Chapter Fifty Four
Gio
As they days passed, Carly became more and more comfortable in my home. If I was completely honest, I’d begun to think of it asourhome. I wanted to wake up with her every morning, and fall asleep with her each night.
There were only two obstacles, that I was aware of, to achieving what I desired most. The first was Carly’s fear of losing me the way she’d lost Rico. The second was this inane idea she had that, once the last of the stitches were removed, she would no longer be attractive or desirable and I wouldn’t want her.
There wasn’t much I could do about the first obstacle. That was something she needed to work through on her own. I couldn’t make her forget her fear and believe I’m not going anywhere.
The second, however, Icoulddo something about. As we neared the day the last of her stitches would be removed, I began to plot.
As the last of the stitches were finally removed, and we could see the full extent of the damage, I held her in my arms while she cried. Doc gave us the name and number of a plastic surgeon who specialized in reconstructive surgery, and I scheduled us for the next available appointment.
Mama and Pop watched Eli for the night, Risa stayed at her own apartment, and Carly and I were alone for the first time since her attack. It was time. I planned it all out so that I could show her just how much I wanted her. By the time I was done, there would be no doubts in her mind.
“Why don’t you go relax in a nice, hot bath? It’ll help with some of the soreness.”
“That sounds heavenly. I think I will.”
I watched her go, Once I was sure she was upstairs, I put my plan in motion. With a little help from my sister, I transformed the dining room into the most romantic setting I could think of. Hundreds of candles were scattered around the room and their soft glow lit up the space. Flowers adorned every surface, from garlands that wrapped around the chairs to flower petals strewn across the table. Incense burned, fragrancing the air with jasmine, and soft music played in the background.
“Good luck, big brother. Carly is an amazing person.”
Rosa’s parting words brought a smile to my face. “That she is.”
As Carly descended the staircase, I realized my palms were sweaty. I was nervous. I hadn’t been nervous with a woman in years, but she was more than just some woman I was attracted to. She was the woman I was in love with and wanted to make mine in every way.
“Oh. Wow. Gio, this is…it’s beautiful.”
“I was hoping you would like it.” I moved to her side and kissed her cheek. “Let me show you how much you mean to me.”
“You don’t have to do that, Gio.”
“I want to, Carly.” I gently took her face in my hands, careful of the still tender skin, and kissed her slowly. “I know you believe you can’t be desired any longer. I know the attack had seriously damaged your self esteem and your sense of self worth, but I tell you now,Cara Mia, you are still the sexiest woman I have ever met. I will always desire you.”
I caressed her cheek, and when a tear slipped from her eye I caught it and wiped it away. “Come, let me show you I mean what I say.” I escorted her to the table and held her chair for her. Once she was seated, I served her. Clam risotto with bacon and chives, grilled shrimp with oregano and lemon, and sauteed asparagus and mushrooms. There was tiramisu waiting for dessert. I poured us both a glass of wine, and sat across from her with my own plate.
“This all looks so delicious, Gio. A girl could get used to being pampered like this.”
“That is my plan,Tesoro. To pamper you.”
I watched as she took her first bite of the risotto. The groan that came from her had my cock standing at attention. I’d never thought watching a woman eat could be sexy, but fuck was she turning me on. Every moan of enjoyment, every swipe of her tongue against her lips to lick sauce from them, had my cock straining to come out.
“Woman, you keep that up and we won’t make it to dessert.”
“Who needs dessert when you have me?”
That was it. I tossed my napkin on the table, pushed my chair out, and was at her side in seconds. I was careful when I scooped her up and headed toward the staircase.
“What about the dishes? And the leftovers?”
“They can wait,” I growled. “Right now, the only thing I care about is getting you naked.”
Her shiver was my reward.
“Such a sweet talker.”
The purr in her voice had me taking the stairs two at a time in my rush to get to our bedroom.
