Page 41 of Promise Maker

A huff resounds behind me, making me pivot.

I gasp at the sight of Domenico sitting on thefloor, wearing a t-shirt and sweats, elbows resting on his knees. Dark strandsof hair dangling in his forehead.

I’m about to flip the light on, but he grunts,“Don’t.”

“What’s wrong with you?” I shift closer.

“You were right. I killed more people in Palermo.”

My stomach clenches. “Why?”

“Why?” he repeats. “Well, they refused to talk.SoI tortured and killed them. Simple.”

“It’s clearly notsimple, Domenico.”

Drawing even closer, I notice the bruises on hisknuckles. He’s clenching and unclenching his fists. He does that often. I’mstarting to realize it’s a tick.

“No wonder you can’t sleep,” I discern. “It’sgetting to you, isn’t it?”

Domenico tilts his head back, leaning against thewall. “I wanted to find the scoundrel who dared to send men after you. I haveto protect you, Solari. You may not like my ways. It sickens you, but it isnecessary.”

I lower beside him. He must have just showeredbecause he smells like an expensive body wash.

Suppressing the tickle in my tummy, I ask, “Isthat why you left my camera and the photo of my parents outside my door?”

“I wanted you to have a reminder of what youloved. To ease some of the violence that you’d witnessed.”

“Well, thank you,” I whisper, holding the cameraon my lap. “I appreciate it.”

“Are you less repulsed then?” he asks, voicesmoother.

I turn my head, making out his face in theshadows. He’s already watching me.

“I’m not used to your lifestyle, Domenico. I’llalways be frightened but never disgusted by you.”

“Eventually, you will be.” My temperature climbsas he lifts his hand to my face and traces my jawline. “It’s almost like adream, having you so close to me after so long.” I shudder when he glides histhumb over my mouth. “There’s a magnetic pull. A raging fire beneath my flesh.Agonizing hunger.”

I feel those things as well, pulsing through myveins.

My pussy is turning hot and wet. Very wet.

Domenico expels an animal-like grunt and drops hishand from me, shifting away.

The desire for him to touch me again swells in mybody and creates a mass of desperation.

“I charged the camera,” he says. “I’ll provide alaptop later. But no internet.”

“I haven’t even thought about going online since….”I shake my head. “Taking pictures is a good escape for me.”

“Buona. So go on then.Take pictures.”

I squint at him. “Are you chasing me off?”

“It’s time for space.”

My stomach plunges. “Why is that?”

“Your father’s wishes,” he reminds, looking at me.“I have a strong urge to break the first one.”

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