Page 86 of Roman

I swallowed at the desire I heard in his words. “And you hate that.”

“Yes. But it’s true. I fucking need you more than I need to breathe.” He brushed his mouth over mine. “Tell me I can have you. Don’t deny me,” he pleaded, a tone to his voice one I hadn’t expected from him. It tore at my soul, and I couldn’t deny him.

“Yes,” I whispered.

In an instant, he pulled me to his lap, his mouth covering mine. He kissed me like a desperate man needing oxygen and I was the only lifeline. He held me tight, his hands restless, sliding under the shirt I was wearing, roaming over my back, cupping my ass, pressing me close. His cock was a hard ridge between us. He stood in one fluid movement and carried me down the hall, depositing me on the bed, our mouths never separating.

He pulled back, yanking his shirt over his head and tossing it away. He pushed his sweats down, then in one rough movement, tore the shirt I was wearing up the middle and fisted my underwear, ripping them off my body. He lifted me to the middle of the bed and stared down at me. He breathed deeply, his chest working fast. His hands clenched and unclenched at his sides. His cock jutted out, making me whimper in need.

“So. Fucking. Exquisite.”

He crawled up the mattress, and I expected him to attack. To fuck me hard. But once again, Roman Costas surprised me. His mouth gentled, kissing me long and deep, sweeping his tongue in and exploring me. His touches were languid, tender, but no less passionate. He kissed his way down my body, teasing me with his tongue and fingers. He brought me to a shuddering climax with his mouth, then positioned himself over me, our eyes locking as he notched himself inside me.

“Mine,” was all he said.

His movements were slow. Teasing. His thrusts powerful, steady, and intense. He played my body like a violin, and he was the conductor, coaxing noises and responses from me I didn’t know I was capable of. My orgasm was quick, and I cried out. He only smiled and held himself over me, riding it out.

“That, Little Tiger, is only the start.”

ROMAN

I pulled down my shirt sleeves, making sure my cuff links were in place. At the doorway of the closet, I paused, staring at Effie. It was barely seven, and she was asleep, curled up in my bed, her dark hair a mess from my hands, love bites on her neck and shoulders. I knew if the blanket weren’t there, I would find them on her breasts and thighs as well. Something about this sweet woman made me want to mark her. I lost myself in unbridled passion whenever our bodies were close.

I’d had her three times in the night. Twice in the bed and once in the shower. Each time had been incredible—unlike any sex I had ever experienced. It was profound on a level I didn’t understand and didn’t want to delve into at the moment.

I wasn’t sure I would like the things I discovered.

I left quietly, not wanting to disturb her. If she woke up and I kissed her, I wouldn’t leave this room. We needed a conversation, and I wasn’t sure how it would play out. I’d planned on talking to her last night. Instead, I’d made love to her for hours, leaving us both sated and exhausted.

I went to the office downstairs, frowning when I heard voices inside. I found Aldo and Luca there, steaming cups of coffee in their hands.

“Brother,” I greeted Luca. “I wasn’t expecting you.” I glanced at my watch. “Especially this early.”

He looked serious. “I didn’t expect to hear that my brother now had a fiancée from another associate. It was an unexpected shock.”

Aldo stood and left the room. The coward.

I sat down, pouring a cup of coffee. “I apologize. I didn’t expect the news to travel so quickly.”

“Nonna told me she gave you her ring. She obviously saw something.”

My patience wasn’t the best this morning. “Since the lady herself hasn’t been told of the change in our status, I suppose I didn’t think to inform you first.”

An eyebrow shot up. “The lady hadn’t been told? You mean asked.”

I stood and paced. “You know about Effie. The Santinis connected us. They were watching her shop and saw me there and put two and two together. They demanded retribution. I knew no matter what happened, no matter what I gave them, as soon as I set her free, she was dead. They would snatch her and subject her to atrocities I don’t even want to think of. Keeping her is the only option. I am going to marry her and give her the safety of my name. She will live at the estate with Nonna.”

He stared, the anger draining from his expression. “Roman. What are you doing?”

“Paying my debt.”

“What about a real marriage? What happens when you fall in love?”

I scoffed. “I’m not like you, Luca. I don’t believe in romantic love.” I held up my hand, stopping him from talking. “I care for Effie. I think we can be content. We are compatible in many ways. Nonna liked her. Vi adores her.”

“And you ‘care,’” he said, his tone filled with disbelief.

“Yes.”