Page 44 of The Mafia's Quadruplets

He shifts, sitting up to face me. His gaze lock onto mine, intense and unreadable. “Because showing fear is a weakness I can’t afford. In my world, the moment you flinch is the moment you lose.”

The vulnerability in his admission steals my breath. Without thinking, I reach out, cupping his face in my hand. He leans into the touch, his eyes closing for a brief moment.

“You don’t have to be invincible for me,” I whisper.

His eyes snap open, burning with an intensity that makes my heart race. “Don’t I?”

The air between us crackles with electricity. I’m acutely aware of how close we are, of the heat radiating from his skin. My gaze drops to his lips, and I see his do the same.

I glide my hands over Valerian’s muscled back, each stroke revealing new tension. The bruise on his shoulder stands out against his skin, a reminder of how close I came to losing himbefore I even had him. The thought sends an unexpected wave of panic through me.

“You’re quiet,” he murmurs.

“Someone tried to kill you today.” The words come out raw, unfiltered.

He shifts beneath my touch. “It’s not the first time.”

“That doesn’t make it better.” My fingers trace the edges of his tattoos, memorizing their patterns.

“Claire.” He catches my wrist. His blue eyes burn with intensity.

The air between us crackles with electricity. My heart pounds against my ribs as he pulls me closer, one hand sliding to my waist. His touch ignites something primal, desperate. “Tell me to stop,” he whispers against my lips.

Instead, I close the distance between us. The kiss is urgent, hungry—everything we’ve been holding back exploding at once. His hands tangle in my hair as I press against him, savoring the heat of his skin against mine.

He lifts me onto the massage table, stepping between my legs. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.” That one word loosens the reins of his control, and I’m here for it.

Valerian’s grip tightens on my hips as I explore his chest, his stomach, and his arms. He groans when I brush my fingertips across his nipples, then gasps when I lean forward and take one between my teeth.

“Fuck, Claire,” he says hoarsely.

I smile against his skin, running my tongue along his collarbone. He smells like soap, sweat, and the smoky undertone of Dewars, which I’ve learned is his favorite drink. It’s intoxicating, and I nip at his neck, reveling in the way he shudders beneath my touch.

“You’re driving me crazy.”

“Good.” I slide off the table, pushing him backward until he hits the wall. I grasp his belt buckle with a sassy look, feeling bolder than usual. Maybe it’s his brush with death emphasizing how little time I might have with him. Or maybe it’s just the fact that I’m finally giving in to what I’ve wanted since I met him. Either way, I feel powerful, sexy, and desired.

Valerian watches me with hooded eyes as I undo his belt and unzip his suit pants. The wool fabric falls away, revealing black boxer briefs stretched tightly over his cock. I bite my lip, hesitating only for a moment before reaching inside to free it.

His erection springs free, thick and heavy in my palm. I stroke him slowly, watching his expression change from longing to pure need. He closes his eyes, letting out a low groan as I continue to tease him. “Claire...”

I drop to my knees, looking up at him through my eyelashes. “Is this okay?”

He nods, unable to speak.

I lick my lips and swirl my tongue around the head of his cock, savoring his musky flavor. He moans, tangling his fingers in my hair as I take his cock deeper into my mouth. I relax my throat, swallowing him whole.

“Oh, fuck, Claire. Feels so good.”

I hum in agreement, bobbing my head up and down on his shaft. He grips my hair tighter, thrusting his hips forward. I let him set the pace, enjoying the sensation of being used for his pleasure. I’ve never enjoyed giving a blow job before, but now, I can’t get enough. I love the way he tastes, the way he fills my mouth, and the sounds he makes as I suck him harder and faster.

Valerian pulls me off his cock suddenly, lifting me to my feet. “That’s enough,” he says, kissing me fiercely. “I need to be inside you.”

I nod breathlessly, letting him guide me back to the massage table. I’m expecting him to rip off my clothes and sink inside me, so I’m mildly disappointed when he starts undressing me with finesse, one button at a time. “Could you speed up?”

He chuckles. “Impatient? It’s my turn to tease you...”

---