Page 131 of Diavolo

"There will blood on our hands," Elyse whispered, "I know it must be done, but..."

"Better their blood than ours," her husband reminded her.

"Yes," Elyse agreed hesitantly, "better them than us."

There was no more room for right or wrong. Their survival and safety had become the ultimate deciding factor in her choices as of late. Alessandro's voice broke through her web of anxiety, "How did your dinner go with your grandfather and Mariposa?"

"Pretty well, I think." She proceeded to tell Alessandro about her plans to meet Mariposa at the shooting range and her chess date with Benedetto.

Alessandro grumbled, "Whenever I am not with you, bring Monte and Luca.Everywhere.Even to your grandfather's house. Understood?"

Elyse glanced at her husband with a wry expression. "I always do. I can't even go to the restroom anymore without them lurking outside the door."

Alessandro cocked an eyebrow. "That means they are doing their job properly."

Her dark thoughts dissipated as the mood between them brightened slightly. She kissed him and teased, "Are you afraid that I'll try to run from you again?"

He rolled over Elyse, trapping her beneath his body, and gazed down at her intently. "I am always afraid of losing you, but I do not know which would be worse. For you to leave me on your own accord. Or for some fucker to take you from me."

Tenderly, she reached up to cup his face between her palms. "I have no intention of going anywhere. I'm your woman now, and you're my man."

"That is right." His hand found her breast. He gave her rounded curves a possessive squeeze. "You are mine. As I am yours."

Elyse gazed at him as though he was her stars. "Exactly. We belong to each other. So you aren't allowed to die without me.¿Lo entiendes?" Do you understand?

He stared back as though she was his sun and moon. "Death cannot take me. Becauseyouare the reason I mustlive."

Smiling, Alessandro bent over, brushing a light kiss upon her other nipple. Elyse sighed happily at his touch. She was suddenly very aware of the fact that they were both shirtless and only wearing their underwear. Alessandro rose up to kiss her. Deeply, sweetly. Pleasure spread through Elyse. Love swelled within her heart. Her husband's wicked fingers were now skirting down her belly toward her cunt. She gently nudged his hand aside.

"Let's get some rest," she mumbled against his cheek. "We have a long day tomorrow. Battles don't win themselves, you know."

His wayward hand returned to give her clit a playful pinch through her panties. Her hips jerked. She gasped lightly in response.

"Then," Alessandro cooed, "you owe me."

Unable to resist, she rubbed herself against his crotch. "What do I owe you,sir?"

Alessandro ground his hardening cock against her—as though he hadn't just spent two hours fucking her brains out earlier in the day—and groaned. "Everything."

"Greedy bastard."

"Not my fault," he protested, "you should take pity on me."

"Why would I do that?"

"For marrying the world's most beautiful and desirable woman. I am doomed to lust after my wife until the end of time!"

Her eyes rolled good-naturedly. "Your lines will be the death of me."

Alessandro chuckled darkly. "Believe it or not, I have been a good boy. Just for you.I am all wound up from so much fucking restraint.If only you knew how badly I want to unleash this hell inside me."

Green eyes found his gaze in the darkness of their room. Mischief shone from his eyes. Daring gleamed from hers. She didn't know if Alessandro was referring to therestraintin his grandiose way of speaking, or—

"What would you do? If I asked you to let go of it… all?"

"What are you talking about?"

"What doyouthink I'm about talking about?"

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