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I want to. I really, really want to.
My physical need for him is unbearable. My body is crying out for him, burning hot with the need to feel him inside…it has been too long, and he fills me so completely, so perfectly.
But I know that regret will consume me once he leaves the bed.
“I can’t,” I whisper back.
My body is screaming at me.
Fool, what are you doing?!
Tiero shakes his head almost imperceptibly. There’s no sign of anger, only determination. And it’s hardly surprising. He’s perceived the change in my attitude since the last kidnapping attempt. He knows he’s wearing down my defences.
I’m sure in his mind it’s only a matter of time until my walls crumble.
“I love you, Ella,” he whispers and gently kisses my forehead before letting go of my face and rolling out of bed to go to the bathroom.
Yes, my walls are disintegrating bit by bit.
There’s no denying it—my body, heart and soul want him. But my mind is not on board.
Nothing has changed when it comes to my physical reaction to him. If he’s near, my body hums, and my heart flutters.
Last night, I found myself draped over Tiero’s body. And I hate to admit it, but it’s happening more and more often. Did he pull me close, or did I wander to him in my sleep?
Unfortunately, I suspect it’s the latter.
My desire for him is becoming near impossible to ignore. A fire is kindling inside me, ready to ignite.
And my heart? It feels for Tiero, for what he had to go through. Losing his mother at so young an age, his dad’s training, the death of his friend, as well as his own kidnapping… it put him on a path of revenge. And then, of course, the death of his father topped it all. It hardened him, made him cold and ruthless.
Yet I’ve seen the warmth that he hides behind thick walls. The way he’s with me and Mateo…it suggests a man who loves and who cares.
It’s all there, but let out rarely.
And as for the soul call… it was there the day we met. It’s there every time he looks at me. We’ve both recognised it… whateveritturns out to be.
But my mind? It doesn’t buy it. Or perhaps it’s my conscience.
My morals are so different to Tiero’s… and I don’t think I can live with his.
What if love really isn’t enough?
Mateo’s Rome residence truly is stunning. Especially the garden is magnificent with flowering shrubs everywhere.
Breakfast is set up in a little alcove overlooking the pool. As I make my way along the path of sweet-smelling roses, my inner turmoil from earlier this morning is still front and center.
I wish my puppies were here to distract me. I’ve gotten so used to them frolicking around my feet, it’s strange to walk at a normal pace. Oreo, Milk and Brownie had to stay home, and Mariella promised me she’d care for them just like I would. I really do become attached too easily, to humans and my pets. Will I ever get to see Knox again? Is he missing me too?
Tiero is already seated and, as always, on the phone. When I reach him, he rises to his feet and gives me a lingering hug, nuzzling my neck and kissing my cheek. Electricity buzzes between us, his touch leaving goosebumps in its wake.
“We’re leaving right after lunch,” Tiero tells me, as he pulls out a chair for me.
“Are we going back to Sicily?”
“No, I’ve got a surprise planned for you.”
My interest is piqued, and I look at him expectantly. His laugh comes easy, his eyes twinkle. “We’re flying to Monza on my jet. We’re going to the Grand Prix, and you’ll receive the whole VIP treatment. You can walk pit lane and even the starting grid.”
