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To Simon
Tu sei il sole, la luna e le stelle.
Tu sei il mio amante e il mio migliore amico.
Sei il mio tutto.
Siamo due corpi, ma una sola anima.
Ti amerò fino al mio ultimo respiro.
Tutto il mio amore
Addi Warner is your typical party girl…
Or so it seems…
She’s got it all, money, looks, brains and sex appeal. Living in Manhattan with her best friend Lily, Addi enjoys the high life, toying with men before casting them aside, but behind the party girl façade is a broken, scared young woman, who is terrified to confide in anyone. She’s hidden it well, until now. One night with a sexy Italian player, and all of her carefully constructed walls begin to crumble.
Carter de Rossi doesn’t do relationships.
He witnessed one woman he loves being broken beyond repair. He couldn’t protect her… and he vowed never to let that happen again. He keeps his conquests to one night only, making sure to remove any emotional connection from the equation, but when he’s introduced to a vixen who captures his attention, all rational thought disappears. Trying to convince himself it’s a purely physical reaction, he embarks on a quest to get this girl out of his system… not so easy when you recognize the pain of a broken soul behind the most beautiful eyes you’ve ever seen.
Have Addi and Carter met their match in each other? Will they be able to forge something real together, or will their primal, undeniable attraction to each other be the very thing that rips them apart? Addi is a master of self-sabotage. Confronted with a decision that could change everything, will she put her trust in the man she so desperately wants?
A thrilling tale of caustic love between two people who swore never to go down this path. Addi and Carter will take you on a rollercoaster ride as they struggle to find their place in each other’s lives.
Sometimes love just isn’t enough…
Copyright
Dedication
Description
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Epilogue
About the Author
Acknowledgements
Social Media
Sneak Peek
ADDI
I thought I had it all figured out, love ‘em and leave ‘em has been my motto ever since the day Gavin ripped my heart out and crushed it underfoot.
It was working well, and I’ve been having a lot of fun with the casual thing, but no matter how hard I try to keep it simple, casual, and uncomplicated with Carter de Rossi, he just won’t let it go. He won’t let me go.
If I’m truly honest with myself, I knew the moment he kissed me that he wasn’t a one-night stand; but admitting that to myself and to him, has been one hell of a long and bumpy ride.
I don’t think my best friend Lily and I could have expected what would transpire when we agreed to attend our friend Jason’s restaurant opening. That was the night I met Carter…
As we step out of the cab and look up at the façade of La Cattedrale, I’m overwhelmed with pride for Jason. I’ve known him my whole life, and when Lily came into our lives, we became like the three musketeers.
He’s been so busy getting this restaurant up and running that I feel as if I haven’t seen him in ages. It will be good to spend a couple of hours with him; although, he did tell me that there are going to be some of NY’s big dogs here tonight, and he knows I can’t resist a hot guy with money for some fun.
As soon as we get inside, we’re handed cocktails by a handsome waiter before Jason spies us. After we say hello and congratulate him, he steers us in the direction of a group of investors he wants us to meet. Holy Shit! Even from behind, I can tell that these men are hot, rich, and completely fuckable.
I’ve clearly found my place for the evening. Hello, boys!
Three fine specimens turn to be introduced to us, but as I register each delectable face, Lily stiffens beside me. She looks like she’s seen a ghost. Oh My God. Hot guy from the club on Wednesday night at twelve o’clock is giving her the bedroom eyes, combined with a panty-scorching smile. She bumped into him on campus this week, and he clearly wants to bump her senseless. If she doesn’t let this guy deflower her, I will be seriously concerned that she has zero sex drive. Holy smoke!
Lily doesn’t know this, but he contacted me yesterday to ask if I would put together an overnight bag for her. He’s taking her to the Hamptons tomorrow and wants to be prepared in case they decide to stay the night. I gave him shit for assuming that my best friend would put out on their first date, but he’s a pretty smooth talker, assuring me his intentions are honorable and he just wants to make sure she’s comfortable in every way possible. I gave him the classic, ‘don’t mess with her or I’ll kill you’ speech, but I must say, he seems genuine and he’s obviously into Lily.
Considering Xander is off my radar as a potential fuck buddy for the evening, I turn my attention to the other yummy treats available.
