Page 64 of Tainted Obsession 1
So, instead of continuing to argue about morality, I gently press my lips to his in a soft kiss. It’s an apology and a peace offering.
I don’t like his mafia lifestyle, but I care about him. He’s a good man, and I tell him that with every stroke of my tongue against his.
I don’t know what my future holds, but I do know that in this moment, all I want is to be right here, in his arms.
Chapter 26
Evelyn
“Ihave something for you,dolcezza.”
Even as Massimo’s deep voice makes me shiver with desire, unease stirs.
I turn to face him, tugging the fluffy white robe more tightly around myself like armor.
The mansion where we’re staying in the small town on the Colombia-Ecuador border is overwhelmingly ostentatious, especially in contrast to the impoverished neighborhoods we passed during the short drive from the landing strip in the jungle.
Massimo has boasted about his wealth many times, possibly trying to impress me. But money has only ever been a weapon in my experience, a tool for control. Already, my life has spun out of my control. I can’t bear to slip even further into chaos.
“You didn’t have to get me anything,” I say quickly, squaring my shoulders.
I might be physically weaker than Massimo, but I know how to provide for myself, to pay my own way. As an adult, I’ve always been careful not to take more than I contribute.
He gives me a lazy, self-satisfied smile. “I know I didn’t have to. I don’thave todo anything. I can afford to do anything I want, and I want to spoil you.”
My stomach twists, and I straighten my spine. I summon up my willpower and focus on his stunning eyes, which are glittering with anticipation. They’re gorgeous enough to entrance me, so I manage to avoid staring at his bare, sculpted chest. I studiously ignore the fine dusting of dark hair that trails down his abs to disappear beneath a plush white towel that’s slung low over his hips, accentuating the defined V that draws my attention to his…
I swallow hard and stop thinking about sex. I lose control entirely when his masterful hands caress my body, bringing me transcendent pleasure. While that sweet bliss provides ecstatic release—a sense of freedom and connection I’ve never known before—financial control is another matter entirely. The prospect sours my budding lust.
His cocky smile remains fixed in place. “I bought it for you to wear tonight. And every night. My mark on your neck will fade, but I want everyone to know you’re mine.”
I take a small step back. Whatever it is, it’ll be a sign of ownership. Of control. Not just for others to see, but for me as well.
I’ll never be able to repay him for the expensive clothes he’s already purchased for me. Now, he wants me to be further indebted to him.
Before I summon another protest, he picks up a large jewelry box covered in black velvet. I’d been so obsessed with studying his masculine perfection that I hadn’t noticed it resting on the nightstand.
“Massimo…” I trail off when he snaps open the lid.
The way the light refracts off the diamonds is sharp enough to cut, the glittering gems seeming to pierce my chest with everyshimmering ray. A massive teardrop diamond is nestled in the center of the box, cushioned by cream silk. In place of the golden links of a chain, dozens of smaller round diamonds curve in elegant lines from the clasp that would sit at the nape of my neck. Each of them is twice as large as my engagement ring had been.
“Do you like it?” he prompts when I don’t say anything; I’m too stunned by the beauty and exquisite pain of the gems to fully process my emotions.
“It’s too much.” I manage to breathe.
He cocks his head at me, a furrow between his dark brows. “Nothing is too much for you.”
I shake my head, staring at the diamonds as though they’ve entranced me with their awful beauty.
“I don’t want to owe you anything.”
A small frown tugs at his lips. “You’ve said that before. I don’t expect anything in return for this. I want you to wear it for me. I want everyone to see how I provide for my woman. I know your value, and they will all see how I treasure you. They will know to keep their fucking distance.”
I shake my head again, and his expression darkens.
I lick my dry lips. “That’s not the problem here.”
“Then what is wrong?” he demands. “You think I’m giving you this because I want you to owe me something? Is that the kind of man you think I am?”
