I had no doubt at all Dante Malvini was a ruthless killer. So it made sense for me to make sure Evie realised how dangerous he was.
I squeezed her fingers. ‘This isn’t a game, Evie. Or a movie. This is my real life now. I trust Vito to keep us both safe, or I wouldn’t let him bring you here. But you have a responsibility too, not to do anything to jeopardise your own safety.’
I knew how much Vito loved me now, because he showed me every single day. All those long looks, the sparkle of approval as well as arousal that was always there in his eyes, that told me I fascinated and intrigued and captivated him. The way he adored it when I challenged him or said something witty or caustic. I knew he admired my strength and my determination, as well as my compassion and empathy, things he had had far too little of in his life.
But I also knew that what we had, what we were building together, was pretty unique, especially in his world. He’d made allowances for me, had softened his desire to be in total control of everything and everyone to make space for my choices, my freedom. He’d also made allowances for Evie, trusting her the way he trusted me, just because she was my sister. And no way on earth was I going to throw that back in his face by putting either one of us…or my baby…in unnecessary danger.
I could see I had got my message across when Evie squeezed my fingers back, her face red.
‘Of course, Mia. I get it. And I’m sorry. I guess there’s a bit too much of Mum in me sometimes…’ She grinned that cheeky reckless grin I had always adored, despite the fact it had got us both into trouble more than once. ‘And he is super good-looking!’
‘Stop,’ I groaned.
‘Who is super good-looking?’
We both swung round to see Vito walking across the pool terrace towards us. He’d been gone for several days on a business trip to Rome. My heart leapt into my throat at the sight of him again… I’d missed him so much.
The throb of love in my heart was joined by another throb lower down. He’d rolled up his shirtsleeves to reveal the inked forearms I’d fixated on more than once.
I stifled the little well of guilt at my white lie when I murmured, ‘You are…you big lug.’
He reached me and lifted me easily off the lounger, despite my massive belly.
‘Vito!’ I gasped as I grabbed him around the neck.
‘Who is calling who big,bella?’ His husky chuckle had the throb going ballistic as his lips nuzzled my ear.
‘Jesus, you two, get a room!’ Evie laughed, apparently already over her misguided crush on Vito’s brother as she slipped on a warm robe to cover herself too.
Dante would be dealt with eventually, and hopefully Evie would never need to know about the more dangerous or brutal aspects of the life I’d chosen, I’d decided.
Vito turned and began to carry me back across the terrace towards the steps leading to our suite.
‘Where are you taking me, Vito?’
‘I am doing what your sister suggests and taking you to my bed. It is too cold to use the pool today,’ he said, clearly as unimpressed as his staff that Evie and I had wanted to take advatage of the first sign of sun in over a month. ‘And I have been without you for days…’ he declared, the demand in his voice making me melt in all the right places.
‘But I was talking to my sister,’ I protested, not very convincingly thanks to the breathless yearning already making my nipples pebble and my thighs quiver.
‘Your sister will have to wait. Now you must please your man,’ he said, going the full bossy as he stalked up the stairs with me in his arms.
When we arrived at the suite, he kicked the door closed behind him and dropped me on my feet. After pulling off my warm rode, he tugged his shirt over his head, buttons popping onto the floor. I edged back towards the bed as he proceeded to kick off his shoes and undo his fly. How much he needed me was evident from the huge bulge in his boxers and the dark demand on his face when he shoved them down.
‘On the bed, Mia, now!’ he growled as he stalked towards me. ‘I have waited long enough.’
I backed up, forced to sit on the bed, then waddle back as he climbed up onto it too, to cage me in.
I lay back, my bikini doing nothing to disguise my need. He plucked at the strings, and within seconds I was naked, the yearning becoming turbo-charged.
‘Who made you the boss of me?’ I whispered, recalling the arguments we’d once had as I pressed my palm to his stubbled cheek and let my affection for him show.
He clasped my hand and dragged it away from his face to wrap it around his huge erection.
‘You did, Mia,’ he murmured, then leaned down and kissed me, thrusting his tongue deep in the dance of dominance and submission I adored. As he explored my slick folds with knowing fingers, brushing my needy clit and making me ride his hand while I stroked him, he whispered, ‘As you are the boss of me, too.’
The rush of love was as overpowering as the rush of endorphins scenting the air while I climaxed.
He flipped me over, drawing me onto my knees so he could thrust himself deep while I was still clenching, spiraling upwards. He rode me to that glorious oblivion again and again as he cupped my breasts, stroked my belly and gave us both what we needed.
