Page 109 of Deception

“I only hurt people to protect the ones I love. The people I am responsible for.”

“And they get hurt in the process. Don’t even try to refute that. Giorgio lost his life for you. That’s all on you in the end. He’s dead because of who you are.”

I gape at her, unable to rebuke her.

“And I know he would do it again in a heartbeat because that's who he was. But it stillhurts. And I still want to blame you.”

“You've destroyed me Isabella. More than any war or hit man ever could.”

“I’m truly sorry, Alessandro. But I’m also grateful.”

“For what?”

“For getting to see who you really are. For the time we had together. And most of all, for protecting Angelica and Gigi. For making them a part of your family. Whatever happens between us, know that it means the world that you kept that promise.”

“I always keep my promises.”

“I used to say the same thing. Until I fell in love with a criminal.”

“And what if I wasn’t? What if I left this all behind? Would you have me?”

“Alessandro…” The tenderness in her voice cracks the walls around my heart. “It doesn’t matter what you are. I want you all the same.”

I’m rooted to the spot, locked in her gaze. I should resist her. She’s a liability, a weakness. Or maybe I’m just weak.

“Would you stay here with me? If I let you go and gave you a ticket anywhere in the world, would you choose to stay?”

“I will stay with you through anything. If you’ll have me.” Her resolve knifes me through the chest.

“Say it.” I grit out, unsure what I’m even asking for.

“I’m yours.”

“Say it.” Desperation chokes me.

“I love you, Alessandro, and I always will.”

I'm off the bed, crushing her in my arms before I can take another breath, before the words that are forming in the back of my throat can escape my lips. Her lips complete me, soothe the raging fires of my wrath, kindling another flame, a guttering flicker that I tried to snuff out.

The embrace shifts, gentler, pressing but tender.

Unlike our frantic intimacy at the lodge, we take our time exploring, savoring. However, it’s no less intense.

Her curves form to my body like she was designed to fit.

Like an old-world statue sculpted by master hands, the perfect incarnation of love.

“I need you, now,” I gasp between nips of her teeth and tongue along my lips.

Her dress slips from her shoulders with a flick of my wrist, my shirt unbuttoned and tossed aside in a rush, then my pants. In the same motion, she’s pressing me down onto the bed, straddling me in nothing but a scrap of white lace.

“You’re the air I breathe…”

“Never stop breathing me in.”

“You’re my fire in the cold…”

“Make me blaze higher,” she begs, her breath hot in my ear, tearing at my boxer briefs.

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