I’m consumed by him, loved and comforted, and a kaleidoscope of emotions rock through me. I love this man. I want to tell him, to admit to how I feel for him.It’s too soon, my mind screams. I’ll scare him off, he’ll bolt for the hills.
I wrap my hands about his neck, kiss his jaw while trying not to cause myself pain. He wraps his hands around my back and lifts me off the bed to sit on his lap. The change of position enables me to control the speed, the depth of his taking. I rise and fall, working him, to be at that delicious, sweet spot that sends me spiraling. I can feel my release building, and he never misses a beat. He rocks into me, hard and determined, and I can see in his eyes that’s he waiting for me to come first.
I run my fingers into his hair, clasping them at the nape of his neck, and lose myself in his gorgeous gray eyes.
“You’re so beautiful.”
His words fill my heart, and I moan as he thrusts into me. I kiss him, small little pecks so not to hurt my mouth, but I want a proper kiss and hate Matteo for taking that away from me.
The words that I tussle with are all but on the edge of my lips, but I swallow them as my orgasm rips through me, tremor after devastating tremor rocks my body. I wrap myself around Lucien, never wanting to let go.
My name is a promise on his lips, he thrusts into me, once, twice, and groans as he comes. I rock on top of him, wanting him to feel as much pleasure as I always do in his arms. We tumbleonto the bed, and I laugh as he rips the condom off, throwing it onto the floor before pulling me into his arms.
He reaches for my chin, lifting my face up to look at him. “You should move in here with me. Permanently, I mean. I want you here with me.”
I don’t know what to say. I’d love to move in with him, commit in that way, and yet, I can’t. But how do I tell him that I’m thinking of leaving, that my future can’t be in New York, not if Matteo will never let me go?
I don’t want Lucien to continuously have to deal with my ex or have his business or girlfriend threatened every other day. That is no life at all.
“We haven’t known each other long, Lucien. That’s a big commitment.” Not to mention he’d not said he loves me, and even if I were certain I love him, I would like that commitment first, no matter who it was I was considering moving in with.
If only my life wasn’t so fucked up. If only Matteo was still in jail so he wouldn’t be a problem.
“I’ve never asked anyone to move in with me before. I’m serious when I ask.”
I swallow the hope that he’s on the cusp of admitting to how he feels for me, but after a heartbeat he remains quiet. If he loved me, admitted to that emotion, I would probably change my mind on leaving, but if it was merely because he enjoyed my company and wanted me here to keep an eye on me, keep me safe, that wasn’t a strong enough argument for me to give up my apartment.
“I can see that you are, and as much as I’ve enjoyed my time here, I think it’s best for now that I keep my apartment.”
He studies me, his eyes narrowing in thought, and I’d love to know what’s going through his mind. Is he angry, disappointed, or merely indifferent?
“It’s up to you. I won’t force you do to anything.”
I watch him and he rolls a little onto his back and closes his eyes. A nervous bubble settles in my chest and I hope I haven’t upset him. But I can’t do what he asks, not if the troubles with Matteo continue. I don’t want to give Lucien hope when I don’t even know if there is any to be had.
I stare at the wall, thinking of the day, my life, everything that’s happening all at once and spiraling my world off its axis. I have a lot of choices to make, and some won’t be easy, but that’s for tomorrow’s troubles. I’ve had enough of those for one day.
TWENTY-ONE
LUCIEN
The news reachesme while I’m sipping my morning coffee, and satisfaction as good as the brew I’m drinking flows through my blood. The location of Matteo Romero has been found. He’s living in an apartment building only a few blocks from my own.
Far too close for my liking, and something I would deal with. I don’t want him within an inch of Briar.
This information is power—and now I have the upper hand. No more catching her unawares. No more sending minions to do his dirty work. Now I know where he is and he’ll not get out of my sight a second time.
I’m already dressed, ready to head into the office. Briar is asleep in our bed, curled on her side, face soft and peaceful, despite everything. I left instructions with Stacy to stay here for the day, to keep her company and make sure she’s not alone when she wakes.
I have a meeting this morning at Capstone, and I have an inkling Romero will attend. He thinks he has the upper hand when it comes to his share of the real estate I want. He believes he’s invincible, untouchable. But I know where he lives now and I have an ace up my sleeve that’ll change the course ofthe meeting. Romero might strut into that meeting believing he holds the cards, but he doesn’t—not anymore. Today marks the beginning of the end for him.
I go back into the bedroom for a final look at Briar. Her breathing is slow, steady, her lips parted slightly. Even bruised, she is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.
I feel something for her I have never felt for anyone. Something I don’t yet have the courage to speak aloud. Not yet. But once I’ve finished with Romero, once she’s free of that bastard forever, maybe then there will be time—for truth, for confession, for a future.
I press a kiss to her hairline, just barely touching her, then slip out quietly.
Within half an hour, I’m behind my desk at Moretti Global, going through final notes before the meeting. Stephen strolls into my office, straightening his tie.
