Page 17 of Tower of Temptations

But I was already walking down the darkened hallway, drawn like a moth to flame. Just one look, I promised myself. One moment to satisfy this burning need to be near her.

I approached the door. Every step had me wondering whether I should just turn back. No—the desire to satisfy and the throbbing between my legs could not be contained.

After a moment, I knocked my fist at my side, clenched. I had to show at least some semblance of restraint. Pearl opened the door, our eyes locked.

"Guiliano. What are you doing here?"

"I had to perform security rounds," I explained. A bald-faced lie.

"Right. Security. In the middle of the night. When there are cameras in my room already."

I should have known she'd never believe the excuses I'd made. But, in a way, it made it simpler and clearer. I reached out andtouched her arm. She did not shirk away but instead leaned into the touch.

"You should be sleeping,tesoro," I said. It was rare for the Italian to slip out. It only happened in moments when I lost control.

Like right now.

"I…I can't."

"Why not?"

"I was just…I wanted to finish my chapter. And…I couldn't sleep."

"I see."

"That isn't the only reason why you're here, though, is it?" Pearl asked. "To check if I'm getting enough rest?" Her voice goaded me with that hint of challenge.

And goading it did. Her vulnerable, thin frame in the oversized sweater sparked a blaze of desire in me. Such a simple garment. One move and it would be off, bearing her more intimate parts.

Parts that infected my mind.

I stepped forward. Pearl moved back instinctively. I closed the door and locked it. We were alone.

I reached forward and gently gripped her chin. Her smooth, pale skin was a subtle contrast against my olive-hued hands.

"You know why?"

A smile tugged at her lips, flirty and teasing. "Care to explain?"

I took a few deep breaths. If I broke my resolve and expressed some of the deeper feelings this girl was awakening in me, it would complicate things. As a Barbieri, I needed to be careful. Falling in love, expressing emotions, I did no such thing.

There was no harm, however, in having a little bit of fun.

"Oh I do not need to," I said against her lips. My hand caressed her waist as our chests brushed. "Ti voglio, tesoro."

Pearl parted her lips. Heat built. Logic left the room, replaced with pure lust. An ache that drove us both crazy.

I closed the gap just like the time in the library, my lips against hers. Subtle breath caressed my lips. "Tesoro, I cannot hold back."

"Then don't," Pearl gently insisted. Her voice was soft. Yet the sheer utterance broke all barriers.

Restraint was gone the moment I kissed her. It was not like the innocent, whimsical kiss in the library. This time, Pearl was mine. My hand reached down and grabbed her hip to pull her close to me.

A storm of emotions overtook me. Passion and sweet release was all I could think about. But also, I wanted to make this special.

Pearl was more than just a conquest. She was an obsession, one I refused to ignore. I took a few steps as I pushed her towards the bed. She sat down, our lips still connected.

I pressed my tongue against her parted lips. Pearl melted against me just like before. The library was only the beginning. Right now, she was mine.

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