Page 78 of My Best Friend's Dad

I wrapped my arms around his neck and squeezed, just as his arms tightened around my waist.

“I need to tell you something, baby girl,” he began, and I pulled back a little to stare into his soulful green eyes. They glittered with feeling, and I swallowed hard.

“I can’t fathom anything ever happening to you. I love you, baby girl.”

My heart split into a thousand pieces and then came back together again.

“I love you too, Vincenzo,” I admitted, staring into his eyes and meaning every word.

With a gentle kiss, our lips met. It was tender and sweet, and filled with so much emotion that it hurt in a way. When we parted, the world spun around us, and the room fell away.

“You’re mine, Jenna. Not just for a day or a week or even a month. You’re mine, forever.”

CHAPTER 19

Vincenzo

Gently, I gathered Jenna in my arms and carried her into the bathroom. I’d been extremely rough with her, but she’d needed me to be. She might have been a bad girl, but that didn’t mean I didn’t want her, or that I didn’t love her.

The total opposite, in fact.

She was so very special to me and that meant that I would be there to love her, punish her, and take care of her however she needed, whenever she needed.

The fact that she trusted me enough to allow me to punish her the way she needed made my heart swell.

I loved this woman, truly, madly, and deeply, and I didn’t care what the world would think. We belonged to each other, and I would burn the world to ash to make sure she was taken care of.

She was mine, and I would keep her forever.

Her body was warm and soft against mine, and she relaxed in my arms, her breath coming in soft puffs against the hollow of my neck. With every step, I felt closer to her, and I hoped that she did too.

“Come on,” I said gently, placing her down on her feet in front of me when we reached the bathroom. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”

I kept my hands on her, keeping her steady as I turned on the tap for the tub, adjusting the temperature until it was just right. The water quickly warmed, filling the room with steam. I glanced at Jenna, who watched me with wide, trusting eyes.

“Climb in,” I instructed softly. She hesitated for a moment before stepping into the warm bath. I offered her a steadying hand and she took it.

I grabbed a washcloth and some soap, kneeling beside the tub.

“Lean back and relax, Jenna. Let me take care of you.”

As she settled into the water, I gently began to wash her, my movements tender and careful. I started with her shoulders, working my way down her arms, then moved to her back, massaging away the tension with each stroke. She sighed, her eyes closing as she leaned into my touch.

“You’re safe with me,” I murmured, kissing her forehead. “I promise.”

I continued to bathe her, my hands gliding over her soft skin, caressing her with all the love and care I could muster. I wanted her to know that she was cherished, that despite the roughness of her punishment, I would always be there to pick up the pieces and soothe her.

When I finished, I gently rinsed her off and helped her out of the tub. Wrapping her in a plush towel, I dried her off, taking my time to ensure she felt every bit of my affection. Once she was dry, I scooped her up in my arms and carried her back into the bedroom.

She snuggled against my chest, her body relaxing in my embrace. I laid her down on the bed, tucking her in under the covers.

I climbed in beside her, pulling her close. She rested her head on my chest, her fingers tracing lazy patterns on my skin.

“Thank you, Vincenzo,” she whispered, her voice heavy with emotion.

“You don’t need to thank me,” I replied, kissing the top of her head. “I’m here for you, always.”

And I meant every word.

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