Page 66 of Obsession & Oath

My name is on her lips when she suddenly goes rigid. Her name is on mine as the pressure finally releases.

I slow to a steadier beat, too sensitive for much more, but too needy to relieve myself of her closeness. She looks entirely ruined, spread before me like this, entirely at my mercy.

I pull at her arms, lift her boneless body back to my chest, and press gentle, pretty kisses to her cheek. “You did so well.”

“You ruined me,” she pants right back.

“Oh princess,” I kiss her again because I can. Because she’s mine. “I’ve barely evenstarted.”

Chapter18

Carmen

The days and weeks pass in a blur of sun, sex, and Dante. It’s strange, this new rhythm I’ve fallen into. But not unpleasant. Not unpleasant at all.

The mornings are slow, and the light coming through the window (mine or Dante’s; it has all become a bit of a blur) is in soft, golden ribbons. I stretch, slowly waking up to the sound of the world outside—birds, gardeners, the hum of castle life.

I always expect Dante to be here when I open my eyes, but he’s often gone. He’s busy, always doing something with the Grasso di Ferro, whatever that means.

It’s not like I mind. In fact, I think I’ve gotten used to it.

When he’s gone, I fill the silence. I walk the grounds, help the gardeners, or lounge by the pool. Sometimes, I just sit there, watching the water ripple, letting my thoughts float away like leaves in the breeze. It’s quiet, peaceful. A little too quiet, maybe.

But then he comes back, and it’s like the castle shakes off its dust. We go into Montecroce, where everything feels like it belongs to him, and maybe, a little, it does.

The espresso shop—the twin toCaffè di Montelunain Brooklyn—becomes a favorite haunt. It’s where Dante is most in his element, laughing with the owner and chatting with the locals. I can’t help but smile, watching him navigate it like he was born to.

Afternoons mean ice cream in the piazza, eating it slowly, like we’re savoring the moment. He teases me about my preference for coffee-flavored everything. I tell him off for getting too many scoops. It’s easy to tease him. Everything is easy.

Especially when we’re not thinking about anything but each other.

I care about Dante…his touch, his eyes, the way he makes me feel things I can’t explain. Every time we’re close, my chest tightens. And when he’s gone, I’m left here, wondering how I feel about all of this. About him.

There’s a part of me that wants to push him away, to keep this thing at arm’s length. But he makes it hard. Every smile, every touch, every stolen kiss—he makes it feel impossible to walk away.

I don’t know what I’m doing, but for the first time in my life, I’m thinking about what I want, not what my father wants or what anyone else wants for me. It’s scary. It’s thrilling. And maybe that’s the problem.

* * *

“Come in,” I call, my bedroom door creaking open a moment later to reveal Evelina standing on the threshold.

“Good evening, Carmen,” she greets me with a soft smile, her posture as poised as ever. “May I have a moment of your time?”

“Of course,” I reply, offering her a polite nod.

She moves into the room gracefully, her eyes scanning the space. I feel oddly self-conscious, wondering if she can see how little time I’ve spent here these last few weeks.

I mean…it’s not like Dante, and I have beensubtle.But we haven’t said anything to her either.

Nonetheless, I’m not stupid enough to think she’s stupid enough not to have noticed anything.

“I’ve been thinking,” she begins, her gaze returning to me with an intensity that makes me sit up a little straighter, “the castle, while magnificent, could use a little...freshening up. I was hoping I could count on you to help me redecorate a wing of the house.”

I blink at her. “You want me to help with redecorating? Are you sure?”

“I do. I could use a little assistance. There are some things I want to change, and it would be far more fun with someone else to help. You have an opinion, no? One that you are not too scared to tell me?”

I hesitate, a little taken aback by her sudden request. “I’ve never been known for my skills with interior design.”

---