His eyes are riotous with something, like he’s fighting an internal war. He’s a dangerous, deadly man, capable and responsible for dark things. I shouldn’t be here with him at all,least of all, alone, in a place where it’s like we’re the last two people in the world.
But the only thing I can think of is how much I want him to kiss me. To give me my first kiss. Totakemy first kiss.
A stirring deep in my core awakens as I think of Tommaso taking what he wants.
Me.
There’s no doubt in my mind that he wants me.
For what purpose or how long remains to be seen. I’m an intelligent woman…this should be sending up all sorts of red flags.
Self-doubt pushes in as I remember all the perfect mafia princesses that I went to school with. They’re the kind of woman Tommaso should want, the type of woman he’ll end up with—not a nobody like me. I have nothing to offer a man like him; he’ll marry for power and to benefit and grow his kingdom. I have nothing to offer in terms of bringing him more power, wealth, or reputation.
“Gina?” His brow pinches as he stares down at me, like he can read my mind.
I step back, and he lets me go. My doubt reminds me of how I look in sweatpants and a ponytail. I smooth the flyaway hairs that have escaped being tied back, feeling more self-conscious than I ever have in my life.
“Why am I here, Tommaso?”
His jaw works as he studies me before he takes my hand again. I try to pull away this time, but he’s having none of it.
“Would you prefer me to toss you over my shoulder and slap your ass while we go to where I want to take you?”
“No.” The single word is breathy as exhilaration rips through me.
What…what is happening?
His words and the dominating tone have heat flushing through my entire body.
Do…do I like that? Want that?
“Where are we going?” I ask again, trying to sound in control.
“I’d rather show you than tell you.”
“Are you taking me somewhere to keep me captive?”
I really shouldn’t have sounded so…hopeful. Honestly, what the hell is happening to me?
If I thought his smile earlier was slightly sinister, then it’s definitely sinister right now. “Would you like that,il mio sole?” I can’t even speak, let alone formulate a clear thought. “Would you like me to keep you locked away? To keep the sun all for myself and my dark soul?”
“No?” I’m finally able to formulate a thought. But it’s a question, not a confident answer.
His large, scarred hands lift and gently frame my face. “You feel it, too, don’t you?” He steps closer. “You feel what cannot be explained, understood, or even rationalized, don’t you?”
“Yes,” I whisper.
“Don’t fight it, love. You don’t have to understand it; you just have to trust it.”
“Will you break me?” My voice trembles slightly as my heart races so fast it might explode.
“Never,” he promises. “I’ll ruin you, that I promise.” My core tightens and tingles, imagining what he might mean by that. “But I will never break you or harm you. You have my word or my life.”
My hand falls to his chest, feeling the solid muscle, and my other cups his cheek.
He bends his tall body to lower his head and touches his lips to mine, not asking for but taking my first kiss.
My lips part on instinct, letting him take control as I revel in the feel of his lips. I startle when he swirls his tongue with minebut quickly become accustomed to the invasion and happily learn how to dance mine with his.
