Page 7 of His Little Spitfire

I suppose Eliza has one good trait about her. She’s got a backbone. She doesn’t look at me and grimace or flinch in fear. Rather, she looks at me like she could win in a fight. Even though I’ve proved otherwise multiple times, the woman is still confident.

Pouring my cup full of regular brew, I drink it black. While I try to enjoy the first, I watch as other members of my growing family come in and out.

I swear, every day, there are fresh faces joining us. Santino is all about growth, and he’s got a soft spot for those found on the streets. He’ll take anyone who is happy to devote themselves to keep our family afloat.

While I think it’s silly and unsafe, weareone of the strongest families around.

With each mouthful burning the entire way down, I pour myself a second and grab a handful pieces of toast before leaving.

Normally, I head outside, follow up with whoever is on guard and ask about any activities that happened to take place. If the grounds are quiet, I’m sure there’s an update from our men planted throughout the surrounding cities.

Instead of making my way outside, I head to the eating area. Hearing the sound of Camellia, my feet carry me without any command of direction.

Just as I expect, Eliza is there. She’s missing that scowl of hers when she’s with her sister. In fact, she’ssmiling. One hell of a contrast in what she’s given me.

Can’t say I want her to smile at me. No one ever does.

Heading over to the table, I fix my gaze on Eliza. She doesn’t notice my arrival as quickly as her sister does.

She’s wearing new clothes, her hair wet from a shower. Must’ve borrowed something from Camellia. Used Santino’s shower.

I’m rather amused to find her standing, unlike Camellia. I have a guess of why, but I know I didn’t spank herthathard. Then again, I did lose myself for a bit there.

I set my cup down harder than I mean to, and some of the dark liquid splashes onto the table. Ignoring it, I take a seat and notice both women are now looking at me.

“What?” Trying not to snap at Camellia, solely because my brother would strangle me if I hurt her feelings, I glare at her sister instead.

Eliza looks at my basic breakfast and turns up her nose. Opening her mouth, to insult me, I’m sure, she jerks when I toss her one piece of toast. She has eaten little since our marriage was declared. Knowing her, her pride is keeping her from asking for something to eat.

“Not as good as what you’re used to, I’m sure.” Snatching another piece, I bite into it and try to enjoy the buttery, savory flavor. Nudging the leg of the chair closest to her, I can’t help the smirk that curls onto my lips. “Take a seat while you’re at it. Might as well be comfortable.”

She looks at my offering like I’ve given her something poisoned. Her scowl is back, quicker than ever. Her jaw jerks as she looks away from it. “I’m perfectly fine standing,” she argues. I don’t miss the way her cheeks gain a little color to them.

Maybe I did go a bit overboard with the punishment. However, I won’t put up with her starving herself to get out of this.

“Eat.” Saying the word once more, my voice lowers. Watching the way her eyes open wide at the order, I lower my gaze to her lips as I wait for her to tell me no.

A growing part of me hopes she does, so I have an excuse to touch her again. Solely for the purpose of keeping my word, of course. Even if it’s right in front of Camellia, I don’t care. I’m itching to get this woman draped over my lap again. Anything to get to touch her again, even if it’s fueling something inside of me I’m painting as a weakness.

If I can’t stop these sensations from clouding my thoughts, I might as well accept them. I already have enough on my plate as it is.

Despite her frown, she takes a bite and huffs under her breath. As much as she wants to act like she’s not hungry, she eats every bite, going as far as licking her fingertips to catch any leftover butter. Every flick of her tongue catches my attention, and it takes the entrance of my brother to tear my gaze away.

Santino strolls in with a smile that is easily covering up the frustration he’s feeling. While he’s in front of these two, he won’t act like the man I know he is. Hell, for all I know, maybe he’s changing, and thisiswho my brother is now. Less sharp edges and uncontrolled anger, more soft and leashed.

Fuck, that better not be the kind of man I become. I’d rather stay on top and have this woman at my feet.

Eliza is too stubborn ever to agree to such a thing. She’d rather crawl onto my lap and wrap her fingers around my throat.

Grunting from the thought, I wash the toast down with the rest of my coffee. It burns the entire way, but it doesn’t deter the way my cock is solid against my thigh. It’s like I didn’t just spend my morning relieving myself of this problem of mine.

After my brother settles down next to the blue-eyed woman, he steals a piece of fresh fruit from her plate and they share a matching heated look. It makes my stomach clench, and another foreign sensation seeps through my chest. Jealousy.

I shouldn’t be imagining what it would be like to have Eliza looking at me in any way other than the hatred burning behind those brown eyes. Yet, I am.

This entire thing has me all over the place. At what point does everything return to normal? Once she has a ring on her finger? If that’s the case, this thing needs to get moved along.

“Did you get your hands on the documents?” My impatience is evident as I clear my throat. “Need to move this along before that slimy bastard tries to make his move.”

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