Page 111 of Dangerous King
I rush to him. "Please don't hurt him."
Enrico's eyes snap to mine, stunned. "Hurthim? Piccolina, I'm not worried about therunt.I'm worried about what he might do toyou."
"He would never hurt me," I say quickly, kneeling to assess the damage. "He hasn't hurt anyone else. Just…" I trail off as I dab at the cut with a tissue. "Only you."
Enrico raises a brow. "Comforting."
"He's just… protective."
"So am I," he mutters darkly, flinching slightly as I clean the gash. "And unlike him, I wear a gun."
I choke on a laugh, even as I wince at the size of the bite. "This might need stitches."
"Great," he deadpans. "Romantic night of holding you turns into a tetanus shot and dog whisperer therapy."
I press gauze gently to the wound. "Maybe Shadow senses your, um… dominant energy."
He gives me a look. "You mean mypresence."
"I mean youryou-are-mine-and-I-own-the-moonenergy." I glance at him, biting my lip. "It's a lot."
Then a sobering thought hits me, "Still think I'm worth the trouble?"
He leans down and kisses the top of my head, "Every damn drop of blood."
I finish wrapping the bandage around his calf, tucking in the last edge neatly. "There. It's not pretty, but it'll hold."
He flexes his leg, winces, then grins. "You're good at this."
"I've had a lot of practice with stuffed animals," I laugh, remembering the toy first aid kit Camilla let me play with for a while until she realized I really enjoyed it.
He leans down and kisses my temple. "I'm going to grab fresh clothes for the morning. Be right back."
My heart skips. "Okay."
He steps out, through the door this time, and I leave it half open behind him. A silent invitation. My whole body hums, already missing his hands, his mouth, the way his eyes get heavy when they look at me. I lean against the wall, impatiently waiting for the sound of his returning footsteps.
But that's not what I hear.
"Mamma," Enrico exclaims, with just a hint of alarm. "You're up late."
"I could say the same to you." Her tone is pure steel. "And don't think I don't know what you're up to, figlio mio."
"Mamma…"
"No funny business inmyhouse."
There's a pause. I imagine him trying not to groan aloud.
"I know your tricks," she continues. "I've known them since you were sneaking girls in through the back garden at fifteen. Don't forget who raised you." I giggle, but at the same time, a rush of jealousy moves through me. Fifteen?
"Mamma, this is different."
"Is it?" Her voice tightens. "Because unless you want yourfiancée'sentire family thinking we raised a barbarian, I suggest you keep it in your pants until after the wedding."
Another pause. Then, Enrico's muffled voice, "I suppose asking for a little privacy is out of the question."
"Completely. I've got Conrad stationed by the lattice under Cat's balcony. You try to climb that again, and he'll shoot you in theass."
