Page 66 of Tainted Ties

Wrapping his strong hand around my throat, his movements quickened. I felt him thicken inside of me.

“Fuck, Aurora,fuck,” he cursed through clenched teeth, his cock twitching as he gave one final thrust before his movements stilled, and he came inside of me.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him down on me. He molded into my skin as if it was his own.

Time passed as our breathing evened out and he slid out of me, causing me to bleat from the loss.

I laid there as he stood up without a word and walked into the bathroom.

The sound of running water drifted to me, and I suddenly was cold all over.

What did I expect him to do?We were far from being lovers.

When I pushed myself up in discomfort, he re-entered the room, holding a towel.

“Don’t move.” He leaned down, gently cleaning between my legs.

My eyes were locked on him the whole time, wondering why he thought he needed to do this.

“The bath is running; it should help with the soreness.”

“You didn’t have to do that,” I whispered.

An indecipherable shadow flitted across his face. “I know,” was all he said.

The crack in my chest widened, leaving room for Roman Mancini.

Chapter22

Aurora

Iwoke up this morning, sated and in the arms of Roman.

My head lay on his warm, bare chest, holding him close as he snored lightly.

I didn’t dare move. I didn’twantto move because if I did, he’d wake up and I would be smacked back into reality.

Last night was surreal.

It made me question everything I thought I knew about him.

He wasn’t the cause of Enzo’s death, and Ibelievedhim when he said so. I knew it in my gut.

It didn’t make sense for him to have jeopardized the contract, not when it included me.

Tilting my head up, I took in his snoozing form.

His face was smooth, free of worry—something I rarely saw while he was conscious.

I slid a finger down his chiseled jaw, his beard pricking it.

His face twitched and I immediately pulled my hand away, closing my eyes.

The urge to laugh was strong at my childish act of faking sleep, but it would’ve been mortifying if he found me staring at him like a creep.

When his breathing evened out, I peeked up at him and the boisterous laugh slipped out.

Roman was already staring down at me with a mischievous grin.

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