Riddled with shock, I went back to the stool and dropped onto it.

“Nicki—”

“Why didn’t you tell me this before?” my voice trembles as tears roll down my cheeks.

“I wanted to spare you.”

“Spare me from what, knowing how much danger I’m in? Here I was, thinking he wanted to hold me for ransom or something!”

With a firm stare, Ezio clasp my cheeks. “You’ll never be in danger, understood? I’ll protect you with my life.”

“But—”

“No buts, Nicki. I’m not very good with talking about my feelings, but I’ll show you in every way how much I’m falling for you.”

My heart stills. So does the tears. With a gasp, I cover his hands with my own. “Oh, Ezio…”

“This is not just for the sex. I want to be with you, if you would have me.”

I almost leap at him and then wrap my arms around his neck before pulling him into a deep kiss.

“I’m falling for you too,” I whisper.

He returns my kiss, but it’s hungrier and has more fire into it. He then carries me into the bedroom and lays me on the sheets. He wastes no time undressing me. The tent in his pants explains why he’s so urgently opening my shirt. The last button isn’t undone before he’s sucking my nipples.

“Ezio…” I moan out his name in pleasure. Goosebumps erupt on my skin as I caress his back with my hands. He kisses around my breasts, chest, stomach, leaving a blazing fire everywhere. Easing back, he removes his clothes while his eyes are still feasting on me.

“Have I ever told you how beautiful your body is?” he mumbles.

“Maybe once, I can’t remember,” I tease.

He chuckles. “Then I guess this is number two. You’re fucking gorgeous, Nicki.”

My reply gets caught in my throat as his cock springs free. Long, hard, and ready to take me. He steps out of the boxers, then reaches for the stash of condoms on the bedside table.

“No,” I tell him. “I want to feel all of you tonight.”

“Are you sure about this?” he asks, concern filling his face.

“We’re still both clean, right?”

Relief fills me when he nods.

I grab his cock and massage it. He moans out my name, settling between my legs. I guide his cock with my hand, teasing my entrance. He slides it in with ease since I’m already soaking wet.

Ezio lets out a satisfied groan. He gets even harder as he whispers in my ear, “Skin to skin, fuck, Nicki. You feel good.”

“Ditto,” I whisper back.

He moves inside me, deliberately slow. Our eyes meet. They lock. Something moves inside me. Something that’s way more than the ecstasy I’ve gotten accustomed to. It’s raw and deep and passionate. It’s a feeling I don’t ever want to let go.

Ezio’s eyes close. Our foreheads meet as he lets loose a harsh breath. “I don’t know what you’re doing to me…”

I brush the hair from his face, and his eyes open. There it is. The emotion that I’m feeling, it’s right there in his eyes. We’re not brave enough to admit it yet.

But it’s there.

His hips roll as he suddenly picks up the pace. I grab the headboard as he pounds deep into me. We build a steady rhythm, him fucking me, me fucking him, none trying to outdo the other, just matching strokes. I savor every ounce of bliss that surges through me, touching him wherever my hands can reach.