Page 61 of Chasing Danger

“Why do you want me to come with you? What could you possibly get from me that you couldn’t get anywhere else? I’ve never really understood from the beginning, but now that I knowwho you really are, I’m even more confused. Asking me to come with you is basically like asking me to live with you. That sounds like... that sounds like you want me to stay permanently.”

This time D’Angelo was quick to respond, crossing the physical boundary between us and cupping my face in both hands. “I do. I want you to live with me and I want you to stay permanently. Honestly, I’d give anything for that. As for your other question ‘why you?’...”

He leaned forward until our foreheads touched.

“Is it childish of me to say it feels like fate? I was born of an uncommon union between the Italian and Russian Mafia. I belong to both worlds, yet neither at the same time. Then I find out that you, someone who so perfectly matches my taste, have the same mix of blood flowing through your veins. It’s like you were designed specifically for me.”

It felt good to be held by him and absorb the warmth of his skin pressed against my own. Maybe it was foolish, but I couldn’t imagine living without that comfort.

Feeling bold, I tipped my chin until our lips were almost touching. “One more question. What happens if I change my mind? If I come with you now, but decide it’s not what I want later?”

“Of course I’d let you leave. I wouldn’t want to keep you by force. If you decide that being with me isn’t what you want, then you can return to your family, or anywhere else you’d rather go.”

I smirked, and our lips brushed. “Then what have I got to lose?”

I kissed him, taking the initiative, but it didn’t last long. Almost as soon as our mouths locked together, I felt his hunger andhis passion ignite, and he took control of the kiss. His arms practically crushed me as they pulled me close.

It was to be expected. D’Angelo was a very intense person, and that translated to every aspect of his life, even intimacy.

Our kiss was abruptly cut off when D’Angelo pulled away, growling low under his breath. Then in one smooth motion, he picked me up and threw me over his shoulder.

I couldn’t help the startled shout that was punched out of my lungs when my stomach curled over his shoulder. With my head hanging down toward the floor, I scrambled to grab anything I could reach, which ended up being his belt.

“Ah. D’Angelo. What’re you doing?”

He laughed. A proper laugh this time. I couldn’t see his expression, but the movement of his shoulders caused me to bounce a little.

“You asked what you had to lose. But this shouldn’t be about loss. I’m reminding you what you have to gain.”

It was no shock when he carried me toward the bedroom, though I pretended to protest anyway, beating my fists against his back.

“You brute. Put me down.”

“As you wish.”

He flipped me back over his shoulder, so I landed on the bed, breathless and dizzy.

“That... is not... what I meant.”

“Oh, really…” He crawled onto the bed until he knelt over me. One finger tugged at the clasp to my pants. “Should have been more specific then.”

Before he could get very far undoing my clothes, I grabbed the front of his shirt in two fists and pulled him closer, so my lips were beside his ear.

“How’s this for specific. Fuck me this time. No toys. No messing around with our clothes still on. Take me properly.”

I could feel his arousal pressing against my leg as he grinned down at me. “Tired of being a virgin?”

“For the love of God, yes.” I started pulling his shirt open, and a few buttons may have hit the floor. He returned the favor, although not as wildly. My clothing escaped unharmed, but one way or another we were both eventually undressed.

The feeling of someone else’s body pressed so fully against mine was still a novel experience. I was tempted to just rub myself against him, but that wasn’t what I wanted. I wanted to feel claimed, all the way down to my core, like my very insides had been rewritten with his name.

When D’Angelo pulled away, I nearly snarled in frustration. “Where are you going? Come back.”

“Just getting some things.”

While I admired the view of him rooting through his closet, I would much rather have feasted with my hands than with my eyes.

He pulled out a familiar box and I groaned.

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