She radiates a spirit that I want to bask in.
She glares at me defiantly, standing naked, and I can’t help but look and she knows it.
I grab a towel and drape it around her shoulders, my hands brushing down over her tits, lingering even as my brain screams touching her will sign my death warrant.
I step back, needing distance. “I don’t know what game you’re playing at, but this isn’t who you are.”
“You have no idea who I am.” The defiance stays in her eyes, but it’s mixed with pain.
“I’ve known you for a long time. I know exactly who you are.”
“Then you know I take what I want.”
God, this woman will be the death of me. “What you need is to get dressed.” I turn away, wringing water from my shirt. How the fuck am I going to explain this? “I’ll give you privacy.”
“Such a gentleman,” she sneers as I walk away. “Tell me, Cristian, will Maksim be as considerate when he takes what he wants?”
I tense, fists balling at the idea of Maksim touching her. Of his rough hands marking her. “I’ll wait inside,” I say, refusing to engage, knowing I’m teetering on losing control.
I enter the house and head to the wing reserved for those who work for the Dante family.
I don’t live here normally, but I do have a change of clothes, usually for when my suit is bloodied, not wet.
I take a moment to catch my breath, reminding myself why I’m here.
She’s my responsibility.
That’s it. No more, no less.
I head to the common area for us, pouring myself two fingers of whiskey from the bar and downing it in one swallow.
Today, she pushed harder, and I realize that each day I’m protecting her, the line between duty and desire grows thinner.
I was chosen for this assignment because Alessandro trusts me to protect his sister with my life.
Not seduce her.
Not want her.
Not imagine how her skin would taste under my tongue.
I pour another drink, staring at the amber liquid as if it holds answers.
I've spent my life in service, finding purpose in fulfilling my role in the Dante family, but this is different.
This is a need that claws at my insides, demanding satisfaction.
No woman has affected me like this before.
For a moment, I consider leaving her with her brother for a few hours and finding a willing and able woman to fuck this frustration away.
But who am I kidding?
This isn’t just about fucking.
This is about Valentina and what she does to me.
I down the second drink as a feeling of doom settles over me.
