Page 108 of King of Obsession

‘You love it.’

I could tell she did by the soft light in her eyes and the part of her lips.

She yawned, and I tagged the post-orgasm lassitude hit her.

Shifting her in my arms, I cradled her against my chest as I stood.

She mumbled a sleepy protest, but I shushed her. ‘It’s alright, sweetheart. I’ve got you.’

I carried her to the bedroom, each step measured and careful as I accounted for my stiff shoulder, focusing on the precious cargo in my clasp.

I laid her on the bed. Finding a dry towel, I cleaned her and helped her wriggle into a fresh pair of cami shorts.

I tucked her in, pulling the covers to her chin.

She blinked up at me, her eyes hazy with fatigue. ‘Stay with me?’ she asked, her voice small and vulnerable.

‘Where else would I sleep except for in your embrace, bella? But I need to freshen up first.’

She nodded, her eyes already drifting shut. ‘OK,’ she whispered, the words slurred with exhaustion.

I kissed her mouth and left her to go clean myself in the outhouse, where I shucked off my sweats with a curl of my lips.

Fotto, I’d come in my pants like a horny teen.

It’d been fuckin’ incredible even as I thought of how much sliding in her would be even more enticing.

When I took her, our lovemaking would be off the charts.

Dressed, I returned to the cabin, finding her half drifted off.

I eased into bed and tugged her close, mouth descending on hers.

Her lips were soft and wet. My fingers pressed them as the will to continue was too overwhelming.

I growled, ‘I think I’ve adored you for a long time, Cleo.’

She opened her eyes, blinking and smiling up at me. Her gaze was heavy-lidded and filled with emotion.

I moved my hand from her mouth to cup her cheek, my thumb stroking away a tear that escaped.

I leaned forward, my lips brushing hers. ‘You don’t have to say anything you’re not ready to. But know this: I promise, always and forever, you will be mine, and I will be yours.’

‘Alessio,’ she murmured, cradling my face in her hands. ‘You’re fast becoming my sweetest obsession.’

Her words were music to my ears, and I nodded, my eyes never leaving her until she closed her jade beauties and fell asleep in my arms.

Chapter 21

ALESSIO

Early the following day, the sound of a gun firing and bullets flying had me knifing up from the bed.

I stumbled outside to the veranda, disoriented.

My eyes flew to the sight of Cleo standing in the extensive front yard of her farm, aiming a shotgun at a far-off target.

She fired once, twice, then in rapid repetition.

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