Page 23 of Heartless Sinner

“Just what, bellezza?” His fingers brush my jawline, feather-light yet commanding. “Please don’t tell me I have to compete with your bed for your attention.”

“No. It’s not that.” I chance another smile. My lips part to give him an answer, but my breath hitches as the words scramble in my mind, caught in the tug of war between my thoughts and desires.

Damn it. Just once I’d like to do something I want. But now isn’t the time for wanting such things. I feel like I’ve already stolen selfish moments from my trip.

Taking more from the evening would be asking for too much.

I’d be no different from Cinderella edging too close to midnight knowing if she overstays her time, the prince will learn she’s not who he thinks she is.

“What is it, then?” The dangerous heat radiating from him wraps around me like a promise, and when he shifts even closer, the musky notes of his cologne flood my senses.

“I… haven’t been with anyone since my ex.” I didn’t need to tell him that, but it feels like a good enough excuse to be hesitant.

“And when was that, bellezza?”

“Over a year ago.”

“Do you still love him?”

That’s a very important question. One I’ve considered a lot. I know he’s asking because he’s checking. But no one has asked me that question yet.

“No.” My answer is the most confident thing I’ve said all evening.

“That’s good for me.” The corners of his lips dip with a cocky smile.

“I…I’ve never been with a stranger before.”

The look in his eyes is suddenly raw and feral. “Like you said, there’s a first time for everything.”

“Yeah. I did say that.”

“You did. So, I could be your first.”

“You could.” I bite back a smile, liking his playfulness.

He gives me a menacing grin. "I have another idea, bellezza." His breath fans against my neck as he tilts his head, inching even closer.

“What?”

“Why don’t you taste me? Then you can decide if you want to come back to my room or not.”

My mouth falls open and I stare back at him, stunned.

Taste him?

I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone quite like this guy. Cocky and sexy. Confident and relentless.

Trapped by his body and the intensity of his presence radiating off him in waves, my thoughts dwindle, and desire wins—because damn, I want to taste him.

“Sound good?” he checks, searching my eyes.

“Yes,” I answer on the edge of a breath, my voice barely there.

“Come here.” He crooks his finger, beckoning me to come closer, and I do.

His fingers slide up to my jaw and across to the back of my neck. My heart thunders from the heat of his touch.

We both lean in at the same time, then his mouth claims mine, dissolving logic from my mind.

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