"It's beautiful," I admit. “Um, are you sure you’re okay with Skeet being here? Cats and leather furniture don’t really mix.”
“If he ever comes out from under the guest bed, he’ll be fine,” he says with a chuckle. My poor cat wasn’t thrilled about being relocated to Rivin’s domain. As soon as I stepped inside with him, he bolted.
Alessandro just set up all of his stuff in the guest room so he wouldn’t have to leave if he didn’t want to leave. He’s really bumming Rivin out, though. Rivin is dying to play with him. I don’t see that happening anytime soon, though. Skeet is not about that life.
Maybe one day.
"Come on," Alessandro says, eyes glinting as he holds out a hand toward me. "You can prowl through my shit tomorrow. Let's get in bed."
My heart pounds against my breastbone at his words. "I am not sleeping in your bed, Alessandro."
He smirks, yanking his shirt over his head as he stalks toward me like a big freaking cat on the prowl. "Yeah, you are, Sunshine.” His growl sends a shiver through me. “Don't give a fuck how hard you try to pretend you aren't into this, I know better. You're dying to give me another taste."
I whimper, equal parts terrified and turned on, as I try to dodge him. But his strong arms snatch me up with ease. And despite my best intentions, I find myself climbing his muscular body, all but clinging to his broad shoulders.
Damn him for being irresistible.
Rivin hops up from the massive dog bed beside the couch, padding after us.
"Rivin,zostan," Alessandro commands the dog, who huffs indignantly. “Sorry, man. You’re sleeping out here tonight.”Rivin narrows his eyes on Alessandro, huffs again, and then tosses his head before hopping up on the couch.
“Jesus Christ,” Alessandro mutters in response.
"He's very dramatic, you know," I giggle as he carries me down the hall.
"Yeah?" He palms my ass, pushing open the bedroom door. More masculine furniture and plush rugs greet me, but his intoxicating scent flooding my senses makes me moan. God, he smells delicious, like woodsmoke and spice.
"Keep making that sound, and you aren't going to be a virgin come morning, Sunshine," Alessandro rasps in my ear, his breath hot against my skin.
I whimper, heat flooding through me at his words. Everything between us is moving at the speed of light. I barely know him...but I don't want to slow down. As terrifying as it is, it also feels right.
"Maybe that's the plan, Firefighter," I manage to say, reaching deep for a little courage.
A heatwave rolls over me as his eyes darken to black, his expression turning feral with hunger. "Don't say it if you don't mean it, Heidi," he says hoarsely. "Once I get my hands on you, I'm not taking them off again."
My heart thunders at the way he says it, almost like a plea, as if it'll break him if I change my mind. The last thing I want to do is hurt him or break him.
He wants me so badly; I can feel the need emanating from every inch of his powerful frame. The combination of his vulnerability and desire unleashes something fierce in me, making me far braver than I’ve ever been.
Leaning back in his arms, I slowly peel my shirt over my head, holding his piercing gaze as it dangles from my fingers.
"Who says you have to take them off me?" I ask, letting my tank top fall to the floor.
A feral growl rumbles from his chest as he practically catapults me onto the bed. I squeal, bouncing against the mattress. But thelaughter dies in my throat as he crawls over me, his muscular body rippling, tattoos flexing.
"I'm going to worship every inch of you, Sunshine," he rasps, his voice rough. "Show you how fucking perfect you are."
I arch beneath him, whimpering as his lips close around one hard nipple. He bites and sucks until I’m gasping beneath him, clinging to his broad shoulders. His hands are everywhere, brushing every inch of skin.
“You’re so soft.” He pops off my nipple, kissing a hot trail down the center of my chest. His lips, tongue, and teeth drive me wild as he lavishes attention on my body. He lingers on my belly, pressing open-mouthed kisses to the rolls and stretch marks I've always been self-conscious about.
“Alessandro." I pull his hair, not sure if I’m trying to get him to move or stay. I feel drugged, senseless and exposed in a way I’ve never been before now.
"No,” he growls against my skin. “These are so goddamn sexy to me. Everything about you turns me on, Heidi. Your body is a fucking miracle."
Tears prick my eyes at the raw honesty in his voice. He's not just saying what I want to hear. I can feel how much he means it, how hard he is for me. For the first time, I feel truly sexy, desired, cherished.
“Your body is my playground, angel. Every inch of it is worthy of devotion,” he breathes, dragging his lips down my lower belly.