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Taking a deep breath, I turn the knob, pushing the door open to reveal an empty hallway. Huh. I guess that’s one point in Armando’s favor.
I peek out, looking left and right, but no one is in sight. Shoring up what little courage I have, I step into the hallway and head for the warm light coming from downstairs.
I’m unsure what I expected to find, but it certainly wasn’t Armando reclining on the couch with a book. He looks uncomfortable with his foot tapping up and down and his shoulders hunched up to his ears. As I reach the bottom of the stairs, I see he’s holding the book upside down.
Weird.
Armando peers over the top of the book, and his eyes meet mine. A smile takes over his features, and his shoulders drop as if all his tension drains away when he sees me. He’s genuinely excited and relieved, and I blink back tears. I don’t think anyone has ever been this happy to see me. The doubts from earlier vanish the longer I look at him.
“Hey, sweetheart,” Armando greets me, his smile growing bigger as I clear the last stair and walk into the living room. Hazel eyes catch mine, and the emotion there is overwhelming and unfamiliar.
“Good book?” I ask, eyeing the well-worn paperback.
Armando flips through the pages and then realizes it’s upside down. The tips of his ears turn red, and oh my god, is he blushing? How is it possible for the hulking giant of a man to be this adorable?
“You caught me,” he says sheepishly, closing the book and setting it on the coffee table. “I was worried about you and couldn’t figure out what to do with myself. After nearly wearing a hole in my hardwood floors from pacing, I thought I’d try to get some reading in.” Armando rubs the back of his neck and looks at the book before returning his magical eyes to mine. “As you can see, it didn’t go very well.”
He was worried about me? My heart flips in my chest, but I try not to let it mean anything. He’s being nice for reasons I still can’t comprehend.
I’m drawn to Armando, my feet padding forward without my permission. I can’t explain it, but I need to be near him. I need his calming touch, grounding scent, and deep, comforting voice that sends tingles racing up and down my spine.
“Can I get you anything?” he asks. “Water? Food?”
“Oh, that’s okay. I ate before my nap.”
“I’m guessing that was shortly after I left for work?”
I nod and look out the front window, noticing for the first time that it’s dark out.
“I figured. That was nearly seven hours ago.”
My eyes widen when I realize how long I’ve slept. “Sorry, I’m a terrible guest,” I mumble, automatically wrapping my arms around my middle for protection.
“Allegra,” Armando whispers, standing in front of me. “No more apologies, remember?” He crooks his pointer finger and tips my chin so we’re eye to eye. “You needed sleep, and I’m happy I could provide that for you. I was concerned you were sick.”
I shake my head and am immediately rewarded with a dazzling grin. Good lord, this man is devastating in the best possible way. I could get addicted to a smile like that.
“I’m feeling a lot better than this morning,” I tell him truthfully. “Thank you. For everything. I don’t know what I would’ve done if…” I trail off, not wanting to think about it.
“Good thing we don’t have to worry about that,” Armando says softly. “I’m here, and you’re safe.”
“Safe,” I repeat in a whisper. He keeps telling me that, like he knows I don’t believe it yet.
“That’s right, Allegra.” Armando cups the side of my face, holding me still as he leans down and presses the lightest kiss to my forehead. He immediately drops his hand and steps back, leaving me cold and swaying on my feet. “I’m sorry, that was too much,” he rushes to say, taking another step back.
I grab his hand and keep him anchored to me, pulling his muscled frame closer. “Not too much,” I murmur. “I… I like being near you,” I admit.
A second later, his arms are around me. “Good,” he grunts, pressing our bodies together. “I like it, too.”
After a few moments of being engulfed in Armando’s embrace, he loosens his grip and guides us to sit on the couch. I try sitting next to him, but Armando isn’t having any of that. His hands slide down my waist until he’s circling my hips and pulling me down on his lap.
“Still okay?” he asks, his lips brushing the shell of my ear.
I nod, leaning against his solid chest. Armando hums in approval, and the vibrations of his voice echo through my veins until they reach my throbbing core.
It’s inappropriate, and I have zero experience in this department, but tell that to the ache blooming between my thighs. I wiggle a bit to get comfortable, and Armando groans. His fingers dig into my hips, creating a sense of urgency.
“Careful, angel. You have no idea what you do to me. I’m trying to be a good man when it comes to you.”
