Page 74 of Triplets for the Mafia Prince

"Yes, you have."

She’s still pissed. Maybe she’ll never forgive me. But hearing her speak feels like a gift at this moment.

"I was scared when I found out about the call to Ava. Not because I don't trust you, but because the thought of anything happening to you…" All this, I’m doing it for her. I’d told her that at the cabin, but the plans to kill my father have overtaken that. I can see why she feels my drive is my father’s death when in fact, it’s to keep her safe. To keep everyone I love safe.

Fuck… love? I feel a little sick.

She gives me a small smile, but it doesn't reach her eyes. "I understand why you were angry. But being locked away, it's suffocating."

"I know. And I'm sorry. You deserve better than that." I reach for her hand, relieved when she doesn't pull away. "You're right about being able to help. I've been so focused on protecting you that I forgot you're strong enough to be part of this."

Her smile is wan now, acknowledging my words but still carrying the hurt of my shutting her out, of my harsh words.

I reach up and cup her face. “I’ll do better.”

“We’ll see about that.”

I smile. There’s the woman I’ve come to love. Yes… love.

“I’d like to start by kissing you.”

She arches a brow. “Why?”

Because I love you. “Because that’s how this works. Kiss and make up, right?” I don’t actually know. This is all new territory for me.

“Why have you been so distant?”

I look down. "I've been fighting this, fighting us, because I thought it was safer. Smarter."

"And now?"

"Now I realize I’m only hurting us both. Bella, I don’t know what the hell I’m doing here. I only know that I hate hurting you. I hate not talking with you. I hate not having you next to me in bed when I fall asleep or wake up in the morning.”

Her breath catches at my confession. “I don’t like that either.”

I cup her face in my hands. “Let me make it up to you.”

“With kissing?”

“With kissing. With touching. With making you feel good. Seen. Important.”

She watches me for a moment. “Okay.”

“Okay?” I guess I’m expecting something a bit more poignant.

“You can kiss and touch me.”

I laugh and push her back on the bed, wanting her to feel cherished, not just desired. I take my time, rediscovering the taste of her, the scent of her, the feel of her silky skin. When she sighs and goes pliant, relief fills me. It’s another thing that amazes me about her. She lets go of the past, opens herself to the now. I do my best to do the same.

My hands roam her warm body, touching her in the ways I know bring her pleasure. I kiss her, long and deep. And when I can’t wait any longer, I sheath my dick and take her hands in mine, holding them over her head as I look down into her gorgeous gray eyes, staring up at me with trust and desire.

“Bella.” I slip inside her, inch by inch, feeling her envelop me, watching her response as I fill her.

She sighs and arches her head back. I kiss her neck, sucking slightly, not caring whether I leave a mark.

Then I move, still slow, still savoring every sensation.

All my life, physical intimacy has been about release, about taking what I want. But this, the way Bella sighs my name and opens to me, it's different. Sacred.

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