Page 30 of Claiming His Mafia Princess

I hear the front door close behind us. Nevio carries me up the stairs to our bedroom, and through to the bathroom. He sits me down on the edge of the bath, then leans over it to turn on the hot water.

I watch him as he pours salts and into the rushing water. Steams fills the bathroom and fog the mirror.

“Get undressed.” He whispers.

I look down at my clothes, covered in mud and dirt.

I don’t move.

“Come on, baby girl.” He pulls me to my feet and while I stand there feeling bewildered, he peels my clothes off. Layer by layer until I am standing there shivering, staring up at him with wide eyes, wondering why he just killed three men for me.

“Dalila?” He asks, looking down at me. “Are you ok?”

I reach up and touch his cheek. His skin is warm. My hands are like ice against him.

He doesn’t flinch, though. He reaches up and threads his fingers through mine, pressing my icy fingers against his cheek.

I lift myself onto my tiptoes and kiss him.

I don’t know why I did it.

I just wanted to feel him.

He pulls my naked body up against him. His hand is resting on my lower back as he returns the kiss. Slow and deep. Our lips moving together as though we are dancing.

Then he stops.

“You’re shivering. Come on.” He lifts me in his arms and into the bath, lowering me slowly as the hot water stings my skin.

I sink into the aromatic steam and let the heat eases my stiff body.

Nevio kneels next to the bath. Picking up a sponge, he strokes it over me.

He works and with care.

I close my eyes and take a few deep breaths, finally able to accept that I am safe now.

I should never have tried to leave.

“I’m sorry.” I mutter in the quiet silence that is drifting between us.

I open my eyes and look into his. So blue they look like rare diamonds.

“It’s ok, Dalila. I know there is a lot going on, but — please—”

“I won’t do it again.” I interrupt him, knowing he is going to ask that of me.

He nods, still rubbing the sponge over my skin.

“Why did you try to leave?”

“I hate being kept in the dark. I hate being controlled.” I say, feeling guilty for making him come and rescue me and having to kill those men.

“I went out this morning to meet with your brother.” He says.

“You did?” I sit up a little.

“I wanted to get some answers for you. I know you’ve been struggling without knowing what’s going on, and I don’t blame you.”

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