Page 17 of His Bride

A presence. Warm, solid. My eyes snap open, heart pounding. Dante’s naked body presses against my back, his arousal unmistakable. I freeze, breath catching in my throat.

“Adriana,” he calls, his voice a low rumble that vibrates through me.

I squeeze my eyes shut, feigning sleep. Maybe if I don’t respond, he’ll—

“I know you’re awake,” His lips touch my ear, causing goosebumps on my skin.

I swallow hard. “I… I was just…”

“Pretending?” Dante chuckles, the sound dark and rich. His hand slides over my hip, pulling me closer. “You can’t hide from me, cara mia. I see right through you.”

My cheeks burn. I want to sink into the mattress, to disappear. But a part of me—a traitorous, curious part—wants to lean into his touch.

“Look at me,” Dante commands softly.

I hesitate, then slowly turn to face him. His eyes glitter in the darkness, intense and hungry.

I bite my lip, then say, “Dante, I… I’m still sore from last night. I don’t think I can—”

He presses a finger to my lips, silencing me. “Shh, I know, tesoro. I’m not here for that.”

Relief washes over me, followed quickly by confusion. “Then why…?”

Dante’s hand trails down my neck, along my collarbone. “It is our bed. I also want to make you feel good, Adriana. To ease your soreness.” His voice drops lower, rougher. “Let me taste you. I’ll use my mouth, nothing more.”

My eyes widen, heat flooding my face. “I… I don’t…”

“You’re blushing,” he says, a smirk playing on his lips. “So innocent, so shy. It drives me wild.”

I shake my head, unable to form words. The offer is tempting, but overwhelming. I’m not ready, not yet.

Dante chuckles, the sound sending vibrations through my body. “Alright, cara. Another time, then.”

He leans in, pressing a kiss to my neck that makes me gasp. His lips linger there for a moment before he pulls back, settling beside me.

“Sleep, Adriana,” he murmurs, arm draped possessively over my waist.

I lay there, heart pounding, acutely aware of every point where our bodies touch. I listen closely until Dante’s breathing evens out.

Just breathe. I tell myself silently. Take it one day at a time.

I close my eyes and allow myself to sleep.

Chapter Seven

Adriana

I stare at the perfectly poached egg on my plate, its yolk a bright yellow eye staring back at me. The dining room is silent except for the clink of silverware. Dante’s presence looms across the table, his grey eyes watching my every move.

“How are you settling in?” he asks, his deep voice breaking the quiet.

I look up, meeting his gaze. “It’s… different. But I appreciate the home office you set up for me. It helps me focus on my work.”

A ghost of a smile flickers across Dante’s face. “Good. If you need anything else, just let me know.”

I nod, returning to my breakfast. The egg yolk breaks under my fork, golden liquid spilling across the pristine white plate.

Dante clears his throat. “We’ll be having dinner with my brother and his wife this evening.”

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