Chapter 11 - The Crimson Dress
At 7:55 PM, Sadi stood in front of the full-length mirror in her suite, wearing the crimson silk dress.
It fit her like a second skin.
The silk hugged the deep curve of her hips, accented her waist, and showcased her chest in a way that made her feel fiercely, unapologetically beautiful. She had left her dark hair down in loose waves, wearing only the Cartier diamond ring on her hand and a coat of deep red lipstick on her lips.
She didn't look like a maid. She didn't look like a girl sitting at Table 12.
She looked like a woman who belonged to the most powerful man in Chicago.
She walked down the central staircase, her heels clicking against the marble, heading toward the private dining room on the main floor.
The room was lit by candlelight. A long mahogany table was set for two, featuring fine china, crystal wine glasses, and a spread of roasted meats, fresh bread, and rich red wine.
Roman was already standing near the window, a glass of scotch in his hand.
When he turned and saw her, he froze.
His dark eyes moved slowly from the top of her dark hair down the plunging neckline of the red dress, tracing the curve of her hips, and lingering on her bare legs visible through the slit in the silk.
A deep, primal muscle twitched in his jaw. He set his scotch glass down on the windowsill with a heavy click.
"Sadi," he rasped, his voice rougher than usual.
"You told me to wear the red dress," Sadi said, stepping into the room, holding his gaze.
Roman walked toward her, his heavy steps deliberate and full of intent. He stopped inches from her, reaching out to wrap his hand around her waist, pulling her flush against his chest.
"You are going to be the death of me," Roman growled, his head dropping into the crook of her neck, inhaling her scent deeply.
Sadi wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders, feeling the heavy, solid muscle beneath his shirt. "I thought you were untouchable, Mr. Rossi."
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"I was," Roman murmured, his mouth moving up her neck to press against her jawline. "Until I heard a maid whispering over a sink at two in the morning."
He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, his hands resting heavily on her hips. "Eat dinner with me, Sadi. Because after dinner, I am taking you to my bed, and I am not letting you out until tomorrow night."
