I lean in and clean the wound one more time.
“Sorry,” I apologize for the sting and the cold, but then still, before pushing the needle through her skin.
“This is going to hurt. I’m sorry, I don’t have anything to numb it.” Rosario just looks at me strangely.
“Mr. Romano, it is only a momentary discomfort. Please get it over with.” Her words surprise me.
As does the reaction it causes in my body. My cock stiffens as my wayward mind conjures up images of me stealing her innocence. My lips whispering the same words in her ear as I push inside her for the first time.
The needle slides through her skin, and I clear my throat as I quickly knot off the first stitch before continuing down the wound until it’s one straight line of sutures.
Twelve in total.
“Done,” I say hoarsely as I pack up the bag and clean up the mess I made.
Her whimper, the first sound she’s uttered in the last few minutes, makes my heart hurt.
“Thank you. Can I have some clothes and maybe some food? I feel light,” the words die on her lips as she passes out.
“Fuck,” I check her pulse and sigh in relief.
I tuck her long brown hair behind her ear and let my fingers stroke her cheek. The smell of roses wafts up, and I groan,wanting to lean in and sniff her hair and neck to see if it’s her shampoo or a perfume she wears.
“Bloody roses.”
Chapter Five
Rosario
The smell of bacon tickles my nose, and I stretch my arms above my head as I roll over in the soft bed.
“Ouch,” I blink open my eyes and place my hand over the stitches Bruno sewed into my side.
BRUNO.
The memories are coming flooding back, along with some new ones. Abuelo’s men are grabbing my arms. The needle. Me begging not to be taken away.
“No,” I pull the blanket away and find myself in a man’s button-down shirt.
He dressed me and then put me in his bed.
I know it’s his cause it smells just like him. Leather, tobacco, musk and something sweet yet spicy that I can’t but my finger on. I try to stand, but my legs give out, and I knock over the lamp on his nightstand when I catch myself.
“Rosario?” I hear him call my name in worry before his runny foot steps grow closer.
“Sorry, I’m okay. Just needed the bathroom.” I try again, but he holds up a hand, forcing me to a stop.
“Careful of the glass. Here, I’ll carry you to the ensuite and then clean this up.” Before I can agree, I’m in his arms, bridal style, forcing my arms around his neck, bringing my nose close to his neck, where I get to smell him directly.
“Thank you,” I whisper since I’m so close to his ear and wonder at the shiver that he shakes off.
“I’ve made a quick meal. I’ll bring you a plate. Be careful getting back to bed. Call if you need help.” He puts me down and closes the door to give me privacy.
I use the toilet and stare at myself in the mirror while washing my hands.
I look terrible. Dark circles around my eyes, hair a tangled mess, and my mouth tastes as if something died in it. I see a comb and toothbrush on the counter and decide to clean myself up a bit.
It takes me several minutes to work the knots out of my hair, but once I’m done feel half human again. I open the door to find Bruno setting a tray of food on the bed. He looks so awkward, as if he’s never done this for anyone before. It brings a smile to my face, which quickly turns into a frown when he looks at me so harshly.
