I feel my cheeks flush hot with embarrassment at being caught ogling him so blatantly. Silvo’s blue eyes glitter with amusement, and I have to resist the urge to stick my tongue out at him like a petulant child.
“Don’t flatter yourself,” I retort, lifting my chin defiantly. “I was just trying to figure out how someone so brutish managed to dress themselves this morning.”
Federico snorts out a laugh, clearly enjoying our back-and-forth banter. Silvo, however, merely arches an eyebrow at me, completely unfazed by my jab.
“Is that so?” he murmurs, taking a slow sip from his coffee mug. His gaze drops pointedly to the marks littering my skin, and I feel my face grow even hotter under his heated appraisal.
“Well, if it’s brutish you’re into, I can definitely be that for you,” he adds, his voice a low, dangerous purr that sends a shiver of anticipation down my spine.
I open my mouth to deliver a scathing retort, but the words die on my tongue as Silvo closes the distance between us once more. He reaches past me to grab a second cup from the cabinet, his body pressing against mine in a way that’s entirely too intimate.
I suck in a sharp breath as his solid frame molds against my back, the hard planes of his chest brushing against me with every subtle movement. His scent—that intoxicating blend of sandalwood, whiskey, and something purely masculine—surrounds me, making my head spin.
“Coffee?” he murmurs, his lips brushing against the shell of my ear. The simple word sends a delicious shiver racing down my spine.
I can only nod mutely. Silvo chuckles low in his throat, the rich sound vibrating against my back in a way that makes my knees go weak.
He takes his time preparing my coffee, his movements slow and deliberate as he adds cream and sugar—just the way I like it. All the while, his body remains pressed against mine in a delicious tease, stoking the simmering embers of desire that never seem to fully extinguish between us.
Finally, he hands me the steaming cup, his fingers brushing against mine in a lingering caress. Our gazes lock, the air between us crackling with an electric tension that’s becoming all too familiar.
“Thanks,” I manage to murmur, my voice coming out breathier than I intended.
Silvo’s lips curve into a slow, predatory smile that makes my pulse kick up a notch. “My pleasure, baby,” he rumbles, his gaze drifting over me in a way that leaves me feeling utterly exposed.
With a wink and a final brush of his hand against the small of my back, he moves away, leaving me flustered and aching in a way that has become far too common in his presence.
As Silvo and Federico delve into a discussion about business, I watch the subtle movements of Silvo’s lips as he speaks, remembering what they felt like against my skin last night—warm, insistent, relentless.
It frustrates me that I can’t shake these feelings of desire for my husband. But maybe I don’t want to avoid them anymore. Maybe I want to lean into them, see where they lead.
Even as I allow myself that thought, my gaze remains fixed on him. His eyes glint with an unreadable mix of emotions, and I realize with a start that he’s aware of my scrutiny. A lazy smile curves his lips, and I feel my cheeks flush.
As if sensing my turmoil, Federico chooses that moment to interject. “You two lovebirds heading out today?” he asks.
Silvo’s eyes flick to me, a silent question in their depths. I feel a moment of uncertainty as I search for the right answer, one that won’t give away the fact that we haven’t discussed our plans.
Before I can respond, Silvo speaks. “Actually, I have some business to take care of this afternoon.”
His words hit me with unexpected force. Of course, he has business to attend to—illegal, dangerous business that could get him killed or thrown in prison. The realization cuts through my haze of contentment, reminding me that our world is still dangerous, still unpredictable.
“Be careful,” I blurt out, the words rushed and unguarded.
Silvo’s eyebrows shoot up, clearly surprised by my concern. His gaze softens as he studies me. “I will,” he murmurs, reaching out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind my ear. His thumb lingers on my cheek, his touch sending a rush of heat through my body.
I swallow hard, my pulse pounding in my ears. When did his safety become so important to me? When did I start worrying about whether he’d come home?
“Carmela...” he breathes.
His lips descend on mine—the kiss is slow and intoxicating—ending a rush of desire coursing through my veins. I feel myself melt against him, my hands reaching up to tangle in his hair as the kiss deepens.
Finally, he pulls away, his eyes dark with desire. He leans close, his lips brushing my ear as he whispers, “That’s just a taste of what’s to come tonight, baby.”
I shiver as his words send a bolt of anticipation straight to my core. My eyes flick to Federico, who watches us with an amused glint in his eye. I can feel the heat creeping up my neck, knowing he’s witnessed the entire exchange.
Silvo grins. “I’ll see you later, baby,” he murmurs, placing one last lingering kiss on my lips before turning to leave.
As I watch him walk away, I realize I’m no longer torn between desire and fear—I’m simply wanting him back already. Being with Silvo De Luca is like playing with fire, and I’ve stopped trying to resist the flames.
