Page 31 of Dangerous King
My body reacts instantly, and I feel fluids buildinginsideme, inthatplace. I'm not a complete fool. I know what that means. But I've never experienced that, not for real, anyways. It's not unpleasant. It's the opposite, despite the unmistakableacheaccompanying it.
Since I initiated this hug, I know I need to be the one to break it, otherwise it'll be even more awkward, but God help me, I don't want to. I want to stay right here, in this moment, forever.
Calling up what remains of my willpower, I straighten my spine, lean away from him with a wide smile while brushing down my clothes, and force a breath into my lungs. I've spent too much time alone with him—too much emotion in one room. I need a reset—a distraction.
"You're welcome," he says, and again I think my imagination must be playing tricks on me, because he sounds… hoarser. The way he is looking at me is unnerving because I can't read it. With a final smile, I flee from his room.
A few years back, my parents gave me an online subscription for romance novels, and I've devoured every one. Reading is the only form of freedom I've ever known. I've read about men who burn and women who bloom for them. I read about obsession, protection, kisses that bruise, and touches that heal.
Sometimes, late at night, when the house was dark and cruel and I had only the glow of my screen, those books made my body heat in ways nothing else could. Back then, I didn't believe real life could feel like that—like the pages promised. But when Enrico wraps his arms around me… when he looks at me like I'm something he'd burn the world to protect… it's more than I ever imagined. More than the fantasy. More than heaven, even. It's real. And it's mine.
No, worse.
Stronger.
More dangerous.
I should be afraid of him. He's a mafia prince.
But I'm not.
True to his word, Izzy is waiting just outside, arms crossed and grinning, already anticipating our shopping outing, and I have to reboot myself quickly.
"There you are!" she says, grabbing my arm without preamble. "Come on. We're going shopping!"
She pulls me to the large entrance doors. Outside, a yellow Lamborghini pulls up in front of the house. The driver hops out. "All ready for you, Signora Sartori."
"Thanks, Manollo." She grins at him and hops behind the wheel, petting the seat next to her. "Come on."
"Wait up!" I turn my head and see Enrico walking toward us.
Izzy groans and pulls me harder to the Lamborghini.
Manollo walks toward a dark, monstrous SUV, and I realize they will follow us. Enrico is striding faster. "Izzy! Wait up!"
"Come and catch me, big bro," Izzy grins and takes the driver's seat.
Hesitantly, I climb in next to her, and she revs the engine over whatever Enrico is yelling.
"Can't hear you!" She screams, rolling down my window, before taking off with breakneck speed around the fountain.
I watch Enrico curse and jump into another vehicle parked close by. It's black and looks like a tank.
"Better buckle up," Izzy suggests. We reach the long, paved road that leads to the street from the main house. The wrought-iron gate comes into view, getting closer. Izzy laughs and hits the gas pedal, "Hold on!"
My knuckles turn white as I hold on to theoh shit handlefor dear life. Is she going straight through the gate? Men ahead of us hustle to open it. Izzy lowers her window and waves at them. Right before we hit the main street, she hits the brakes so hard that my seatbelt nearly chokes me.
"I like to keep them on their toes," she laughs, and I throw her an incredulous glance.
"What if they don't make it in time?"
"I suppose Enrico would have to deal with getting a new gate and me a new car." She winks at me.
The tank behind us honks as Izzy hits the gas once again after merging onto the main road.
She laughs, "He wants me to slow down."
"That might not be a bad idea," I manage, trying to get the seatbelt to relax long enough so I can take a breath.
