Page 49 of Her Overprotective Fiance

I'm struggling, kicking, and clawing. I'm doing everything I can to be free, but it's all futile.

SLAP!

"Do you not remember what I told you about the past?"

I remember, dammit. And because I now realize this is about his father and grandfather's death again—-

"Did I not make it painstakingly clear to you, signorina—-"

I know I was wrong.

"That of the factors in play was one of our security detail failing to make it to his post on time because of his drinking problem?"

No matter how much I was hurting last night, I know now it's still no excuse to hurt him back.

SLAP!

I lose count of the number of times he spanks my ass, and by the time he gently turns me around, the tears on my cheeks have dried, and all I can do is stare at him.

I want to be angry with him.

But I can't.

Because as much as I wish I could tell him he had no fucking right to punish me like this—-

I get it, dammit.

Because if our positions were reversed, I already know my hardened heart would make me exact a much greater punishment than this.

"Don't ever do this again."

His tone has changed. And instead of mildness, all I hear is the rawness of his emotions, and the sound breaks me because I just don't know—-

"I'm sorry," I choke out.

I don't know if I can promise not to keep pushing buttons.

"Why, Sarica?"

He's bleeding in front of me once again, and I start to cry.

"Why do you persist in fighting me so?"

Because I'mstilla burden to you...when I realize now that I've been in love with you all these years, andfuck, fuck, fuck!

The sound of Giancarlo sucking his breath in makes my head jerk up, and my own throat tightens.

How?

The way he is staring at me makes it so damn obvious.

How the fuck does he know—-

"Say it," he grits out.

"S-Say what?"

"You know damn what."

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