Page 103 of The Deal

Giovanni nods slowly, absorbing the seriousness of it all. “Okay.” He slides off his chair, his expression thoughtful. “Can you read to me once Dad tucks me in?”

“Of course, sweetie pie. I’ll just clear the dishes, and then I’ll come up,” I say, watching Giovanni shuffle out of the room.

As I start clearing the plates, I glance at Alexander andflash him a smug look. But when he meets my gaze, his smile is full of quiet affection and something else. It hits me like a tidal wave, and my heart skips a beat. The room feels small, and the air too thick—it has me weak at the knees.

When I make it to the top of the stairs, I’m suddenly grabbed and pushed up against the wall. Warm lips are pressed against mine before I even register what is happening, but I’d know that mouth anywhere.

My hands glide up his chest, then wrap around his neck as my fingers weave through the short strands of his hair.

He kisses me with hunger as if starved for more, and by the time he draws back, I’m left breathless and craving more.

“Giovanni’s tucked in, and I’ve chosen the shortest book he owns. Read fast,amore mio. I’ll be waiting for you in my room.” His hand moves down to cup my arse cheek, giving it a firm squeeze, making his intentions clear. “I’m aching for you,bella.”

I swallow thickly as my gaze locks with his. His eyes burn with a raw, consuming intensity, a fire that flickers with both longing and control.

He gives my arse one more squeeze before he steps back, turns, and heads towards his room.

Pausing at the doorway, he glances down the hallway where I’m still standing. With a raised eyebrow, he smirks and says, “Ticktock,” before disappearing inside.

Minutes later, I slip into his bedroom and lock the door behind me. I fold my arms behind my back and lean up against the wood when I find Alexander on the bed waiting. He’s propped up on one elbow and completely naked.

He’s a man who’s comfortable in his own skin, with good reason.

My tongue skims along my bottom lip as my eyes move down his chiselled and sculpted torso. He’s a work of art,muscles carved with precision. That rosary bead tattoo that snakes down his torso whispers holiness, but I know better. He’s pure sin, wrapped in temptation and rebellion.

He gestures with his finger for me to come closer as he rolls onto his back and grasps hold of that long, thick, erect penis of his, slowly stroking it from root to tip. It’s a sight that has my mouth watering.

“Ticktock, Chloe.”

“Technically, I still have twelve of my forty-eight-hour time limit left.”

“Semantics,cuore mio, now get that sweet arse over here and wrap those pretty lips of yours around my dick.”

My eyes slightly widen at the audacity of his command. I’m the one mad at him, so I’m not sure why he thinks he’s the one who should be getting the reward.

My body pushes off the door, taking a step in his direction. My dirty inner hoe obviously didn’t get the memo.

“Keep coming.”

I slowly take another step.

He raises an eyebrow, the challenge clear in his gaze, silently daring me to continue with my hesitation. “And you’re wearing too many clothes.”

I lift my chin in defiance—because it’s a natural instinct—but still reach for the hem of my shirt, lifting it over my head and dropping it to the floor to reveal the cute pink lace bra I’m wearing.

His eyes remain locked with mine as I pop the button on my skirt and drag down the zip. When I let go of the fabric, it slides down my legs, pooling around my ankle.

“Cotton,” he whispers as he takes in my white underwear that has tiny pink hearts scattered all over it.

I lift one shoulder. “They’re comfortable.”

“I love them, but they have got to go,amore mio bellissimo.”

I internally swoon at the way he says, ‘My beautiful love’.

My hands reach around behind me as I unclasp my bra and slowly slide each strap down my arm until it joins the rest of my clothes on the floor.

The intensity of his stare as he continues to stroke himself in a steady, meticulous rhythm has me throbbing between the legs.

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