𝓗𝓲𝓼 𝑅𝑒𝑖𝑔𝑛

66

They arrive at the exclusive lounge in style, the entrance lit dimly as Salvatore steps out first, his towering figure casting a shadow over the polished stone. He reaches out a gloved hand for Kailani, who timidly takes it, her fingers soft and delicate in his iron grip. The moment she steps out beside him, there’s an unmistakable shift in the room’s energy. People glance up, their eyes filled with a mix of awe, fear, and curiosity. No one misses the sight of Salvatore Russo arriving, let alone with a woman clinging to his side.

Kailani, dressed in a soft, pale dress that brushes her knees, is painfully aware of the dozens of eyes on them. Her innocence and naïveté radiate off her in stark contrast to the dangerous, dominant aura Salvatore exudes. She instinctively presses closer, her slender frame partially hidden against his chest. He glances down, a smirk playing beneath his mask as he feels her cling, the subtle tremble in her fingers tightening around his arm.

“Stay right here with me, sweetheart,” he murmurs, his voice a low, possessive growl that wraps around her, making her cheeks flush as she looks up at him through her long eyelashes. His hand finds her hip, and then slides lower, gripping her rear openly, shamelessly claiming her in front of everyone watching. She stiffens, feeling his rough, unapologetic touch kneading her, his fingers pressing firmly into her flesh. Her face heats up, but he doesn’t let go, keeping her body molded against him as if daring anyone to question his ownership of her.

As they walk further into the lounge, Salvatore’s hand drifts to the small of her back, then down once more, keeping her close as he acknowledges those brave enough to approach him. When a few acquaintances murmur their greetings, his only response is a curt nod while his hand grips Kailani’s thigh possessively, his thumb stroking upward in a way that makes her heart skip a beat. She tries to hold her composure, but every deliberate brush of his gloved hand leaves her feeling hot and out of breath.

He pauses just before the bar, looking down at her with an intensity that leaves her unable to look away. His dark eyes devour her as he reaches up, cupping her face with his other hand, then pulls her close. His masked mouth presses against hers in a hungry, claiming kiss, his lips forceful and demanding. She shudders against him, her lips parting shyly, her innocence making the moment all the more satisfying for him. His hand slides from her face down to her hip, holding her possessively as he deepens the kiss, his fingers pressing into her as if staking his claim in front of everyone.

Then, with one last lingering touch, he breaks the kiss and gives her a smug, satisfied look.

"Go mingle a little Kotonok. I'll be watching."

The next thing she feels is a sharp, loud smack to her rear, the sound echoing around them. The shock of it sends a rush of warmth to her cheeks, her face burning as she glances back at him, biting her lip, feeling both embarrassed and thrilled under his gaze. His eyes don’t leave her, following her every step as she walks toward the bar, her head tilted shyly as she occasionally glances over her shoulder, seeing the dark look of satisfaction in his gaze as he watches her.

As she reaches the bar, ordering a juice, she can hear the quiet laughter of his friends nearby.

One of them chuckles, nudging another with a knowing grin. “Didn’t know he’d ever go soft enough to bring someone here.”

Another raises an eyebrow, smirking. “Not sure ‘soft’ is the right word. She's got you wrapped tight, doesn’t she?”

Salvatore doesn’t respond, his lips quirking under the mask as he keeps his eyes trained on her.

“I think you’ve broken her in, Salvatore. The way she looks at you…”

❀

While she waits for her drink, A man approaches her, offering her a warm smile. Unlike the others, his demeanor is more welcoming, as if he senses her nervousness. He gives her a slight nod, introducing himself.