Page 44 of Bianchi

Licking my lips, I fight back the grin that threatens to slip free. “Put your arms around my neck.”

She does as I ask, wrapping her legs around my waist when I stand from the chair. With her head resting on my shoulder, I carry her to the bed. It feels like the most natural thing to do. She’s a distraction I can’t afford and one I don’t know I can stay away from. Not when she’s everywhere I turn.

I set her down on the mattress and take a step back, needing to put some space between us. “Get some sleep.”

Too much is resting on my shoulders for me to succumb to her temptations.

This has to be the last time.

Chapter 25

Aurora

My body aches, but there’s a lightness to my mood that hasn't been there in a very long time. I throw an arm over my eyes, not bothering to hold back the giddy smile that breaks free and stretches over my face. It felt so good to talk to someone about my mom, and Romeo listened attentively, his touch soothing me even when I got upset.

And then there’s what happened in the chair. Heat engulfs my body and I wriggle under the covers, desperate for his touch. I know I should be putting walls up between us, but last night felt different.

Doesn’t change the fact that he kidnapped you.

Right, and it probably won’t stop him from killing me, but for a moment last night, I forgot who he is and how we met. I know we don’t have a future, but at least for the time I’m here, there can be peace between us and I can enjoy how my body explodes under his touch.

Resolute in my decision, I throw back the covers and swing my legs over the edge of the bed. I’m mid-stride toward the bathroom when my eyes land on the open bedroom door. My brows draw down, and I tilt my head as my eyes dart around the room.

This can’t be happening.

Sucking in a breath, I hold it as I tiptoe toward the door. Is this a trap? I walk out that door and get shot? My hand goes to my stomach, urging the nerves bubbling away under the surface to calm down. Okay, so maybe I don’t go out and I divert back to the bathroom and get ready for the day.

“You’re up.”

My heart slams against my rib cage, and I spin toward Romeo. He’s leaning on the doorjamb, a towel wrapped around his waist and another around his neck, catching droplets of water from his wet hair. Steam billows out of the bathroom and around him. The only hint of danger emanating from him are the dark tattoos covering his upper body.

Swallowing thickly, I feign innocence and push the door closed before replying, “Yes. Just got up.” The sound of the latch falling into place ricochets around the room.

Romeo quirks a brow, pushing away from the frame and walking toward me.

It was a test.

I knew it and I still failed, miserably. God, what an idiot. I should have known better. He comes to a stop in front of me, and I hold his stare. It feels like it takes the force of my entire body to keep my brows low and mask my surprise when he cups my cheek. He dips his head, capturing my lips with his own before sliding his other hand around my waist and pulling me against his body.

Instinctively, I stand on my toes, melting into him as I wrap my arms around his neck. The hardness of his cock presses into my stomach and I moan against his mouth.

Romeo pulls away, his gaze heated when he rests his forehead on mine. “Cristo, what I wouldn’t give to stay in here with you all day.”

I dart my tongue out to wet my lips. I know it’s not right or normal that he can turn me on so quickly, or that he can say things like that and I don’t immediately feel terror at the prospect. What’s worse is that it sounds like heaven to spend the day with him and get lost in each other.

He continues, grabbing my ass with one hand and pulling me into him. “You can move around the house and gardens, but if you try to escape, bellissima, Massimo’s men have been instructed to shoot you on sight. Inteso?”

I nod, my mind racing in sync with my heart.

“Good.” He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear before releasing me and walking into the closet, as if what he’s said is completely normal.

I guess to him it might be. But is that it—I get some semblance of freedom so long as I don’t try to run? There has to be a catch. I look over my shoulder at the closed door, wanting to test if what he’s said is true. It’s calling to me, begging me to pull it open and cross the threshold.

Sucking in a breath, I blow it out slowly and force my body to relax. I’ll get ready for the day and then, if I find the door locked, I’ll know this has been some sort of cruel trick. If it’s still open, then I’ll use my time wisely, because as lost as I’m getting in Romeo Bianchi, he’s still my captor. He’ll still kill me without batting an eye when this is all over.

Thoughts of what lies beyond the door occupy my mind as I move around the room getting ready for the day. I’ve seen some of the house during my time here, but since that dinner, over a week ago, the only time I’ve left this room was to attend the gala.

Excitement thrums through my body and when I’m ready, I stand in front of the door, smoothing my sweaty palms down the front of my floral mini cami dress. I suck in a sharp breath before resting my hand on the doorknob. The metal feels cool in my heated palm and when I turn it, I huff out a sigh of relief before pulling the door open and peering into the hallway.

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