I didn’t need to look to know that Alessio De Luca was behind me.
His warm arm circled my waist, fingers splayed possessively against the thin fabric of my dress, pulling me back until my body was flush against his.
The warmth of his breath brushed the base of my neck, sending an involuntary shiver down my spine.
I tried to keep my focus on Sofia, who stood in front of me with a look that shifted from surprise to something unreadable as her eyes darted between her brother and me.
“Alessio,” Sofia said, her voice sounded confused with a hint curiosity in her tone. “I didn’t know you were here.”
He lifted his gaze from me, his expression smoothing into the cold, detached mask he always wore. “I’m everywhere, Sofia,” he said simply, his voice low and commanding.
His thumb moved slightl
