“We’d never let you go back there, kitten,” he murmurs gently, his fingers gliding through my hair. “I’m sorry it took us so long to intervene.”
Tears form in my eyes. “Thank you for coming for me once more.”
“Thank you for coming back to me. Now sleep, my kitty cat,” he soothes.
I rest my head back on his shoulder and close my eyes, comforted by his warmth and the gentle rhythm of his touch, making me feel so safe.
Just as I teeter on the brink of sleep, I faintly hear him whisper, “I love you.” But I’m fast asleep again before I can figure out whether his words are real or a dream.
EIGHT
“Knock, knock,”Joshua calls, opening the slightly ajar door wider.
I sit on the bed in only my underwear, a towel wrapped around me. My hair is in two braids, and I’m searching the laundry basket for my leggings.
I know we all have a lot to talk about, but I needed a shower first.
It was already afternoon when I was finally discharged from the hospital. Now, back at their place, I have chosen to occupy one of Sophia’s guest rooms beside Chiara’s.
The room is decorated in soft shades of pink, and since it’s a guest room, it is pretty empty beside a bed, dresser, and en suite bathroom, but it’s the nicest room I’ve ever had. And it’s the first time I will have one to myself since my parents died. So, I am more than grateful, especially considering I didn’t have to return to Roberto after everything that happened.
I shudder at that thought.
I look up to see Joshua standing in the doorway, leaning against the doorframe, looking bitable, dressed in blue jeans and a black Christmas sweater with Santa’s head on it. The writing around the image reads,Sleighin’ these Hos.
I burst out laughing, clutching the towel to my chest to keep it from falling. “Dio, what is that?”
“This, my sweet Carolina, is our Christmas tradition, and you’re not spared from it.” He smiles, pulling a sweater from behind his back and offering it to me.
Traditions are something we lost when we lost our parents, and it makes me miss them and not for the first time today. Sophia and the guys were and still are amazing in supporting and being there for me, but lying in the hospital and celebrating Christmas are probably two of the top ten things you’d want to have your mom and dad by your side for.
I stand and walk over to Josh as he closes the door and leans back against it. The towel drops to my feet as I reach for the sweater, leaving me standing in my underwear. I want to bend and grab it, but his eyes dart to my chest, taking on a hooded look, so I leave it on the floor, appreciating his gaze on me.
I unfold the black sweater and readSanta’s favorite Ho.“This is so ridiculously absurd. It must be Sophia’s doing.” I cackle.
“It sure is,” Joshua affirms, snatching the sweater from my grasp and letting it drop to the floor too.
His hooded eyes make my heart flip, and as he steps closer, he places his hand on my hip. With his other hand, he brushes aside one of my braids, and his lips descend to the spot where my neck meets my shoulder. I shudder, goose bumps erupting in the wake of his lips.
It feels like forever since he touched me like this, even though I slept most of the time. But my body knows, and it’s craving him now.
“I’m trying really hard to remind myself that you need rest,” he murmurs against my skin, his breath hot, and I gasp as he’s squeezing my hip.
I close my eyes, my voice barely above a whisper as I reassure him, “I’m fine.”
“You’re not,” he counters, trailing open-mouthed kisses along my neck.
I clutch his sweater tightly, seeking something to anchor me. His hands slide to my ass, pulling me closer, so I can feel his hard-on through his jeans.
“I know you’ll be gentle with me,” I breathe out, my hand sliding to his belt buckle, my finger slipping between the waistband of his jeans and his hard abdomen.
He pulls back slightly, lifting my chin with a finger. “I’ll always be gentle with you, but you’re still hurt,” he states, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. “And the others are waiting next door for us.”
“They can wait a bit longer.” I pout, making Joshua chuckle softly and squeeze my ass. I can’t help but gasp, pressing my thighs together.
“My Carolina, I am going to fuck you nice and slow, drawing out all those beautiful sounds from you,” he vows, cradling my face in both hands. “But it will be when you’re fully healed, and it will be in my bed.” He leans in, sealing the promise with a deep kiss. “Fuck, I’ve missed you. Remind me again why you’re in Sophia’s guest room and not in mine. Or hell, even sharing my room? I’ve learned to share these past few days.” He grins, his eyes dancing mischievously.
What does that mean?
