I pull her into a hug, holding her tight. She smells like vanilla ice cream and the expensive shampoo Lorenzo buys her.
"I love you so much," I whisper against her hair. "So, so much."
Her arms wrap around me. "I love you too. Even when you disappear for two years and don't return my calls."
"I'm sorry."
"I know." She pulls back, her eyes bright with unshed tears. "Just don't do it again. I need you here. This baby is going to need their Aunt Marina."
The word hits me somewhere deep. Aunt.
"I'm not going anywhere," I promise. "Not anymore."
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
Marina
The penthouse windows frame Chicago's skyline, city lights scattered like diamonds against black velvet. Dante's bedroom is nothing like the sparse safe house in Denver. Dark wood, clean lines, a bed that could fit four people. Everything screams money and power.
But I'm not looking at the view.
I'm looking at the box Dante placed on the bed.
"Open it."
His voice comes from behind me, low and rough. I feel the heat of him before his hands settle on my hips, pulling my back against his chest.
I reach for the box. Black velvet. My fingers tremble as I lift the lid.
Inside, nestled in silk, is a vibrator. Rose gold. Curved. Clearly designed for one specific purpose.
"Dante—"
"I want to watch you use it." His lips brush my ear. "While I'm inside you."
My breath catches. We've been together for weeks now, but he still finds ways to surprise me. To push me past every boundary I thought I had.
He pulls the fabric over my head and tosses it aside. His fingers find the clasp of my bra, and it joins the shirt on the floor. Cool air hits my skin, making my nipples harden.
"Turn around."
I obey. His eyes rake over me, dark and hungry. He's still fully dressed—black shirt, sleeves rolled to his elbows, forearms corded with muscle. The contrast makes me feel exposed. Vulnerable.
Exactly how he wants me.
"Take off the rest."
My hands shake as I unbutton my jeans. I push them down along with my underwear, stepping out of both. Naked before him while he watches like I'm something precious. Something he's been starving for.
"Get on the bed."
I climb onto the mattress, the sheets cool against my heated skin. Dante follows, finally pulling his shirt over his head.
He positions me on my back, spreading my thighs with his hands. His gaze drops between my legs, and I watch his jaw clench.
"Already wet." He drags a finger through my folds, and I gasp. "Good girl."
He reaches for the box and removes the vibrator, pressing it into my palm. The weight of it feels foreign. Intimate.
