His Contracted Temptation; Velvet Lies

SPICE AND SMOKE

VALERIA

“Dinner’s pretty damn good, huh?” I ask, taking a bite of empanadas.

Diego nods beside me, face flushed. He grabs his glass of water, sniffling.

“f**k!” I drop my fork and pat his back. “Is it too spicy?” Dante snorts across the table.

“No,” he rasps, coughing once. “Just not used to this kind of heat.”

I look up to find Dante wearing a smug smirk, chin propped on his fist. Show-off. I haven’t even tried his food, but I just want to finish this and see what kind of mess he’s cooked up.

“So,” he says evenly, “you and Valeria seem to know each other pretty well. How long have you known each other?” Dante asks, about to take another bite of empanadas.

“A year,” I say quickly. Dante lifts a brow, like he’s saying, "I wasn’t talking to you, missy."

“Thanks, Valeria.” I don’t miss the sarcasm in his voice.

“You’re welcome, babe,” I mutter.

“You’re not used to this sort of food? Valeria says it’s popular in Colombia.” Dante sips his wine, staring at Diego through the glass.

“I eat spicy food, just not like this—” I kick Diego and glares at me, rubbing his shin under the island.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I'm sure Valeria didn’t mean it that way. Her mind’s probably on something else.” He glances at me, that smirk I’m beginning to find both cute and annoying resurfacing. “Right, babe?”

I don’t grace him with a reply, knowing fully well what he means. If he thinks his little s*x promise caused this, then he’s cockier than I thought.

“Babe, wow,” Diego whispers beside me. He still hasn’t touched his sauce, just eats his empanadas dry.

“So, Diego, what do you do for work?” Dante asks.

“Carpentry…” Diego clears his throat. “With some plumbing on the side.”

“Interesting. Manual man.” Ouch. “What brings you to New York?” Dante swirls his wine lazily, his intense gaze pinning Diego.

“I came to visit my parents, then I remembered Cam–" I clear my throat, nudging Diego."—Valeria stays around, so I decided we hang out before going back.”

My fingers tighten around my fork, appetite gone. Men like Dante read body language like a second language—it’s how they survive negotiations, threats, and backroom deals without a single scratch. He’s the kind of man you can’t bluff, can’t fool. One slip, and Diego would blow my cover.

“To?” Dante’s tone is formal, like we’re in a damn interview.

My heartbeat turns frantic the second I realize what's going on. This isn't two strangers making small talk—it's a f*****g interrogation by Dante! Holy crap! I didn’t even have time to prep Diego. What if he says something wrong?

“San Diego,” I blurt before he can say anything.

“And how’s New York treating you? It’s not exactly forgiving to newcomers.”

“Guess I’ve never needed cities to forgive me.” Diego deadpans, downing his wine in a single gulp. Dante nods in agreement, his stare lingering on Diego for a second longer. There’s a flicker of grudging respect—the predator recognizing another predator.

“About your carpentry, you build furniture or houses?” The next question comes fast and unexpected. Diego stiffens beside me, our eyes meet for a second, and I tap the island in warning.

“Furniture,” Diego says quickly, catching my cue.

“That’s interesting.” He nods, but I can tell he’s not really listening, only thinking of a new question to ask.

“You ever do custom interiors?” Dante glances at me. “Maybe Valeria could use a new kitchen island.”

“I don’t need an island—I barely even use this place.” I force a laugh, but I can feel Dante’s eyes on me the whole time, peeling back layers of my nerves until he can piece together his own theory about me and Diego.

“You just said you could do with a wider island earlier,” Dante insists. I’m pretty sure I never said so, but I don’t bother arguing. He clearly has an agenda.

“I changed my mind, how about that?” I snap.

“Enough about work and me, all that stuff’s hectic.” Diego flashes a small smile that barely reaches his eyes. “So how’d you two meet? One day Valeria’s single and struggling, the next she’s telling me she’s dating this rich guy and has moved in already.”

