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Isabella pulls away, eyeing me curiously. “So, just friends?” she teases, echoing my comment.
I grasp her hand, bringing it to my lips. “Never just friends.”
Her smile could light up the night sky. “Good. I wasn't sure I could handle being ‘just friends’ with you either.”
We fall into an easy silence, content to simply enjoy each other’s company under the stars. Isabella leans against me, her head resting on my shoulder, and I wrap an arm around her.
For the first time in as long as I can remember, I feel at peace. Whole. As if I've finally found the missing piece of myself.
Isabella hums, tracing a finger down my arm. “Thank you for this night, Stefano. I haven't been this happy in a long time.”
“You're welcome,” I say, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “But I should be the one thanking you. You've given me hope, Isabella. A reason to believe there is more to life than serving the Capo. You make me want to be a better man.”
She lifts her head, eyes shining with emotion. “You already are a good man, Stefano. You just needed someone to remind you.”
I pull her into my arms, holding her as close as I dare. Isabella has seen into my soul and found the light I thought had been extinguished long ago. In her eyes, I am more than the Capo's soldier. I am a man capable of love, of change, of redemption.
Tonight, for the first time in my life, I feel free.
I gaze into Isabella's eyes, seeing my own longing reflected in their emerald depths. Without thinking, I lean forward and capture her lips with mine.
The kiss starts soft and sweet but quickly ignites into something more. Isabella wraps her arms around my neck, her fingers tangling in my hair as she pulls me closer. I grip her waist, holding her tight against me, our bodies pressing together.
All the pent-up desire and tension of the past weeks come pouring out. The kiss deepens, becoming urgent and passionate. I explore the softness of her lips, the warmth of her mouth. She tastes of champagne and strawberries, intoxicating and irresistible.
Every nerve in my body is on fire. I want nothing more than to lose myself in Isabella's embrace, to give in to the passion burning between us. But I force myself to still my hands, to take a steadying breath.
Isabella deserves better than a hurried tumble under the stars. She deserves rose petals and silk sheets, soft music and candlelight. She deserves a man who can keep her safe. Someone who isn’t me.
I press my forehead to Isabella's, my hands resting lightly on her waist.
"We should stop," I say, though the words pain me. "Not like this."
"Fuck, no," she says, and crushes my lips with hers.
Chapter 20
Stefano
Isabellapullsaway,herlips swollen from our passionate kissing.
"Do you still have the blindfold?" she whispers, a coy smile playing on her lips.
My heart quickens at the thought."Sì amore mio."Yes, my love.
I reach into my pocket and pull out the black satin blindfold.
Isabella turns around, her hair cascading over one shoulder. I tie the blindfold over her eyes, the soft fabric contrasting with her smooth, tanned skin. She shivers when my fingers brush against her neck.
With her vision obscured, her other senses will heighten. The sounds and sights of the night will fade into the background, replaced by the pounding of our hearts, the rustle of fabric, the smack of flesh on flesh. Her sense of touch will ignite as I caress every inch of her body.
I place my hands on Isabella's hips and pull her against me, nuzzling her neck. She gasps, her chest rising and falling rapidly. I graze my teeth over her pulse point and she moans, the sound sending blood rushing to my groin.
"Dimmi quello che vuoi?"I whisper in her ear. Tell me what you want.
A smile plays on her lips. "Everything."
The single word ignites the fire in my blood. I crush my mouth against hers, desire and possessiveness warring within me. Isabella is mine at last, and I will give her everything she craves.
