Page 64 of Forever Mine

“And I’m yours,” I respond.

“What does anjinho mean again?”

“My angel.”

“What should I call you?” she asks.

“Whatever you want.”

She thinks for a moment before responding.

“Tesoro.”

“What does that mean?” I ask, although I already know. I just want her to say it.

“Darling or sweetheart,” she answers softly.

“I like that, querida.”

“Mmhmm,” she murmurs as she snuggles into my chest. Monica grabs my hand and cuddles it against her heart. Her heartbeat is steady against the back of my hand, and I feel the moment she falls back asleep.

As God is my witness, I’ll do whatever it takes to ensure she is protected. Monica Valducci Russo is my future, and no man or family is going to change that. Bring it on, mother fuckers.

CHAPTER TWENTY

Monica

Gabriel wasn't lying when he said he'd protect what was his. Before I was released from the hospital, he had Emily pack all my belongings and move them to Gabriel's condo. I've been instructed to take it very easily by the hospital doctors and to basically let Gabriel wait on me. Now that I've finally decided to embrace a romantic relationship with Gabriel, I feel a sense of peace I've never felt before.

I'm an independent woman. However, I realize I'm this way because I've never had a man whowantedto take care of me. Wanted to fight for me. Realizing Gabriel is unlike any man I've ever dated has been remarkably cleansing. I'm thirty-four years old, and I finally found someone who I respect and who respects me.

On the first day out of the hospital, Gabriel takes me right to his condo and sets the security alarm as soon as we're inside.

"I'll explain how to work the security system tomorrow,querida. Let's just relax today," Gabriel says as he swiftly pulls me into his arms and carries me up the stairs.

"I can walk, Gabriel," I sputter.

"Let me take care of you, baby," he says huskily as he leans down and presses a kiss against my neck. I shiver as goosebumps erupt across my neck and shoulders. Gabriel chuckles as he carefully deposits me on his bed. "No more guest room. You're staying in here with me. Our room now."

I feel the butterflies in my stomach again as I look up at him. His eyes show adoration and tenderness, but his body stance is all power and presence. I watch as his eyes darken. "You need time to recover,querida. You can't look at me like that."

"Like what?" I whisper as my hand reaches out to drag along the waistband of his jeans. His quick intake of breath tells me he's as turned on as me. One fingertip touches the hot skin on his hip as Gabriel leans forward until our noses touch.

"You're looking at me like you want to devour me whole,querida. Like you want me to taste every inch of your skin and own you. Mark you as mine," he whispers against my lips. My eyes close in surrender as I whimper. He's not wrong. I want that desperately. "You need to recover. I won't harm you. I need you healthy because how I want to take you will be rough. Been dreaming of this for too long. I can't be gentle at first."

"Fucking hell," I murmur as he leans down to kiss my neck again. "Kiss me,tesoro."

"Soon."

"What do you mean by that?" I say breathlessly.

"You need to recover. Your face … you need to recover,querida," he mutters against my neck. He's caged me in with his arms, but no part of his body touches me. I want him so badly, and he's holding back.

"I'm not made of glass, Gabriel."

"No. You're much more valuable than that."

"I need you to kiss me."

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