Page 77 of Ruthless Guardian

“Because it never would have come up if we hadn’t ended up in Rome. I’ve never had anything to do with the family business. I never wanted it.”

“And that’s why your father disowned you because you wanted out?”

I nod slowly because it’s partially true. “I’ve always wanted to protect others. Whether that meant in the Carabinieri, the Army or in private security, it’s my calling. It’s the only way to mete out some justice, to tip the scales toward the right side in this dark world.”

“And that’s it?” She inches toward me so that her bare legs brush my knees.

“That’s the gist,principessa. I don’t believe all the dirty details are truly necessary, do you?”

She slowly shakes her head. Her eyes remain locked to mine, as if she could somehow ferret out the lie. “Then why did you seem scared?” Her brows pucker again, expression gone completely serious. “I’ve never seen you like that, Raf. Not even when we’ve faced a hailstorm of bullets.”

I reach for her, my hands wrapping around the backs of her thighs before I can stop them. Drawing her closer, I loose a long, suffering exhale as I tip my head back to meet her worried gaze. “Because you’ve done something to me,principessa. You’ve stomped all over my rules, pitched my procedures to hell, and cracked open the fortress I've built around my heart. You make me feel vulnerable, and that scares the shit out of me, more than any bullet ever could.”

Before I can stop the insane blathering, the words are out. I regret it instantly, but I can’t even focus on my own stupidity for long because her lips are on mine before I can force my tongue to take them back.

Isabella straddles me, sinking down across my legs as her mouth captures mine, fierce and insistent.

“I’ll never let anyone hurt you,” I mumble against her lips, even as I remember I’m supposed to be finding my replacement. This is wrong.

ButDio, it feels so damned right.

She grinds against my cock, her mini skirt hiked up to her thighs as she nibbles on my bottom lip. I grab handfuls of her ass, kneading the firm but supple flesh. She’s perfect andmine. I’ve never wanted—no, needed anyone more.

Especially after the brutal reminder that came along with running into my brothers.

I’m ready to toss it all to hell for her. To risk the wrath of Luca Valentino, to lose my job, hell, my damned life just for one taste of redemption.

My fingers latch beneath the waistband of her thong, and I drag the lacy thing down her legs, my mouth never leaving hers. I run my hand up the inside of her thigh and feel her already dripping for me.

A groan rumbles my chest, likely vibrating against her own as I press her flush against me, so her pussy soaks my jeans. I love seeing how wet I make her. I’ve barely even touched her yet. My cock is so damned hard it strains against my jeans, almost painful. I move her hand between us so she can feel my hard length. She grimaces, cheeks growing rosy, when she notices her wetness on the denim.

“Don’t be embarrassed,principessa,” I whisper against the shell of her ear. “It’s so fucking hot. It drives me absolutely feral how drenched you are for me.”

The blush fades as she nibbles on her bottom lip and begins to stroke my dick over the jeans.

“Trust me when I say it’s taking all my willpower not to come just from looking at you.” I curl my hand around her cheek and stroke her soft skin with the pad of my thumb. Her eyes glisten, pupils blown with desire.

“Raf, I?—”

I cut off her words with my eager mouth, too hungry for those swollen lips. As I devour her, her hand slips beneath my jeans and closes around my cock. She’s not the only one who’s wet, her hand easily glides down my shaft, and I release a hiss. “Mmm, that hand alone is lethal.”

I thrust against her palm and precum glistens on the tip. Fuck, I’m like a teenager, ready to blow. I really hope she’s on the fucking pill because I want to feel her warm pussy clenching around my dick. But after the last time, I wait, biting my tongue. I don’t want to spook her by saying something stupid again. Just when I’m certain I’m going to explode in her palm, she releases me and makes quick work of my zipper.

Stepping out of my jeans and boxers, I flip us around so she’s flat on the mattress now, and I stand between her legs, my cock thick and ready. Her gaze drops between my legs, and that same expression sets in. Fear? Horror?

I just don’t understand…

“Are you okay?” My voice is so ragged I barely recognize the rough timbre as my own.

Her head bounces up and down.

“Are you sure you still want this?”

She snags her bottom lip between her teeth and parts her legs for me, placing my hand at her apex. A thrill surges up my spine as I kneel between her thighs and glide my finger through her wet folds.

“Oh, fuck,principessa, you do want this, don’t you?” I find her clit, rubbing slow circles and her head falls back on a groan, eyes closing. I want to fuck her so badly, I’m going to come in seconds once I’m inside her. Shit, which reminds me… “I need to grab a condom.”

“I’m on the pill,” she murmurs as I continue to tease her clit. “Serena made me.”

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