Page 9 of Beastly Boss

“Kimbra,” I murmur, holding my hand out for her to take. Instead, she collapses into my arms. I fold her trembling body into my embrace, trying to infuse my strength into her being. I don’t know what drove her into my arms, but I’m determined to eliminate whoever or whatever did this to her.

“I’m–I’m… I’m s-sorry,” she sobs. “My dad… and then they broke into… He sent me away and–and–and I didn’t know. I didn’t know where to go.”

“I’ve got you,” I whisper. “You made the right choice by coming here.” Kimbra curls into my chest even further, her fists gripping my shirt as if trying to keep me in place. I’m not going anywhere. “You’re safe with me.”

My sweet girl nods and untangles herself from my hold. I immediately wrap an arm around her waist and tuck her into my side, half carrying her up the stairs and inside my home.

We sit on a couch in front of the fireplace in one of the many rooms sprawled throughout the mansion. Kimbra doesn’t say anything at first; she simply leans against me as if I’m the only thing anchoring her to the earth at this moment. I’ll stay right here for however long she needs me.

“I’m sorry,” she whispers, not for the first time tonight. “I had nowhere to go, and I thought… I thought the gifts you sent meant you were thinking about me, too, and I could come here and… I don’t know.” She sniffles, breaking my heart even more.

“Never apologize for seeking me out,” I tell her. I lean back slightly, peeling Kimbra off my chest so I can look her in the eyes. “I will always be here for you. I couldn’t stop thinking about you, and now you’re here…” I trail off, still in shock about the turn of events the night has taken. “Can you tell me what happened? Are you in danger?”

“No. I mean, maybe. I don’t think… I mean, my dad… Ugh.” She lets out a frustrated sigh as she attempts to gather her thoughts.

“Take your time, beautiful,” I soothe. I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear and wipe a single tear from her cheek with the pad of my thumb. I’ve never been this gentle with anyone in my life, but Kimbra is bringing out all kinds of things in me I didn’t know existed.

After a few deep breaths, Kimbra rests her head on my shoulder. I place a hand on her hip, nestling her curves into the side of my body. I can’t stand to be separated from her right now, maybe ever.

“I was at my dad’s house for our weekly dinner,” she begins. “Some cops came bursting through the door and threatened him, saying he needed to cut ties with…” Kimbra tilts her head up to meet my gaze. I know what she’s trying to communicate. They want him to cut ties with the Caparellis. I have a feeling I know exactly who is behind this.

“Did they touch you?” I growl.

Kimbra tenses at the sound, but I kiss the top of her head, silently letting her know I’m not mad at her. I hate that she was put in this position and that I’m partially to blame.

“No. They roughed my father up and left him slumped against the wall. I tried helping him, but he kind of… snapped at me. He said I needed to go away, go back to my apartment.”

“Why didn’t you? I mean, I’m glad you came here. Thank you for trusting me.”

Kimbra takes a deep breath, winding up to tell me the rest of the story. “One of the cops followed me,” she whispers. “He pushed me up against the side of a building and said I needed to convince my dad to step down as Lieutenant.”

“Jesus fucking…” I cut myself off and swallow down the blinding rage threatening to take over. That’s not what Kimbra needs right now. “You’re safe now,” I tell her again. “You’ll stay here under my protection until we sort everything out.”

“But… are you sure?”

“Yes,” I answer firmly. “You are my priority now.”

Kimbra’s bottom lip trembles, her eyes filling with tears once more. I’m stricken with the thought of making her cry, but I realize she’s thankful, not sad. My gaze drops to her neck, where I notice the emerald necklace I gave her. Was that really just this morning?

“Thank you, Aurelio,” she says softly. “For everything.”

Kimbra curls up against me once more, and I cradle her close to my chest. I hope the steady beat of my heart calms the storm raging in hers.

An overwhelming rush of emotion surges through me as I hold the beautifully broken woman in my arms. I’ve gone from annoyed to worried to vengeful in a handful of moments, and now, something else is creeping in. Something softer, deeper, and permanent. I can’t quite name it yet, but I’ve only ever felt it when I’m with Kimbra.

The gorgeous woman with multi-colored eyes tips her head up from where it was tucked against my shoulder. Those poutylips of hers tremble slightly, her breathing shallow as her gaze meets mine.

“Kimbra,” I say softly, dipping my head down so our noses are touching. Her breath tickles my lips, making them tingle as something stirs deep inside me.

I shouldn’t kiss her. Not after the night she’s had. I can’t. It wouldn’t be appropriate…Oh, shit.My little minx licks her lips and flutters her eyelids shut, letting me know she wants the same thing I do.

Before I have a chance to make my move, Kimbra leans forward and closes the distance between us. Her mouth meets mine, igniting the spark I was trying so damn hard to extinguish.

I nibble on her bottom lip, sucking on it slightly before licking the seam of her mouth. My girl lets me in, her hands sliding up my chest as I tickle the roof of her mouth with my tongue. Kimbra grips the collar of my shirt and pulls me closer, the longing evident in her touch.

My hands find her round, juicy ass, and I grab her there, kneading her soft flesh and adjusting her so she’s straddling me. My girl gasps, breaking our kiss as she steadies herself with a hand on my shoulder.

I know I should take it slower. Wasn’t I just talking about that? But fuck it, she doesn’t look upset at the turn of events. In fact, she looks as desperate for me as I am for her. We stare at each other as an electric current buzzes through my body into hers. I see the moment it hits. My dick throbs as it presses against the zipper of my slacks. I know she feels it when she gasps softly. “Aurelio,” she whispers.

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