Page 71 of Promise Maker

My body spasms uncontrollably, and I’m ashamed ofhow unabashed I am that it thrills me when he touches me.

I shouldn’t let my emotions run free.

He’s a monster. What does it make me, wanting him?

Domenico removes his hand and licks my juices onceI start to settle down. “Mmm…I can’t get enough ofyour taste.” He shifts over to hold me against him, so tight and protectively.“You don’t have to love me. Even if you hate me, I’ll always take care of you.You saved me when I was a boy, Solari. You’re mytesoro.I won’t ever let you go.”

He falls quiet, leaving the sounds of rain.

A tear dribbles down my cheek at the realizationthat no matter how frightening Domenico can be, no matter his murderous side,my heart is still opening to him.

I surrender to my emotions, hold his arms on me,and relax against him.

The truth is I could never hate him. It is quitethe opposite. I’m only an inch from falling in love.

My eyes flutter open.

The rain has stopped. But with Domenico’s thickdrapes, I have no idea if it’s a new day or late at night.

He’s still holding me while caressing my head,toiling his fingers in my curls.

“Why did your cousin kill my dad?” I ask softly.“Tell me the truth.”

“Because he wants Bishop’s territory. Your dadowns a lot, including the largest shipping yard in New Jersey. Luca desires tobe more powerful than Martelli, acquire as much as he can, and regain respectfrom his family. Killing Bishop led you to inherit everything, so now he willcome after you.”

I turn to him, making out his features in theshadows. “Is it because of his issue with your family why he got my dad out theway?” My eyes start to water.

“Mathew sought an opportunity to overpower Bishop.He found Luca somehow, and with my cousin’s need for power, they both had ashared goal.” He gently wipes my cheek with his thumb as a tearescapes. “Mathew plotted against your dad, Solari. If itweren’t Luca, it would have been someone else.”

“Mathew…” My breath hitches. “You killed him soeasily. You took someone’s life as if it meant nothing.”

Domenico releases a long exhale and flattens onhis back. “While in the moment, I don’t allow myself to think or feel. It hitsme only when I’m at the house and alone with my thoughts.” He pauses a beat.“When I met you at ten, I kept your image in my head. A month later, mygrandfather killed someone before me, and it was your face that helped me holdon to my sanity.Hetaught me to turn off the emotions. I don’t want tobe a monster, Solari. It is just the life I’m used to and what I do to help myfather keep power. I told you. We stay alive by enforcing that power.”

“I’ll never understand your world,” I tell him.“I’ll never be okay with killing, no matter how people have wronged you.”

He turns to me. “I know,tesoro.Bishop raised you differently. It is commendable how hard he worked to ensureyour life is happy and free of violence. But with his murder, that changed. Ican only promise to keep you away from it as best as I can.”

The sincerity in his voice touches my heart,soothing me a little. “Yousaid that Luca would comeafter me. Is he behind the attack at the café?”

“Yes. Should my cousin get his hands on you, whichwill never happen as long as I’m breathing, he’d surely force you to turn overBishop’s assets.”

“It’s all about the shipping yard,” I murmur. “Isthat why you want to marry me? You want my inheritance?”

My skin warms when Domenico tugs me closer.“Listen to me carefully. Us Martelli, our promises are the same as an agreementmade in blood. We want nothing that your father didn’t give us while he wasalive.” He brushes his lips against mine, stirring shivers. “I only wantyouin my life. Icraveyou,tesoro. Your mind,body, and soul.”

“It’s not like I have a choice.” I ease away,pretending as if I don’t want him just as badly. “My dad’s killer is after me,and he’s also your enemy.SoI have to stay with you.”

“Which is why you’ll marry me immediately.”

“What?” I shoot up in the bed. “I’ve only beenhere two weeks. I barely know you.”

Domenico straightens. “You’ll learn more withevery passing day. But we must marry soon.”

“Oh wow. You’re serious.”

“Why wait?” He shrugs a shoulder. “Francesca andMother will help you with the dress. I know a priest.Paolettawill bake our cake. We’ll marry in the little chapel up the hill where myparents wed.”

“No.” I climb off the bed and pace around his dimroom.

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