and these streets aren't kind to women alone."

How thoughtful—the bitch was eager to see me gone, but concerned for my safety.

I maintained my smile as I reached beneath my blazer and drew my Beretta. In one fluid motion, I pressed the cold barrel against her temple, the safety clicking off with a sound that echoed in the midnight silence.

"Listen carefully," I said, my voice carrying the same dangerous calm I'd learned from years at Salvatore's side. "The only person who decides when I leave is me. And right now, I decide you don't fucking speak unless spoken to."

Carina's face drained of color as her eyes darted desperately to Salvatore.

He lit a cigarette, inhaling deeply before blowing smoke toward the night sky. A smile played at the corner of his mouth as he pushed my gun down with two fingers.

"I taught you better than this, bella," he said, voice laced with amusement rather than anger. "That weapon is for your enemies, not for theatrics in my presence."

He tousled my hair like I was a child. "Come inside."

He led Carina through the door, leaving me alone on the marble steps of what had been our home. I stood there, the night air chilling the hot tears that threatened to fall.

I should have walked away that night.

But I couldn't.

I had my own reasons for needing Salvatore Ricci as my husband. Reasons that had nothing to do with love—not anymore.

I stood at the entrance long enough to compose myself, then walked inside with my head high.

What I found in the living room made my blood freeze. Carina had changed clothes—into my silk nightgown, the one Salvatore had brought back from Paris. It hung perfectly on her frame, as if it had been made for her rather than me.

She approached with a false smile. "I'm sorry about earlier," she said, voice saccharine sweet. Then, when Salvatore stepped into the kitchen, her expression hardened.

"Let's be clear," she whispered, all pretense gone. "I know exactly what you are—a cheap replacement he settled for. You kept his bed warm while I was gone. Your job is finished."

She gestured casually around the penthouse. "Salvatore mentioned you once saved his life. How touching. We'll find you a nice little apartment somewhere. You can visit on holidays—like a distant cousin."

She pointed to a small room off the hallway. "You can sleep there tonight. Unless you'd prefer the servant's quarters?"

I laughed then—a cold, hollow sound that made her flinch.

"This changes nothing," I gasped as he lifted me, wrapping my legs around his waist.

"Shut up," he commanded, his voice rough with desire.

As he drove me to the edge, my mind clouded with pleasure against my will, he whispered in my ear, his voice deceptively gentle.

"Apologize to Carina tomorrow," he murmured, slowing his movements when I was seconds from release. "I don't like her upset. Makes her eyes red. Not a good look."

I tried to move against him, desperate for completion, but he held me still.

"Be a good girl, cara mia," he continued, his lips brushing my ear. "While I'm still in a generous mood. I'd hate to have to teach you your place more... permanently."

His threat hung between us, velvet-wrapped steel.

I laughed bitterly, tears stinging my eyes. After a long moment, I nodded.

"Fine," I whispered.

Only then did he allow us both release—my surrender the price of my pleasure.