Every line of his body tells a story of control and discipline. Strong arms, a broad chest, and hard lines shaped by daily effort and a strong will. My gaze slides helplessly along his shoulders and stops at the ink on his upper arm. A shield. Stars etched in a diamond frame. A sun burning boldly at the center. I catch myself wondering what it means.
A faint trail of dark hair dusts his chest, drawing my eyes downward to the way his sweatpants hang low on his hips, revealing that tempting V-line. My mouth goes dry.
I raise my eyes to see his chest rise and fall in quick movements. His abs catch the light in a way that makes my pulse trip over itself... and then his eyes meet mine.
And everything in me stills.
Alexander is the first to speak. “Can’t sleep?”
His gaze travels over me, and it feels like a touch all its own.
“Cecilia?”
“No... yes.” I take a shaky breath. “No. That’s not it.”
He steps closer. “Then what is it?”
I draw in a deep breath.
You can do this. You want him. And he wants you. There’s no reason to lie awake wondering what if... when he’s right here.
“I want more, Alexander,” I whisper.
He comes closer. “More?”
“Yes.” My voice doesn’t waver now. “Not just kisses. I wantallof you... take me to your bed.”
He takes one last step, and I’m pinned against the wall beside my door. Heat pours from him, his scent wrapping around my senses and sending a shiver through me.
“All of me...” he murmurs, roughly.
Then his mouth is on mine. The kiss is deep and urgent, full of want. His hands come to my waist, pulling me closer. Everytouch of his lips, every intense sweep of his tongue against mine leaves me dizzy. A rough sound escapes him, like he’s holding himself back with everything he has, and that only makes me want him more.
But then he breaks the kiss abruptly, pressing his forehead to mine. He mutters something under his breath. “I don’t have protection with me.”
A rapid stream of Italian follows and judging by the tone alone, I’m fairly sure it’s not poetry.
I blink at him, my mind stuck on everywhere our bodies still touch.
He cups my cheek, his thumb stroking gently.
“I don’t bring women to my family’s villa,” he says, tone even. “It’s been a while since I’ve been with anyone. And I’ve wanted you from the start… Iwantyou right now in ways you don’t even imagine. But I never wanted to assume anything.”
He keeps his eyes fixed on mine. “When I said you set the pace, I meant it,” he says, exhaling. “I was going to buy condoms tomorrow when we go into town... just in case. But apparently not fast enough.”
He gives an apologetic shrug, and something melts in my chest.
“I... I have some,” I blurt out.
He looks at me, his gaze too intense.
“Felicity. My friend. She put them in my suitcase, and I...”
“Your suitcase,” he repeats gently, pulling me out of my spiral. “Is it in the closet?”
I nod. He doesn’t hesitate. Alexander turns and disappears into my room, leaving me standing there in the hallway with my heart thudding wildly.
Less than a minute later, he’s back, the small box in his hand.
