Matteo looks at Zoe more carefully now. "So you're the one who finally got him to settle down? I'm impressed."
"It wasn't exactly straightforward," Zoe says with a smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes.
"Nothing with him ever is," Matteo says, then turns to me. "You could have called."
"You were handling the Brazilians," I say. "And things happened... quickly."
Alessio snorts at the understatement, earning a glare from me.
"Sit," I tell Matteo, gesturing to an empty chair. "Eat. We have a lot to catch you up on."
As I close the door to our bedroom after dinner, Zoe turns to me, her eyes shining with anticipation. I pull her close, savoring the warmth of her body against mine.
Our kisses start slow, tender, but quickly ignite into passionate fervor. Clothes fall away as we explore each other with renewed appreciation. Every touch, every caress feels more intense, more meaningful.
I trace the curve of her hip, the dip of her waist, the swell of her breasts. She arches into my touch, her skin flushed and heated. I can feel her heartbeat, fast and steady, matching my own.
"I love you," I murmur against her skin, my voice rough with emotion. "More than anything."
"I love you too," she whispers, her fingers tangling in my hair.
I lay her down on the bed, my body covering hers. She welcomes me, her legs wrapping around my waist, pulling me closer. I can feel her heat, her need, and it ignites a fire in my veins.
Slowly, teasingly, I enter her. She's so tight, so wet. I savor the feeling of her, the way she envelops me, the way she fits so perfectly.
We move together, our bodies in sync, our hearts beating as one. I lose myself in her, in the feel of her skin, the sound of her moans, the taste of her lips.
"You're mine," I growl, my voice strained with pleasure. "Now and forever."
"Yes," she breathes, her nails raking down my back. "Yours, always."
I can feel her tightening around me, her body coiling like a spring. I know she's close, and I redouble my efforts, determined to bring her to the brink of ecstasy.
"That's it, amore mio," I encourage her, my words hot against her ear.
With a cry, she comes, her body shuddering beneath me, her walls clenching around my cock. I follow a, my vision whiting out, my release pouring into her in pulsing waves.
We collapse together, a tangle of sweat-slicked limbs and racing hearts. I gather her into my arms, cradling her against my chest, feeling her pulse flutter against my skin.
"This is perfect," Zoe murmurs, her voice dreamy. "Being here with you, like this."
"It is," I agree, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "But it's just the beginning, lupacchiotta."
She smiles up at me, her eyes shining with happiness. "I can't wait," she says, her voice filled with promise. "As long as I have you by my side, I'm ready for anything."
I run my fingers lazily along Zoe's spine as we lie together, our bodies cooling in the aftermath of passion. Her head rests on my chest, her golden hair spilling across my skin like liquid sunshine. In these quiet moments, I find myself wanting to tell her everything—every dark corner of my past, every scar on my soul.
"Tell me about your parents," she whispers, her voice gentle against the silence of our room. Her finger traces one of my tattoos.
My body tenses involuntarily. Even after all these years, the wound feels fresh. I've never discussed this with anyone outside the family—not with associates, not with lovers. But Zoe isn't just anyone anymore.
"I was sixteen," I begin, my voice rougher than I intend. "A rival family that now doesn't exist, was pushing into our territory. My father refused their terms."
Zoe shifts closer, offering silent encouragement as I struggle with memories I've kept buried.
"One night, I was supposed to be at a friend's house. I came home early." I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry. "The front door was open. I knew something was wrong."
The images flash before me as vivid as they were that night—the overturned furniture, the smell of blood heavy in the air.
