AllFreeNovel
Share Us
As we approach my compound, the gates open automatically, allowing us to drive through. A strong sense of relief washes over me, the familiarity of the place offering a semblance of safety. It's here where I can protect her best – I know every inch of this property, every hiding spot and escape route. It’s filled with my men.
Right now, it’s just Rafaele who came for her. But I have enemies everywhere who could hear I’m falling for a woman, and I mentally prepare myself for more assaults, more harm towards her as an attempt to bring me down, all of which I shall defend her against.
I step out of the car and walk around to open her door, helping her out with a gentle hand. The night air is cool and crisp, and the grounds surrounding the house are bathed in moonlight, casting a serene atmosphere over the entire scene.
This place, filled with memories of my family and the life I've built, now holds a new significance – it's become a sanctuary for the woman I care for more than any person before her.
"Come on," I say softly, leading her towards the house. "Let's get you settled in."
The door to the main house shuts behind us, closing off the outside world and its dangers. I can see Romola shivering slightly, her arms wrapped around herself as if to hold in what little warmth remains. I know that she needs something to help her relax, something to take her mind off the events of the night.
"Wait here," I tell her gently, guiding her into the living room. "I'll make you some hot chocolate."
I head into the kitchen and feel an innate sense of responsibility for her well-being. She's been thrust into this dark and dangerous world because of me, and it's up to me to keep her safe.
I rummage through the cupboards, finding the cocoa powder and milk I need. As I heat the milk on the stove, the comforting aroma of the hot chocolate fills the room, bringing with it memories of simpler times as a kid when my biggest worry was whether or not it would snow on Christmas.
Suddenly, I miss my father. I understand now why he was always so protective of Mom.
Pouring the hot chocolate into a mug, I carry it back into the living room, where Romola sits, looking small and fragile on the couch.
"Here," I say, handing her the steaming mug. "This should help warm you up."
As she takes it from me, her fingers brushing against mine, I see her gaze lock onto my eyes. We share a moment of connection, understanding passing wordlessly between us. Though we've only just met, it feels as though we've known each other for a lifetime.
"Thank you, Fiero," she whispers, her voice trembling slightly. "For everything."
"There’s nothing to thank me for," I reply, my own voice barely above a whisper as well.
She takes a sip of the hot chocolate. The rich, comforting aroma fills the room, and silence descends between us. For a moment, it seems like time itself has ceased to exist, leaving just the two of us suspended in our own little sanctuary.
“I’m just glad you’re okay,” I burst out at last. “I could have killed that man, I swear I could have.”
And then, without warning, she leans in and presses her lips against mine. Caught off guard, my mind races with shock and desire as our mouths meet in a searing kiss. She tastes of chocolate and champagne, and it sends a spark of unbridled passion through me.
As we break apart, Romola giggles, still slightly intoxicated from the alcohol and coming down from the adrenaline that must now be leaving her body. "You're so fierce, Fiero," she says, her eyes alight with admiration and something more – something that makes my heart pound in my chest. “It’s something I never expected.”
“Whatever do you mean?” I frown.
“I mean, this…” she points at the hot chocolate on the table beside her. You do all this, set up the perfect night, act the sweetest man and then the way you punched that man tonight. You’re an oxymoron on its own. You're the closest thing to what a real man should be: soft yet hard, sweet yet murderous. You can shield just as well as you can attack, and it’s … fierce.”
"Romola..." My voice falters as I struggle to maintain my composure, not to let her words make my pride float too high.
"Please, don't say anything," she whispers, gently placing a finger against my lips and parting hers as she does. I just... I want to remember you this way, fiercer than I thought."
"Romola," I say, my voice growling at the feel of her fingers on my lips. "You have no idea what you do to me." I can't resist any longer. The magnetic pull between us is too powerful to ignore.
I lean in and capture her lips once more, this time biting her lips for blood. Our mouths meld together, my hands slide up her dress and squeeze her inner thighs, memorizing a map and all its significant landmarks.
Romola's fingers tangle in my hair, pulling me closer.
"Your fierceness, your masculinity," she murmurs against my lips, "it's intoxicating."
"Let me show you just what a real man I am," I roar, ripping the skirt of her dress off at the waist.
Within seconds, our clothes become a tangled mess on the floor, discarded remnants of the poised night that was meant to be just ‘between friends’.
Chapter 31
