Page 84 of The Don's Soulmate

His words send a shiver down my spine, and I reach out to touch his arm. "I don't want to lose you either," I whisper, my fingertips brushing against his scarred skin. "But we shouldn't have to sacrifice everything for our love. You can’t just give up your family,” I click my fingers together, “like that.”

Ettore's gaze returns to mine, searching for something – perhaps reassurance or validation. I can tell he's struggling with my perspective, caught between his desires and the reality of our predicament.

"Carlotta, I..." He stammers, clearly at a loss for words. "I want to believe that there's a way to have both, but what if there isn't? What if I have to choose?"

"Then you need to really consider all the factors," I insist, trying to steady my voice. "You can't just make a decision based on fear or anger. Weigh your values, your love for me, and your loyalty to your family. And remember –" I pause, swallowing hard, "– whatever choice you make, I'll support you."

"Carlotta," Ettore says softly, his ice-blue eyes searching mine for an answer. "I already made my choice. I choose you, and there’s no going back. Now, what would you do if you were in my shoes?”

Chapter 39

Carlotta

Ettore’s gaze sears into me as he waits for an answer, and my mind is consumed by a singular truth he deserves to hear. Asking him to choose family over me makes me a hypocrite, for if the tables were turned, I would do anything but.

I can't lie. My heart swells as I see the raw emotion on his face, his jaw clenched, his eyes wide, his breath heavy and brows furrowed. He needs an answer.

“From the moment you showed me a life together, I chose you,” I admit, in a rushed voice. “I did in a heartbeat, and if asked to throw away any life I’ve ever known or loved, I’d do it again for you. I love you, damn it, and I will always choose you.”

A growl rumbles in his throat as he lunges toward me, pulling me into the cage of his arms. His embrace is crushing, almost painful in its intensity, but I cling to him, welcoming thedelicious ache and the familiar scent of his cologne and cigar smoke.

"Tu sei mia, Carlotta," he rasps against my hair, his fingers digging into my back.You are mine.

A thrill races through me at his possessive claim. I am his, as he is mine. We belong to each other, in this life and all the lives beyond.

"Yes," I whisper. I do belong to him, body and soul. Our love transcends time, strengthened by a curse from times gone by. In his arms, those memories come alive again, awakening an ageless love that defies all logic and reason.

"Anche io ti amo, Carlotta." -I love you too Carlotta. "Anche io ti amo. Anche io ti amo. Anche io ti amo." -I love you, I love you, I love you.

He kisses my eyes eyelids, reaches my cheeks, lingers right above my lips and I feel such incredible joy, so damn alive that I wonder if I truly ever lived before.

There are two Carlotta’s. One before Ettore. And one after. The one before barely survived. Now, I soar.

With a moan, Ettore plants his lips on mine, the roughness of his meeting my softness, and it steals my breath when he crushes into me with such force that my teeth almost hurt, parting my lips open for him. He kisses me as if he's a starving man andI'm his sustenance, his hands roaming my body, grasping and kneading.

I groan into his mouth, desire rushing through my veins like liquid fire. I need him with a desperation that frightens and exhilarates me all at once. My legs already tremble for what’s to come, currents shoot down my spine and my hands reach around his neck.

He breaks away with a snarl, chest heaving as he fights for control. But there will be no control between us tonight. The beast within has been unleashed, and I tremble in anticipation of being devoured by its ravenous hunger.

Ettore's lips curl back from his teeth, a predatory gleam in his eyes sending a thrill of fear and excitement through me.

His eyes blaze down at me, pupils blown wide with lust. For the first time, I think, I notice the little slivers of purple in his blue eyes. I’ve never seen eyes this beautiful. "On your knees," he rasps.

I sink to my knees before him without hesitation, my gaze locked on his, and he curls his fingers through my hair, making sure I keep looking. I reach for his belt buckle with trembling fingers.

He growls in approval as I throw his belt across the room and unzip his pants. I palm the hard length of him through his boxers, delighting in the way his eyes slam shut and his jaw clenches.

"Enough teasing," he snaps, tugging into my hair.

I tug his boxers down, freeing his erection. He's already slick with pre-cum, and I eagerly lap it up, reveling in his sharp intake of breath.

Then I take him into my mouth, as deep as I can. Ettore hisses a curse, his grip on my hair tightening. I set a steady rhythm, hollowing my cheeks on each upstroke.

"Just like that, tesoro," he groans. His hips buck forward, and I relax my throat to accommodate him. "So good. You were made for this."

His words ignite a fire in my core. I am soaking wet from the heady feeling of power that I have over him. I moan around his length, increasing my speed. Ettore snarls a warning, trying to pull away, but I refuse to release him. He reaches down, grabbing my shoulders, forcing me away.

“Behave,” he warns.

---