“No arguments. Not on this. Aurelio dies for what he’s done. To you. To my family. To everyone he’s ever fucking touched.”
She doesn’t try to stop me. She just nods and lets me hold her under the spray.
When the water runs cold, I towel her off, wrap her in one of the thick robes hanging on the back of the door. She’s shivering despite the steam, so I carry her to the bedroom and tuck her under the covers. It’s just starting to get dark but she looks wiped out.
“Try to sleep,” I tell her.
“Where are you going?”
“Nowhere. I’ll be right here.”
I start to pull a chair over but she grabs my wrist. “In bed. Please.”
The way she’s looking at me is different. Not just sweet anymore. But like I’m hers. I lose the robe, climb in beside her in just my boxers. She immediately curls into me, her head on my chest, one leg hooked over mine.
“Don’t leave me alone,” she murmurs.
“Never.”
“Promise?”
The word sticks in my throat. I’ve never promised anyone anything. Promises are weaknesses. But Sophie isn’t just anyone.
“I promise,” I say into her hair. “I’m not leaving you alone again. I’ll always make sure that you’re safe and protected.”
She’s quiet for so long I think she’s fallen asleep. Then she shifts, sliding down my body until her face is level with my cock. She nuzzles against it through my boxers, her breath warm.
“Sophie, you don’t have to—”
“I need this,” she whispers. “Please. I need to feel close to you.”
How can I say no to that?
I slide my boxers down and she takes me in her mouth, her lips soft around my shaft, her eyes already half-closed.
Fucking incredible how she does that. It’s not sexual. It’s a deeper connection, and I’ve never fucking felt this close with anyone in my life.
I stroke her hair, smooth it back from her face. “That’s it, baby. That’s my good girl. You’re safe now. I’ve got you.”
She makes a small sound around my cock, relaxing further. Her breathing starts to even out, slow and steady, falling asleep with me in her mouth like it’s the most natural thing in the world.
And maybe for us, it is.
Us.
I should be thinking about Aurelio. About the war, the ports, the Irish and their mysterious promise.
But all I can think about is the woman in my arms and how much I want to wrap her in steel and keep her safe from everything, including myself. The woman who is already asleep, trusting me completely even though I’ve given her a 100 reasons not to.
I lie there in the dark, one hand in her soft hair, feeling her warm breath against my skin, and make a silent vow.
Aurelio Demonio dies. Soon. Violently. And after he’s gone, I’m going to give Sophie everything she’s ever wanted. A new restaurant. A safe life. And I’m going to be the man who deserves her, even if I have no idea how to do that. I’ll figure it out. For her, I’ll figure out anything.
44
Sophie
The sixth building Vincenzo shows me has marble countertops and crown molding that are probably more expensive than the Arsenal’s annual budget.
