Page 16 of Burn
And I know how to do that.
I place my hand on his chest, my hand sliding down his body, but when I reach his belt, he grabs my wrist and stops me.
“Is this what you were forced to do?”
I gasp.
“Is that how you got this?”He places a hand on my belly.
I lean back in shock.“How did you know?”
He snorts.“I’ve seen you looking at your belly.It’s obvious you’re pregnant.”
I wince at hearing those words out loud again.
“Is that why you were out on the streets?”When I look away, he tilts my chin with a single finger and forces me to look at him.“Answer me, please.”
“Yes.”
His nostrils flare, and his lips twitch.
“This pregnancy … is it your choice?”
I swallow, not wanting to give the answer to a man I barely even know.But what choice do I even have?I don’t want to seem ungrateful.
After a while, I shake my head.“I’m not on the pill.He didn’t want to use a condom.Said it would stop the pleasure.I wasn’t able to say no.”
Vincenzo releases my wrist, and I try to compose myself, but it’s hard when faced with a man as impressive and dominant as him.It’s like every look, every gaze, every word of his is laced with power.The kind I’ve never had.
“Thank you,” he says.“For your honesty.”
I lick my lips and let my eyes travel down his chiseled face and chest, the buttons of his shirt barely able to contain the pecs hiding behind.It’s rare that I meet anyone with such a physique who’s also a gentleman.And I don’t think I’d even mind it if I had to pay for my stay with body contact.
But he steps back and grabs my hand, bringing it to his lips for a kiss so gentle it takes my breath away.
Until his eyes look up, boring straight into mine.“You do not need to earn your keep … but I do require you to tell me who it was that got you pregnant.”
I gulp.“Um …”
His grip on my hand grows stronger.“The truth, Emilia.”
“Dean Johnson.He lives downtown.St.Peter’s Street thirty-five, upper floor apartment number twenty-six.”
His eyes twitch again, and a fire grows inside them.One I haven’t seen before.
“Thank you.”
He presses another kiss on top of my hand and releases me, then turns around and waltzes off.And I just know I set off a ticking time bomb that’ll be impossible to defuse.
4
Vincenzo
That look of hatred she gave her own belly … that’s what drives me mad.
I’ve seen that look from so many women, and nothing ever comes close to fixing it.
Except one thing.
