Page 110 of Cuffed By Love

My heart isat war with my mind. The way Devin whispered he wants me was enough to break down every barrier, every single one of my defences and surrender to him wilfully. My heart beats waywardly when I’m around him. The way my body trembles at his very touch is proof enough that he has the power to unravel me to the point that I won’t have the resolve to put myself back together again. My head is screaming at me to stick with Levi because it’s uncomplicated, and when it comes to an end, it won’t hurt as much. However, my heart is pulling me toward Devin.

Oh God, what do I do? Do I go with the voice of reason or follow my heart and face getting burned again.

After we arrived at the hotel to drop off our luggage, Devin and I ventured out to explore the beautiful city of Rome. The sun is beaming, the city buzzing. We agreed to put a pin in the conversation we had on the plane and enjoy our time in Rome without making it awkward. We started with a tour of the Colosseum. Devin laces his fingers with mine and guides me through, telling me all about the history. It was magical. It enthralled me with its beauty and history. Standing in a building that’s been there since 7o AD, it’s truly magnificent.

I stand over one balcony overlooking the ground where the gladiators would battle. Devin strolls over to me and stands behind me, his arms on either side of me on the railing. While I soak up the view, he rests his chin on my shoulder and nuzzles my neck. “What are you thinking about so hard?” He whispers in my ear, his chest pressing up against my back. Without thinking, I sink back against him and smile.

“Just trying to envision how it would feel to be alive when this place was filled with spectators and gladiators would battle it out to the death down there for people’s entertainment.”

Devin chuckles, and the vibrations pass through my body like an electric current. “How’s that working out for you?”

“It was great until you came along and started distracting me with your tomfoolery,” I reply breathily when his lips pepper soft kisses along my bare shoulder.

“If you’re waiting for an apology, you’re not getting one. I warned you; I can’t be around you and not touch you. You’re going to have to grin and bear it, Tinks.” Devin drawls lazily and nips at my ear gently. I almost moan aloud when the gesture triggers a needy ache between my legs.

“How is it I can control myself, but you can’t?”

“Whose asking you too?” He states wittily. “It’s apparent you either possess an abundance of control, or I want you more than you do me. So, which is it?”

I snort. “Try telling that to my lady bits,” I mutter under my breath.

“What’s that? I didn’t quite catch it?” Devin questions, leaning over to look at my flushed face.

“You’re fishing again, Dev. I’m not taking the bait so you can withdraw your pole.” I state with a smile and pivot in his arms so I could face him. Devin’s grin is wicked. His eyes gleam mischievously under the afternoon sun.

“What if I don’t want to withdraw my pole? What if I want to sink it deep into your pond and scout about till I catch that big, juicy fish?” Devin states leaning in close till our noses almost touch.

“What if there’s no fish for you to catch in my pond?” This is a really weird conversation. If anyone in earshot hears us, they’re going to think we’re nuts.

“Oh, there is plenty of fish. I’ll just keep trawling, and once I catch that first one, the rest will keep coming and coming, and just when you think you’re done, you’ll come again.” Devin explains with a groan, his eyes staring fixedly at my mouth. I trail the tip of my tongue enticingly along my bottom lip before I suck it gently while he watches transfixed.

“I want to suck on that bottom lip so bad.”

I smile and peer up at him through my lashes, “Mm, isn’t it a dire shame that you can’t?”

“It’s a fucking crime.” He almost growls, pressing his forehead to mine. “Fucking hell Tinks, just let me kiss you.”

“Friends don’t kiss, Devin. And we agreed to stay friends.” I state playfully, ducking under his arm and walking off.

“Wait, a damn minute. You kiss Levi, and he’s your friend?” He complains, following me through the arena with an adorable scowl on his handsome face. “Also, you’re the one insisting on the friends thing, not me. If I had my way, you’d be riding on my tongue right now.” He grumbles peevishly.

“Are you comparing our friendship to mine and Levi’s? Weren’t you the one saying that there’s no comparison before?” I question, looking around while Devin scratches his jaw agitatedly.

“There isn’t, but you’re fighting a losing battle here, babe,” Devin states as he walks over to me. He wraps his muscular arms around me from behind and nuzzles my neck. “We both know how this is going to end.”

I look back at him over my shoulder. “Oh? Please, why don’t you enlighten me then.”

Devin smiles waywardly, “In bed, fucking like two wild animals.”

I laugh, “I guess we’ll see.” I break away from him, and he blinks, bemused, his eyes following me.

“We’ll see? Oi, get back here.” Devin calls out, jogging after me.

* * *

After the Colosseum,we headed to Vatican City to see the Sistine Chapel. It’s absolutely amazing. I stood staring up at the ceiling so long my neck started aching, and I’m sure I gave myself a case of vertigo. Either that or it’s the way Devin is rubbing my shoulders. We’re all over each other, flirting shamelessly, pretty much eye-fucking one another. I can feel myself caving, and that self-control Dev was commending me for is waning, and it's waning fast.

“Oh my God, this pizza is making my tongue orgasm.” I moan keenly, taking a bite of the thin crust of buffalo mozzarella, sundried tomato and basil pizza. Devin throws his head back and laughs heartily while he chews on his own pepperoni pizza slice.

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