Page 42 of Velvet Chains

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

ISABELLE

The night was heavy with a silence that amplified every creak and whisper of the old estate. I lay in bed, unable to find solace in sleep. My mind replayed the events of the day - the attack, the violence, Vincenzo's desperate act to save me. The memory of the gunshot echoed in my mind, and I could still feel the cold terror that gripped my heart.

The room felt suffocating, so I decided to get up, hoping that a change of scenery might bring me some much-needed peace. I wandered through the dimly lit hallways, my footsteps soft on the polished floors. The mansion was eerily quiet, the shadows long and ghostly in the flickering light of the wall sconces.

As I approached the library, I noticed a faint glow under the door, and I pushed it open quietly. Inside, the library was the faint smell of old books mingled with the scent of whisky. Vincenzo stood by the window, a glass in his hand, staring out into the night.

The lamps outside cast long, soft shadows across his troubled face, highlighting the tension etched into his features. I hesitated for a moment, watching him. He looked so alone, so burdened by the weight of his world.

"Couldn't sleep either?" he asked, his voice low and rough, breaking the silence. He didn't turn to look at me, but I could sense the weariness in his posture.

I shook my head, moving to sit down on a sofa across from where he was standing. The leather was cool against my skin, and I curled up, drawing my legs beneath me. "No," I replied softly.

The silence stretched between us. Vincenzo finally turned, his eyes meeting mine. "I'm sorry for what you saw," he said quietly, the words heavy with regret. "I never wanted you to see that side of me."

My heart ached at the pain in his voice. I looked at him, seeing the vulnerability he rarely showed. "I know you didn't," I replied, my voice gentle but firm. "But it's part of who you are, isn't it?"

Vincenzo nodded, the admission weighing on him. "It is. But that's not all I am."

I looked at Vincenzo, my heart aching for the pain I saw in his eyes. "Then show me the rest," I said gently, my touch a lifeline between our worlds.

Vincenzo sat down beside me, and for a moment, we simply held each other's gaze. Then, slowly, he began to open up about his past.

"I grew up in a world of violence," he said, his voice low and rough. "My father was a cruel man, and I saw things no child should ever see."

I listened intently, my heart aching for the pain he'd endured. "I’m sorry… Did you have anyone you could trust?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Vincenzo's eyes flashed with anger, but then softened. "My mother," he said. "She was the only one who showed me love and kindness. I vowed to protect her, to keep her safe from my father's wrath."

I nodded, understanding. "And now you're trying to protect me," I said, my voice filled with emotion.

Vincenzo nodded, his jaw clenched. "I won't let anyone hurt you, Isabelle. I promise."

I believed him, and my heart swelled with love and admiration for this complex, wounded man.

"What about your brother?" I asked, curious.

Vincenzo's expression turned bitter. "He, like me, is a product of our father's making," he said. " I hope he can find a way out, like I did."

I took his hand, feeling the roughness of his skin. "You're not like your father, Vincenzo," I said, my voice firm.

Vincenzo looked at me, his eyes searching. "I hope so," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Vincenzo pulled me into a desperate kiss. I responded instantly, our emotions pouring out in the embrace. The kiss deepened, a raw and primal connection reigniting between us.

He urged me backwards again, until my shoulders were pressed against the wall. He then looked at me, his eyes scanning my body, from my bare feet to my hips. He kept staring, and I felt like he could see into my soul. The rise and fall of my breasts got more pronounced as my breathing got heavier. I was turned on just by his gaze. I knew I had to have him right then and there, before I went crazy

"Vincenzo, " I began, my voice softer now. I wanted him. Badly. I looked up, finally meeting his eyes.

He was looking at me expectantly, waiting for me to speak. I sighed, my lips parting, and relaxed my body, yielding to him. Vincenzo smiled. He grabbed my waist and kissed me, grinding his hips into mine. He pulled my shirt loose from my waistband and caressed my stomach, my back, my ribs... He kissed my neck and my chest. The feel of his hands, hot on my body, drove me crazy. My skin felt hypersensitive, every touch sent waves of pleasure through my body.

In a heartbeat, Vincenzo hoisted me up onto his desk. He pulled my nightgown up over my breasts and took them in his hands. He sucked on my nipples and squeezed my breasts, kissing my ribs and stomach until he was on his knees before me. I looked down at him, my eyes glazed with lust. He stroked me and squeezed and kissed his way up my legs. He bit my inner thighs, making me gasp. He slid my plain, black panties. He slid them down to my ankles.

He let out a soft groan, his eyes filled with lust. I looked at him expectantly, my hair falling loose over my face. He kissed my inner thighs again, eliciting soft gasps from my lips. He brought his hand up to my thigh and slid his thumb over my slit, spreading the outer labia. He looked up at me as he brought his tongue to my pussy, licking, then softly sucking my clit.

"Oh, fuck." I sighed, I tangled my hand into his hair, pulling him as close as I could.

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