Dante places a hand over mine. “C’mon, Valeria, tell your friend how we met.” I try shrugging off his hand, but he clamps harder. “Go on, don’t be shy.”

“Alright.” I let out a tired sigh, licking my bottom lip. f**k you, Dante. “We dated a few years ago—on and off for about a year—then broke up, met again recently, sparks flew and,” I shrug, “here we are.”

“You tell our story so beautifully.” Dante shakes his head, sounding both impressed and amused. With the way I lie for a living, I’d be disappointed if he wasn’t.

“We’re not doing the regular three-course meal today. Just two main dishes—you’ve had one already. The next is Italian. Still made by Valeria.” Dante announces, sliding off the stool. “I’ll grab the wine—be right back.”

“You know, for a fake relationship, you’re really doing well,” Diego whispers, leaning closer.

I roll my eyes, jabbing him with my elbow in the ribs. “Mind your damn business, will you?” I hiss.

“Trust me, I would,” Diego switches to Spanish, “but tell me, does your boyfriend always look at you like he wants to f**k you?” My back goes still, and so does my breathing. I can feel the color rise up my neck, and Helen’s talk about babies replays in my head.

“Jesus, can you not?” I whisper sharply. “What if he heard you?”

“He knows Spanish?” Diego lowers his voice, sounding surprised.

“Yes, Diego, he does.” I shut my eyes and blow out a breath, trying to clear my thoughts, but all I can think about are Dante’s eyes—the way he looks at me, whatever that means, since I haven’t noticed that look. I knew from the start that we were both sexually attracted to each other, but this is new.

Just then, the devil himself strolls in with a bottle of wine.

“Tignanello–Antinori, 2018,” he says proudly as the bottle lands on the marble counter with a soft thunk. “This one changed the game for Italian reds.”

“By blending Sangiovese with Cabernet—everyone called it madness at first,” Diego says wistfully. Their eyes meet briefly. A flicker of acknowledgment passes, and Diego puffs his chest.

“Don’t we all love wine? I hope this enthusiasm passes on to Italian food.” I chirp.

“Are you kidding?” Diego chuckles. “That’s my favorite.”

“Wow.” I don’t need to look at Dante to see he’s gloating.

“Then you’ll enjoy this,” Dante says encouragingly to Diego like they’re now best friends.

Dinner passes with both of them sizing up each other while I play referee. Dante's food, as much as I hate to admit tastes delicious. Diego clears his plate of spicy shrimp linguine in seconds, and Dante offers him a second serving, which he reluctantly accepts. The excitement in Dante’s voice is infectious when I remember the deal—and annoying when I realize I’ve lost my bet. I let Diego enjoy his meal in peace, let him think I cooked it, because I don’t think his enthusiasm would survive if he realized it’s Dante’s craft.

Dinner ends sometime around nine, and I walk Diego to the door. We don’t speak until we’re outside, safely out of earshot.

“Your new face looks cute,” I tease, tugging at his fake beard.

Diego swats my hand."Very funny, Valeria.” His brows dip, features turning serious. “I brought some letters to you .” He hands over a thin envelope.

I press the envelope to my nose sniffing it; lavender and rose and my heart drops. God knows I’ve missed us so much. We’ve never stayed together for long—not with me always on the run. But I’m going to make it right—once and for all.

“Don Mojito can’t hurt you if he’s got no one left to use against you. In case of any attacks, they’ll be targeted directly at you. But I doubt he’ll be able to strike while you’re with Dante—except it’s in Nacho’s interest.” I nod through every sentence, breath shaky.

“I just want to be okay, Diego."My voice wavers, and I shut my eyes tight. "I'm tired of looking over my shoulder all the time.” Diego places his heavy hand on my shoulder.

No tears, Valeria. Nada. They’re not going to fix s**t. I force a small smile, shrugging off his touch.

“Send my love .Thank you, Diego. Good night.” I whisper.

“Good night, Valeria.” Diego nods before turning away, leaving me alone with my thoughts.