Jason introduces the first delicious specimen as Logan Fitzgerald. Tall, blond, and hot as hell with a smile to die for. He extends his hand, which I shake, giving him my sweetest, flirty smile, and
it’s totally working. He’s a definite possibility. Strong, firm hands, and a wicked grin that tells me he has a few tricks up his sleeve. I can tell he’s seriously toned underneath his tailored suit. Jason interrupts my mental undressing of Logan to introduce the final hottie of the group. Holy… Mother… Of… Shit…
I don’t know how to describe the man standing before me. He is scrumptious in every way possible. I’ve never seen a man so handsome, intensely sexy, and so freaking beautiful. My instant desire for this stranger is primal - visceral, it’s as if I’ve been pulled into his orbit with no chance of escape.
“Addi, this is Carter de Rossi.” I can hear Jason’s voice, but I don’t see anything except the man standing in front of me, holding his hand out to greet me.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” As he takes my hand, a surge of pure, unadulterated lust ignites inside me, spreading like wildfire throughout my body.
I’m instantly bereft when he relinquishes my hand to introduce himself to Lily, but I can feel his gaze on me as soon as the appropriate pleasantries have been made. I’m vaguely aware of Lily disappearing down the hall with Xander, but I’m too wrapped up in the dark brown eyes staring back at me to think about anything else. His face is tanned, a stunning caramel hue; carved with a strong, sexy jaw and a hint of scruff from a long day. Every one of his features is masculine perfection – his nose sculpted as if Michelangelo himself had created it; lips full, pink, and calling to my very core to lick, bite, nip and suck them. His eyes… God, his eyes are like pools of chocolate, sinful and sexy, leaving me a quivering wanton mess. His hair is short, black, and screaming for me to grab it, pull it and use it to guide his resplendent face down, down, down until I feel it between my thighs.
“Let’s refill these drinks shall we.” Logan interjects.
I immediately pull myself together and get my flirting back on track. “Sounds good to me, handsome.”
He grabs three glasses of champagne from the nearest tray and makes his way over to a small seating area. Carter guides my movements through the crowd with a warm, firm hand at the base of my spine. My stomach tosses and turns at the intimate touch. I find the effect he has on me quite unsettling… I don’t like it.
I end up sitting between the two stunning men, chatting, laughing and flirting like a champ. Thank God I managed to shake off my reaction to Carter. That is not how it works for me with men. I pick my prey, and go for the kill – simple and to the point. I don’t need any messy, overwhelming feelings getting in the way.
“So, gentlemen, is this how you roll? Get a girl sandwiched between you, liquor her up and have your wicked way?” I like to play… so I put a hand on each of their thighs and bite my lower lip.
“You like the idea of that, baby?” Logan’s cologne tantalizes my senses, his breath warm on my cheek.
I feel Carter on the other side, as he nips my earlobe with his teeth. “I don’t think you could handle both of us, sweetheart. I’m not even sure you could handle me.” A thrill runs through me at his words.
“You must have me confused with someone else, hot shot. I don’t think you could handle me.”
He lets out a sexy little chuckle before darting his tongue into my ear and running his hand up my thigh. “Oh, I could handle you just fine. Better than fine. You’d be begging me for more.” I can feel my panties getting wet just at the thought.
I feel Logan’s hand grip my thigh as I let go of his. “You’re a little tease, Addi. You and I both know you wouldn’t take us both on.” Logan’s voice drips sex; he’s right; I don’t think I could handle the two of them at once, but I’d give it a good old college try though!!!
“And why is that, pray tell?” My question is directed at Logan, but before he can answer, I feel Carter’s lips brush against my ear.
“Because, I wouldn’t fucking share you.” An almighty shudder courses through me.
I am beyond turned on by the two of them caressing me, their scents mingling, teasing my senses with visions of my wildest fantasies. I need to take back control.
“Anytime, anywhere, boys, but just so you know, I don’t revisit my conquests. One-time pleasure is all you’ll get from me. I get bored easily, and I doubt the two of you could hold my attention for a second round anyway.” I extricate myself from their testosterone sandwich and head for the bar to get us a round of drinks, and catch my breath. When I get back they’re laughing and joking, our earlier charged moment forgotten.
The conversation becomes more lighthearted and I get to know them a little better; they’re so different from each other, but are obviously great friends. From their stories, Logan is practically part of Carter’s family. As relaxed as our chat has become, I can still feel an uneasy pull towards Carter; his gaze raking over me as we speak.
The three of us have a great time, and eventually, Lily and Xander reappear, holding hands - I give her an approving wink. The girl needs some serious male attention. Xander is most definitely the possessive type, it’s written all over him, but I reckon that he could be just what she needs.
