Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 84756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
“If?”
I hope she doesn’t think she has a choice in the matter.
“When,” she corrects herself.
I reach for her left hand, and bringing it to my thigh, I stare at her slender fingers before opening my fist.
“This ring belonged to my grandmother and mother. Once I put it on, you will never take it off.”
I feel her hand start to tremble, and as I position the diamond by her ring finger, my eyes lock on her face.
“Look at me,” I demand.
Her gaze darts to mine, and only then, do I push the ring onto her finger.
Tension builds in the air before I say, “With this ring, you become my fiancée. The wedding ceremony is only a formality.” When she nods, I add, “You belong to me, Gabriella. No man is to touch you.”
“Okay,” she breathes.
I can see she wants to ask something, but she hesitates.
“What?” I mutter.
“Will you … ahh…”
A frown forms on my forehead. “Out with it.”
She lifts her chin and holds my gaze. “Will you have affairs?”
I let out an unexpected burst of laughter that startles her.
“You think I have time to fuck around?”
Her eyes widen. “No. I didn’t mean it that way.” She lets out a slow breath. “Forget I asked the question.”
“No, there won’t be affairs, because I’m way too busy and you’ll satisfy all my needs.”
Her eyes widen again, and a blush creeps up her neck.
I glance down at my ring on her finger, and brushing my thumb over the diamond, I ask, “Do you have any questions?”
“When will the wedding take place?”
Lifting my gaze to hers, I lean back against the sofa. “Once I’ve taken care of a problem at work.” Before she can ask when that will be, I add, “Hopefully, it will be soon.”
She nods, and lowering her eyes to where I’m holding her hand, the nervous expression returns to her face.
“What are you worried about?” I ask.
She shakes her head but meets my gaze before she answers, “Marrying you is the last thing I expected.”
She didn’t even consider it?
“Why?”
“You’re the Capo dei Capi. You could pick any woman.”
“I can’t pick just any woman,” I mutter.
Her eyebrows draw together with confusion. “Why?”
“Because the woman I marry has to be fucking strong.” My eyes burn into hers. “No matter what, she has to stand her ground. She can never back down.”
Letting go of her hand, I lift mine to her neck and brush my thumb over the stretch of skin where the bruises used to be.
“The woman I marry must be able to survive by my side.”
Her lips part, and she almost looks shocked as she realizes what I’m saying.
Her tone is filled with surprise. “You think I’m strong enough?”
I shake my head, and pulling her face closer to mine, I say, “I know you’re strong enough.” My voice is low as I add, “You will not bend the knee to anyone but me.”
Gabriella’s eyes dart over my face before she nods.
I don’t make a habit of asking people how they feel about a matter, but still, I ask, “Are you okay with marrying me?”
She doesn’t hesitate to nod. “I’m honored. I’ll do my best to be a good wife.” Her tongue darts out to wet her lips. “Can you tell me what you expect from me?”
What do I expect from her?
I have to think before I answer, “I expect absolute loyalty and respect.”
“Okay.” There’s a moment’s silence, then she asks, “What about the intimate side of things?” She lets out an awkward chuckle. “Are you even attracted to me?”
Instead of answering her, I lean closer until I feel her breath on my face.
A nervous expression instantly tightens her features.
Slowly, I tilt my head, and once her pupils dilate with anticipation, I press my mouth to hers.
Just like the first time I kissed her, a tremble wracks through her body, and she presses her hand to my chest.
Her reaction does something to me, and unable to keep the usual tight control on myself, I tilt my head as I thrust my tongue into her mouth.
It’s instant. The need hits me like a lightning bolt, and I fucking devour her. I grab her hips and lift her onto my lap.
Gabriella lets out a squeak, and it tastes sweet and innocent.
I break the kiss and force her to straddle me. The position forces her dress to bunch high on her thighs, and the sight is sexy as fuck.
Lifting my hands, I frame her face to keep her in place as I growl, “Yes, I’m attracted to you.”
She’s already breathless, her cheeks pink and her eyes filled with desire.
I slam my mouth to hers and allow myself to get lost in the kiss.
I don’t remember a kiss ever feeling this good.
My tongue strokes hers, and her inexperience allows me to do whatever I want. My lips possess hers completely, and when she lets out a soft moan, I almost lose my fucking mind.