“As discussed, there are a series of measurements along the door frame that looked sentimental, so we installed the steel door halfway down the hallway. Reinforced framing will keep any attacker out. It’s made to blend in. If you aren’t using it, you won’t notice anything. If you need a bulletproof door between you and the rest of the world, it’s right here.”
Joe patted what looked like a massive storm door that had been painted the same shade as the hallway. True to his word, Sabrina hadn’t noticed it recessed in the wall.
“Inside the office, as requested, we also installed a fireproof safe and bulletproof windows.”
Sabrina raised a brow at Cesare, but thankfully said nothing.
Cesare signed the paperwork and gave a copy to Sabrina. “It’s all under a ten year warranty. Just in case.”
Sabrina cleared her throat. “How much was this?”
Cesare shook his head. “Please let me take care of you. Let me keep you safe.” He insisted, unable to hide the intensity he was trying to dampen.
The repairman chose this moment to excuse himself with a final nod; paperwork in hand.
Cesare and Sabrina stood alone once again.
“Why do I need bulletproof windows?” Sabrina frowned.
Cesare stared at her for a moment in silence, his jaw tensing. “It is my job to go after other people. Legally. But sometimes that means they go after me. If I’m going to be around you, I want to make sure you have safe places to go. Just in case.”
Sabrina eyed him carefully and pursed her lips. “There’s more to it than that.”
Cesare neither confirmed nor denied, pulling her bodily towards him. “I need to know that you’re safe. And comfortable.”
Sabrina allowed him to pull her into his embrace and lifted her arms up, wrapping them around Cesare’s neck. “I can see that.” She answered.
“My parents used to fight like cats and dogs.” Cesare muttered. “They loved each other, but they both ran hot. Any time Pops pissed off my mom, she’d pack a bag and leave for a few days. No warning, no contact, no nothing. Pops would spend the whole time trying to track her down and bring her back, screaming the whole time that she’d run off with another man.”
Sabrina listened silently as Cesare stared off into the distance.
“There was never another man.” He added, looking back at Sabrina. “And she always came back a few days later with an SUV full of shopping bags and new toys for us boys.” He frowned. “When I came back and saw your note, and your phone on the desk, I thought maybe you didn’t want to see me again.And then I was worried you wouldn’t be able to call if something happened and you needed help.”
Sabrina nodded, feeling more and more guilty. “My parents weren’t perfect, and they argued too, but if they were upset, they’d take some time apart. But they always came back and figured it out.” Sabrina traced her fingers up the lines of his shoulders. “I just went for a walk with Marie to clear my mind.”
“Next time you need to clear your mind, I need you to take your phone.” Cesare answered. “I need to know you’re safe.” He answered, running his hands down her arms. “If you want space, that’s fine, but I don’t want to feel cut off.”
“That would make you feel safe?” Sabrina asked.
Cesare blinked, as if Sabrina’s question had hit a factory reset button on his brain. After a moment, he cleared his throat. “That would make me feel likeI canbreathe.” He answered lowly.
“You seem to need a lot of control.” Sabrina remarked, her tone light as she watched Cesare’s response.
Cesare nodded. “I do. But I only want to use it to take care of you.”
Sabrina looked at the recent repairs to the rescue surrounding them, and then back at Cesare. “Thank you for taking care of me, Cesare.” She answered softly.
Cesare’s jaw tightened as his face took on an unexpectedly vulnerable expression. He remained standing upright and tilted his head to the side; eyes raking her over.
“Kiss me.” He whispered, his need audibly bleeding through into his tone.
Sabrina happily obeyed, leaning up on tip-toes with a gentle kiss.
Cesare pulled her closer, returning the kiss slow and unhurried. Sabrina kissed him back, mimicking his movements as they parried back and forth for dominance. He groaned when she moved her body against his; Cesare’s hardening length jutting out against the soft pane of her stomach.
When they pulled away for air, Sabrina looked up somewhat in a daze. “Where do I put my hands?” She asked shyly, arms wrapped around his neck.
Cesare blinked, still somewhat in a daze. “Is this,” He let out an amused huff as he stole another kiss from her delicious, reddened lips. “Is this a trick question?” He muttered, leaning down to nuzzle the sensitive skin of her neck.
