Cosimo wasn't like other men. He would be honest with her, and he would never try to hold her back in any way. The problem was that he might decide he no longer wantedher, and she wouldn't be able to let him go.
Marcella had been able to recover easily from breaking up with Carlo, but losing Cosimo would devastate her. She was in too deep already. There was no way she would have the strength to walk away. She wanted him and everything he offered too badly.
Marcella sat in the bath until the water cooled, and she was forced to wash herself and get out. Dressed in her favorite silk robe, she was hunting through her fridge for something to eat when there was a knock at her door. She was surprised to find Cosimo on the other side of it.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, clutching the top of her robe together.
Cosimo's eyes flared with his dragon. "You justleft, Marcella.Without saying a damn word to me."
"Valentine brought me home safely. I thought I would give you some space to catch up with your sister. It's been almost thirty years after all," Marcella replied, leaning against her door frame.
"So? Just because Maria is there doesn't meanweare through," he argued, running his hands through his hair.
"I haven't forgotten about our agreement. You still have to find me my grimoires," she said, trying to lighten his mood. It didn't work.
Cosimo glared. "I wasn't talking about the fucking grimoires. You and I have more going on here than some agreement."
"I know, Cosimo, but I need space to process and think, and I am not going to get it at your villa. I have to emotionally process my past with Carlo because I finally have a chance to heal. I wantto be free of it before you and I go any further," Marcella said, wanting him to understand.
Another part of her wanted to drag him into her apartment and kiss him all night. She rubbed at her neck. "Let me clear my head. Spending time with your sister alone is also important for you both right now."
"Your well-being is important too,tesoro mio." Cosimo moved closer and wrapped his finger around one of the curls that had escaped her bun. "You went through a lot in the past few days, and I don't like that you are alone."
"I have been alone for a long time, Cosimo. I swear I only need time to sort through everything. I'll be perfectly fine, I promise you. Go and spend time with your sister. I am not going anywhere," she said, and because she couldn't resist, she reached out to take the front of his shirt, pulling him closer. "Give me a good night kiss first, just to get me through the night."
"You will come and see us for dinner tomorrow. I'm trying to be patient here, but I don't like it and neither does my dragon," he complained, his hands dropping to her waist and pulling her closer.
"I'm sure you and your dragon will live without me for a night," she said and kissed him. It was soft and scorching at the same time, healing shattered parts of her with the gentlest of caresses.
Cosimo's presence and his touch were all-consuming, and that was why she needed the space. It was hard to think of anything else when he was in the same room, and it would be too easy to lose herself in him and everything he offered. When they finally broke off the kiss, Marcella's lips were swollen, and her heart was pounding.
"Be at the villa tomorrow by 4 p.m. or I'll hunt you down. I'm not even a little bit done with you, witch," he whispered, kissing her nose and her forehead.
"That's good to hear, because I'm not done with you either, dragon," she reassured him with a smile.
"Message me if you feel unwell from the magic or if you just want me to come and be with you."
"Hmmm, should I tell you what I eat for breakfast too?" she asked, nipping the side of his jaw.
"Yes. You need to eat if you aren't going to let me feed you."
"Bossy man. Go home already," she said and gently pushed him back from her.
Cosimo growled in frustration but let her go. "Sleep well, little treasure, because I know I won't."
Marcella watched him go back down the stairs and blew him a kiss when he turned to look back at her. He sighed and went out the door without an argument. She didn't think it was possible, but his respect for her wishes in that moment made her love him that little bit more.
35
It was late by the time Cosimo got back to the villa. He had walked back from Marcella's place, needing to calm down from the day and from finding her gone.
Valentine had tried to reassure him that she was fine, but Cosimo knew he wouldn't rest until he saw her with his own eyes. He understood the need to be alone, but he just wished that she had said something to him before leaving.
Maybe she knew you wouldn't have let her go, a voice niggled at him. He didn't know if it was him or the dragon, and it didn't matter. It was right. He would have tried to force her to stay with him, and that wasn't what she needed.
The villa was quiet as Cosimo slipped inside and was about to head up to his rooms when he heard a TV going. Maria was in the lounge with a bowl of popcorn, staring at the screen. She was in a pair of oversized pajama pants and a faded merchandise shirt fromRitual. Apollo had stolen it from Von last Christmas, and it was one of his favorites. He must have taken a shine to Maria already to let her wear it.
Cosimo's heart warmed a little at that. He wanted the boys to get to know their aunt and to enjoy each other's company.
