Page 13 of His Bride

Her eyes snap to mine, wide and apprehensive. I approach slowly, like a predator stalking its prey. She backs up until she hits the edge of the bed.

“Dante, I-” she starts, her voice quavering.

I reach out, cupping her cheek. She flinches, but doesn’t pull away. My touch is gentle, belying the violence these hands are capable of.

“Shh,” I soothe, stroking her soft skin. “I won’t hurt you, Adriana.”

A lie, perhaps. But in this moment, I want to believe it as much as she does.

I gaze at Adriana, torn between conflicting emotions. Her vulnerability is palpable, stirring something unexpected within me. For a brief moment, pity flickers in my eyes. She deserves someone of her choosing, someone close to her age of twenty-four and not a man who is fifteen years older than her.

“We don’t have to-” I start, but catch myself.

No. I’m Dante Rossi. I take what I want.

I push the moment of weakness aside, my dominant nature surging forward. My hands grip her waist firmly, pulling her flush against me.

“You’re mine now,” I growl, my voice deep and possessive.

Before she can respond, I crash my lips to hers. Adriana stiffens, her lips unyielding at first. I feel her hesitation, her inexperience.

I soften the kiss, coaxing her lips apart with gentle pressure. Slowly, she begins to respond, her body melting against mine.

My tongue sweeps into her mouth, tasting, exploring. A small moan escapes her, igniting my desire further.

I tangle one hand in her hair, angling her head to deepen the kiss. My other hand roams her back, feeling the curve of her spine through the thin fabric of her dress.

Adriana’s hands tentatively rest on my chest. I can feel her heart racing, matching the thunderous beat of my own.

The kiss grows more fervent, more urgent. I pour my pent-up desire and possessiveness into it. When we finally break apart, we’re both breathing heavily. Adriana’s lips are swollen, her eyes dazed.

“That was…” she mutters, trailing off.

I smirk, satisfaction coursing through me. “Just the beginning, cara mia.”

I can’t hold back any longer. The taste of her, the feel of her body against mine - it’s driving me wild.

“Fuck, Adriana,” I grunt, my voice rough with desire. “You make me so hard. I want to bury myself deep in that tight little pussy of yours.”

Her eyes widen, a bright blush spreading across her cheeks. The sight of her innocence, her embarrassment, only fuels my lust.

“I… I’ve never…” she stammers, averting her gaze.

Realization dawns. “You’re a virgin,” I state, more fact than question.

She nods, biting her lip nervously. “Yes.”

For a moment, hesitation creeps in. She deserves better than me, better than this life. But I’m too selfish to let her go.

“You should have someone good for your first time,” I admit grudgingly. “But I’m a bastard, Adriana. And knowing I’ll be your first…” I trail off, arousal spiking through me at the thought.

Without warning, I capture her lips again. This kiss is different - fiery yet tender. I pour all my conflicting emotions into it, my desire, my possessiveness, my unexpected tenderness.

Adriana responds eagerly, her arms wrapping around my neck. I savor the taste of her, the softness of her lips. For a moment, I let myself forget who I am, who she is. There’s just us, lost in this kiss.

My hands move to her dress, fingers finding the zipper. As I slowly pull it down, I feel her tremble against me.

“Shh,” I murmur, trying to soothe her nerves. “I’ve got you.”

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