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“Fuck,” Antonio huffs, turning around to walk back to the desk, sitting on the edge. I can see the mask of the crime boss persona slip. It dissolves slightly as he lets his guard down with me.
I walk over to him, but when I get close enough, he reaches out, grabbing my hips. Antonio effortlessly picks me up and places me on the desk in a quick spin. I automatically open my legs to accommodate his width as he stands in front of me. His broad hands spread on my thighs, fingers pressing into my skin with a bruising force. The heat from his touch seeps through my jeans. My heart is no longer racing because I'm nervous. It's racing in anticipation of what might happen next. Sex with Antonio is a drug and God, I’m a willing addict.
I put my hands over his, looking at how small they are in comparison. His are covered in ink. They’re dark and mysterious compared to my pale, almost ivory ones. Our hands show our differences, plain as day. We're so different, but I know in my heart that he's the only man I will ever want.
Ever love.
“I would never destroy anything of yours,” Antonio says, finally breaking the silence. “I may be a bastard, but you will always be safe with me. I told you that before, and I mean it.”
"I know my father destroyed my things and hurt Marco. I've seen how he operates my entire life. And,” I pause, holding a hand to my chest and then his, “this thing between us might be new, but I know how you operate too.”
“You think so?” he asks, his voice low and gruff. I don't know if it's because of where he is between my legs or if that's emotion, but it sends my heart into overdrive.
“Yeah, I do. If someone did something to you or someone you care about, you wouldn’t beat them up.” I watch his face carefully, the slow grin bringing mischief to his eyes.
“Il mio tesoro, if you think I'm not going to beat the living shit out of your father, you're entirely wrong.”
Some deep seeded vengeance, my inner child, the trauma he inflicted, responds to Antonio’s words. Am I a bad person for wanting that?
“Oh, I know you will.”
Antonio nods.
“But you won't leave him breathing like Marco is.”
Antonio frowns, lines marring his forehead.
“Lina...”
“I grew up in this world. Please don't bother denying it.”
“I wasn't going to. You mean something to me, and that's why I want you to have my name and protection. I want all of Draco's allies and soldiers to know that to touch you would mean a slow and painful death.”
“I used to dream of a romantic proposal by a man who would do anything to keep me and prove that I have value to him,” I tell him softly.
“I'm not a romantic man. I'm sorry you won't be getting that from me. But I am the man who will promise you orgasms and do my best to spoil you as often as possible. You have value to me, or I wouldn't let you in my home. But sweetheart, you don't need a man to tell you that. Despite the treatment your father has given you, you've always known your value. That's why you fought against him so much.”
“I would really like to give us both time to get to know each other before we get married, Antonio. I mean, what do we know about one another other than we're compatible in bed?” I ask. I want him to see my point. I hope that not only is he going to understand my need for this communication, but he will also understand where I'm coming from.
“We're good in elevators, too,” he jokes with a sexy smirk. I let out a breath, smiling as I shake my head. “Sweetheart, I'm my own man. I see what I want and go after it. Even if your father and his alliances weren't in the background threatening war, I'd still want my ring on your finger. It just so happens it needs to be done now so I can lay down the law and put the word out that you are off limits.”
“Is that what all this is about?” I ask. I can’t explain why I need more from him, but I just know I do.
He sighs, realizing I’m still hesitant. “Isn't that enough?”
“I guess,” I finally agree, unable to hide my disappointment. “Can I ask that you just talk to me in the future instead of trying to make me think you've hurt my brother?”
“You really never thought I touched your brother, did you?”
“No, but I had already decided to marry you.”
He seems to be annoyed as shock moves over his face. “Come again?”
“I had already decided to marry you.”
“Then why the fuck didn't you tell me that?” he hisses under his breath.
“Because I didn't realize it until Emilia asked me a question.”
