Page 18 of Stranded with My Mafia Boss

I focused on doing so, trying to take him deeper despite my inexperience. I gagged slightly, but Damien's hand was in my hair to guide me.

"Yes,cara, more," he said, his breathing growing heavier. I couldn’t stop a thrill at the knowledge that I was affecting him like this. It was intoxicating, this newfound power I held.

As I continued to work my mouth and tongue over him, I could feel him getting closer to the edge. His grip on my hair tightened, and his hips began to thrust deeper into my mouth. I braced myself.

"Swallow, Katie," he said in a near yell.

As Damien spilled himself into my mouth, I did.

For a moment, we simply remained in position. Then as I looked up, he pulled me to my feet. When I looked into his eyes, I found something that went beyond mere lust or satisfaction. There was a fierce possessiveness. He pulled me close, wrapping me in his strong arms.

"A bit less sore?" he asked, teasing.

"I think so," I said.

The room had lightened, and snow had stopped falling at some point. A pang of guilt hit me. I was enjoying myself while Max was sick.

My phone pinged, so I pulled away.

"What’s wrong, Katie?"

"Max, my brother. That might be about him," I said. "I need to check."

Pulling the robe back on, I grabbed my phone. Connor had texted. I had service again.

Call me.

"Hey, Katie." Connor picked up, his calm voice filling me with worry. Connor was always calm when everything went to hell in a handbasket.

"Is Max okay?" I asked. "Sorry, I don’t have a lot of charge and the power’s out here."

"That sucks, I’m sorry. Max has been admitted for observation. He’s having a rough time. When are you getting home? I take it the big storm stranded you in Colorado?"

"Yes. I hope I can leave soon, but it was snowing pretty hard." Oh, no. I was afraid of this. I hated that Connor had to take care of Max, but more that I wasn’t there to be there for my brother myself.

"Is there another number I can reach in case your phone loses all charge?"

Damien, who’d been listening, tapped his phone and nodded. His battery was much better than mine. I sighed in relief and gave the number. I’d memorized it long ago.

"I’ll be back as soon as possible. Is he awake?"

"I think he’s asleep. He just settled in and he’s tired. I’ll let him know you called."

"Thank you, so much. I’ll make it up to you."

"You don’t have to do that. Just get home safe." He hung up.

Damien regarded me. For just a moment, I thought I detected a flicker of jealousy. "Who is Connor?"

"A friend. He moved in next door a few years ago and he and Max hit it off. He works from home, and I asked him to keep an eye on Max since I had to go on a business trip." Even trying to keep my voice level, a hint of dryness crept in on the last sentence. "Thank you for letting me give him your number too."

He cupped my chin with his hand. "If it helps ease your worries even a little, I'm willing to do whatever is needed."

My heart skipped a beat as I processed his words. Was he truly offering support, or was this manipulation? I searched his face for any hint of deception but found none. His expression was open, almost happy, so unlike the ruthless man I knew him to be.

"Can I trust you?" I whispered. It was a dangerous question, one I shouldn’t have asked.

His expression softened, and he used his other hand to brush a stray lock of hair from my face. "In this,cara, yes." His fingers lingered against my cheek for a heartbeat longer than necessary. "I know my world is frightening to you, but I promise to protect you and your brother."

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