Page 72 of Forbidden Deception

“Do you feel her love seeping through every painting? Knowing with every stroke, she thought of you? She knew you would see it one day and know that she loved you?” I ask, running my hands softly through his hair.

Rafael hesitates, but he nods. His eyes carry so much doubt, but I can see it lessen with every word I say.

“Do you know your mother loved you, Rafael?”

“I do,” he whispers.

“Do you know she wanted you to be happy?”

“I do.” His eyes soften.

“Do you know that she would have wanted you to forgive her for not being here for you?”

“Yes,” he whispers, though the tightness of his voice betrays him. His eyes glisten with a sadness he can’t hide.

“Really?”

He nods, then my hands slide up his body until I hold his face.

“Now kiss me.”

He lifts his brows. “Are you ordering me around, Venezia?” He slowly leans forward.

“Yes, I am, Mr Gustav.” I tip his face up, and he lets me, hands flexing on my hips. “Kiss me and keep kissing me until your thoughts are completely consumed by my lips. Keep me locked in here until I lose my mind because of you, Rafael. Make me feel on top of the world to the point that your kisses feel like the biggest prize.” I nudge his nose against mine.

“I wouldn’t trade anything for this moment between us,” I continue.

Rafael’s eyes blaze with emotions, and he captures my lips into a slow, seductive kiss.

I hum and moan, kissing him like we have all the time in the world.

And the world fades away. The rush, the city noises, the horns, and conversations all quieten.

All that’s left is the rushing blood in my ears, my fast-paced heart, and the shaky hands that grasp at his hair.

Kissing Rafael is unlike anything else I have ever done. Kissing him makes me feel grounded. It brings me a sense of home, and it also makes me feel wanted. Like he truly wants me here, like he won’t leave me standing in the middle of nowhere, and won’t break his promises, despite his reputation.

I want to believe that when his lips capture my top one.

I want to trust him when he nips at my lower lip.

I want to crawl under skin, inside his ribs, and nestle in his heart when his hands slide up my body, pulling me closer to his chest.

Everything feels insignificant, like nothing else was ever as important as having Rafael here, turning soft and listening to me like this. Knowing I have this power over him makes me feel on top of the world indeed.

I trail my lips down his neck, kissing and sucking at different spots. His hands tighten to the point of bruising, but I take my time. I want to mark him. Make him mine in every possible way, even if we are short on time.

I’m too far gone. I’m a woman in love.

These hearts are foolish organs. Oh, how mighty they fly and how hard they fall.

29

“All strapped in and ready to go.”

“Can you hear me?”

“I can,” I reply to Aidan, ruffling my hair to hide the small earpiece.

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