Page 11 of Claimed By the Don

"That's it, amore," I encourage through clenched teeth, my hips pistoning faster. "Give it to me. Wanna feel this pretty pussy come around my cock."

Ginetta's back arches like a bow, a high, keening cry tearing from her throat. I feel her orgasm crash through her, an earthquake I want to ride forever. Her tight sheath ripples around me, squeezing in a velvet vise that rips the climax from me.

With a bellow, I empty into her in pulsing jets, pouring my release deep. I bury my face in the sweat-damp curve of her neck, my hips churning shallowly as I work us through the aftershocks. Ginetta clings to me, trembling, her breath coming in hitching puffs.

Eventually, with great effort, I roll to the side, bringing Ginetta with me so we're spooned together. I can't bear to pull out of her yet, our bodies still joined in the most intimate way. She hums in contentment, burrowing back into my chest as my arms band around her protectively.

For long moments, we simply breathe each other in, basking in the afterglow. My heart clenches in my chest at the way she fits so perfectly against me, like two puzzle pieces finally clicking into place.

Christ, she was a virgin. The thought guts me as I realize the gift she bestowed on me. This woman owns me, body and soul. The idea of anything happening to her...

"Stop," Ginetta murmurs, craning her head back to fix me with a knowing look. "I can practically hear you brooding back there."

My lips quirk despite myself. "Mind reader," I accuse fondly, hugging her closer.

She smiles softly, but her eyes are serious as they search my face. "We're going to figure this out, Dante. Together. I'm not going anywhere, no matter how scary things get."

I swallow around the sudden lump in my throat, wonder and fear warring for dominance in my chest. I want so badly to believe her, to trust in the forever I see shining in her earnest gaze. But the demons nipping at our heels feel all too real, ready to shatter this fragile slice of heaven at any moment.

So I just nod wordlessly and bury my face in her hair, inhaling the sweet scent of her. Holding her warm, vital weight against me and trying to let it chase away the icy tendrils of dread.

We fall asleep like that, still joined, still clinging. I let the even cadence of Ginetta's breath lull me under, chasing away dark dreams for a few blessed hours.

Chapter FIVE

Ginetta

––––––––

The ballroom glitters like a jewel box, all soaring marble and gleaming crystal, awash in the golden glow of a thousand candles. Everywhere I look, the cream of New York society mingles in a sea of black ties and designer gowns, their chatter and forced laughter rising above the muted strains of a string quartet. It's the kind of elegant affair I've only ever seen in movies, a dazzling world so far removed from my own humble roots that it feels like a fever dream.

But the strong arm wrapped possessively around my waist, the warm breath teasing my ear...that's all too real.

"You're exquisite," Dante murmurs. "I can't take my eyes off you, tesoro."

I feel the heat of his gaze like a physical touch as it roams my figure, taking in the way my midnight blue gown hugs my curves before flaring out at the knee. It's the most daring thing I've ever worn, the neckline plunging to reveal an indecent amount of cleavage, the back nothing but a few crisscrossing straps. But the look in Dante's eyes when he picked me up tonight, the raw hunger and possessive pride...it made me feel powerful. Desired.

His.

I tilt my head back to meet his molten stare, my lips curving. "That was the plan," I tell him, injecting a teasing note into my voice. "Can't have you getting bored of me now, can I?"

Dante growls, the sound vibrating through his chest and into mine where we're pressed together. His fingers flex on my hip, digging in just shy of pain.

"Bored?" He scoffs, his sensual mouth twitching. "Never. You're a fever in my blood, Ginetta. An addiction I never want to kick."

He dips his head to brush his lips over the sensitive spot behind my ear, making me shudder. "If anything, I'm worried I won't be able to keep my hands to myself tonight. Might cause quite the scandal, fucking you in the middle of the dance floor."

"Dante!" I gasp, feeling the words like a bolt of lightning. The image flashes through my mind unbidden - Dante hiking up my gown in front of all these illustrious guests, bending me over one of the linen-draped tables and letting everyone see who I belong to as he takes me hard and fast.

I squeeze my thighs together, my heart pounding a staccato rhythm against my ribs. I should be scandalized by his blunt crudity but instead arousal sings through my veins, hot and debilitating.

God help me, but a secret, wanton part of me wants him to do exactly that. To stake his claim on me for all the world to see.

What is this man doing to me?

Dante chuckles darkly, the sound pure sin. I just know he's fully aware of the effect he's having on me, the arrogant jerk. No doubt he can see the flush staining my cheeks, the telltale clench of my fingers in the lapel of his suit jacket. He did this on purpose, the shameless tease.

Well, two can play that game.

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