Regardless of what he did for a living or who he associated with, I loved this man. My eyes drifted open, and I met his gaze, knowing every bit of my revelation was beingbroadcasted on my face. He stilled, his body going eerily motionless above me, and I wondered if I had done something wrong. There could have been no misunderstanding his words, but his reaction to my confession was unsettling—such disturbing intensity, I squirmed under his scrutiny.
Whatever had come over him only lasted a matter of seconds. His eyes blazed with triumph and determination before he pulled out and slammed back into me. I gasped at the blinding stab of sensation his assault created in my sensitive core. Over and over, he pummeled into my body with the ferocity of a man possessed, as if he were trying to force his way inside me until we were one body.
Still stimulated from my orgasm, my body was instantly back on the precipice, but this time, the building pressure was too much. I panted and flexed, trying to control the feeling that threatened to annihilate me.
Without pausing for breath, Luca demanded my submission. “Don’t fight it, Alessia. Don’t fight me. Give it to me, give me everything.”
My body detonated, limbs convulsing, and an inhuman cry tore from my throat. At the same time, Luca roared his release, dropping his head down like a man kneeling at an altar.
He was just as much a prisoner to this thing between us as I was.
The realization struck me as I coasted down from my orgasmic high. Luca lowered himself and nuzzled my neck, placing reverent kisses against my sweat-lined skin. Our bodies heaved with exertion, intertwined as we recovered together silently.
I was at peace when I was with Luca. I didn’t feel the needto prove myself or strive for acceptance. With him, I wasn’t just enough—I was everything. He accepted me just as I was, and I owed him nothing less.
Love was unconditional, and I felt that when I was with him.
I never wanted to lose that feeling.
“I love you, too,” I whispered in the dimly lit room, and the words hung in the air. I didn’t feel as nervous voicing them as I thought I would. They were a natural part of this thing that had grown between us.
Luca stared at my face until I gave in and met his gaze. “Say you’re mine. I want to hear the words.”
I didn’t hesitate. “I’m yours.” I wanted to say the words—I wanted to be his.
Neither of us said another word. There was no reason for any other sentiment. As complex as everything else was, what existed between us was simple, and there was no need to sully it. He rolled to his side and pulled me back against his chest where I fit perfectly into the curve of his body.
I never imagined myself with a man like Luca, but now that I had him, I couldn’t imagine my life without him. Plans and aspirations were great, but sometimes, life threw a curveball, and you simply had to adjust your swing.
My family was in the mafia, as was the man I loved.
It wasn’t the life I’d seen for myself, but it was the life I was choosing—my new path, which promised to be every bit an adventure.
EPILOGUE
ALESSIA
“I can’t believeyou’re doing this,” I muttered with my eyes cast outside the car window, watching the city blocks whiz by.
“It shouldn’t be such a shock. You go to family dinners every Sunday—we’re together now, so I’m going with you.” Luca’s voice was light with amusement, clearly enjoying my discomfort.
“It hasn’t even been a full week, and you’re already inviting yourself to my parents’ place for dinner? Yeah, I’m a little shocked—shockedand anxious.”
“Baby, you have nothing to worry about. Your dad and I have an understanding.”
My head whipped to the side where he smirked in the driver’s seat, one arm draped lazily over the steering wheel. “What do you mean ‘an understanding?’”
“He knows I’m not letting you out of my sight, not when things are still so turbulent. Plus, he gave me his blessing to date you, so it’s not a problem,” he explained as if describing his favorite dessert rather than the status of our relationship.
“When did this happen?” I gaped at him. Why hadn’t my father mentioned they’d had a conversation about our relationship?
“It was while you were … gone.” His voice deepened, and he took hold of the steering wheel with a white-knuckle grip. “It wasn’t something he said in so many words, but he gave his approval. Trust me.”
Well, this should be interesting. “Glad you two sorted everything out. Maybe next time, you’ll want to fill me in when it’s my love life you’re arranging.” I gingerly crossed my arms over my chest, more interested in broadcasting my annoyance than avoiding the discomfort of my healing wounds.
Luca’s eyes glanced my direction, and his lips pulled back in a broad grin. “Try and be annoyed all you want. You know that sass just makes me hard.”
I tried not to smile, I really did, but that damn playboy charm of his got me every time. I shook my head, and instead of arguing, opted to enjoy the scenery as we finished the drive to my parents’ house. We pulled up at the same time as Sofia, so I exited the car with a deep breath and prepared for the introductions.