I really hit it off with Logan. He’s a funny guy when he’s not so broody and intense. I’m not a massive fan of the intense male, but I could make an exception for one night. He is so yummy to look at, and I can almost see the sex dripping off him. I bet he is dynamite in bed. I rest my hand on his thigh, leaning in to hear what he’s saying over the music and lively conversation going on around us. Oh wow… he is toned; I was too turned on earlier to fully appreciate it. Normally I would have him halfway out the door by now, but there’s something holding me back, and I don’t want to admit it, but it’s the eyes burrowing into the back of my head.
I casually turn my head to confirm my suspicions, and sure enough, his eyes are ablaze, darting between my face and my hand on Logan’s thigh. I can’t help myself. “You look a little jealous, Carter. Do you want me to put my hands on your thighs?” There’s something completely different simmering in his gaze now.
“I want your hands, every-fucking-where. How about you quit the games? We both know you’re not going home with Logan tonight.”
Holy shit.
“And why is that? Am I not his type?”
A whisper of a smirk hints at the corners of his luscious lips. “You’re every red-blooded man’s type, sweetheart… and you know it.” His lips graze my ear as he speaks. “You’re not going home with Logan, because you’re coming home with me. It’s my name you’ll be screaming tonight - begging me to give it to you, again… and again… and again.” Every muscle in my body clenches in reply.
His lips feel incredible against my ear, sweeping down to brush my neck with feather-light kisses; his breath hot on my skin. I close my eyes, losing myself to the sensation. “Let’s get out of here. I’m going to take you dancing.” All I can do is let out a moan of pleasure as he continues to caress my neck, his fingers gently moving my hair to allow him unfettered access. “I’ll take that sexy little noise as a yes. Go and tell your friend we’re leaving… Now.” I’m usually the aggressor when it comes to hooking up, but I’m loving how the tables have turned tonight – but only for tonight.
Lily is getting ready to leave with Xander when I find her, so it’s not a big deal for me to skip out with Carter. He assures her that he’ll make sure I get home safely… he just doesn’t say which home. She pulls me aside and gives me the usual spiel about safe-sex, which I find amusing considering she’s a virgin.
“I’ll be fine. We’re going dancing – don’t wait up! Love you, friend.” She gives me a swift hug and releases me, heading off hand-in-hand with Xander.
When I turn my attention back to Carter, he’s deep in conversation with Logan. “You coming with us or not?” I thought it was just the two of us. Logan is coming, too? This could be interesting. I ponder that delicious mental image for a moment before the reality of the situation is explained.
“Fine. I’ll call Alexis and get her to meet us there.” That makes more sense, although he didn’t see
m like he had a girlfriend this evening when he was shamelessly flirting with me – naughty boy!
When we arrive at a slick little club called Viper, we bypass the queue and head straight for the VIP lounge. A pretty little blonde is standing at the bar, and by the look on Logan’s face, she must be Alexis. He walks ahead to greet her, and as soon he makes contact, with a gentle brush of her arm, something passes between them, an unspoken agreement. With her head bowed, her eyes cast to the floor; she senses his proximity. She can identify his touch in a club of thousands. He leans down and whispers something in her ear; her demeanor changing in an instant. She transforms into a loving girlfriend in front of my eyes, as if she’s slipping into a role assigned to her. It’s strange, but really freaking hot.
“Alexis, this is Addi. Addi, this is my friend Alexis.” I shake her hand and exchange pleasantries while Carter orders drinks. When he hands me a French martini and drapes his arm over my shoulder, I noticeably relax, the tension I didn’t realize was there, draining from my body as I undergo my own transformation. This man affects me in ways that unsettle me, in ways I haven’t allowed myself to feel in a long time. A comforting calm flows over me as I regain my equilibrium - I become the huntress, not the hunted.
I finish my drink in one long gulp, setting my glass on the bar before taking Carter’s hand in mine. I ignore the fire that burns my palm from this simple connection. He leaves a bottle of Peroni on the nearest surface and follows me to the dance floor. I find a spot amongst the sea of writhing bodies and turn to face him; Rihanna’s Only Girl blaring through the speakers as we begin to move.
In a club full of people, a crowd of hot sweaty bodies, we sway in time to the music; his hands snaking around my waist to pull me flush against his rock-hard, toned body. As I writhe in his grasp, my chest rubbing against him, my nipples harden at our deliciously sexual dance. Every nerve ending in my body is alive with the buzz of a million fireflies. His strong, gorgeous face is the only one I see; his amazing smell intoxicating my senses; all I want in this moment is to lose myself completely, to give myself over to this overwhelming attraction.
Relentless - Manhattan Knights Series Book Two Page 1
