Page 26 of Immoral

"Nothing. There's nothing you can do."

"I don't believe that."

Hot blood burns in my veins. I jab him in the chest. "Yeah, you would think you can roll back into my life, and I'd be stupid enough to forget the past. Well, guess what, Gianni? I'm not the same dumb woman I was all those years."

He grabs my hand, closing his fingers around it. He lowers his voice. "I know you aren't stupid. You've never been a dumb woman. I was an idiot, and I promise you, I won't ever be again."

Tears hit me fast. I blink hard, willing not to show him any emotion regarding him, but they slip down my cheeks. "How many times have you said that same statement to me? Your word means nothing to me.Nothing!"

Pain leaps into his expression. Then his face hardens. He grasps my hand tighter and holds my chin with his other hand. "I'll prove you wrong, my tesoro."

I scoff, and tears run over his fingers. "I've heard that before as well. And I'm not your tesoro!"

More agony flickers in his dark orbs. He moves closer, and I step back until I'm against the wall. His body presses into mine. He firmly demands, "Listen to me. This isn't like the past. I married you, for God's sake. You know that's not something anyone in my family does on a whim."

My insides quiver and dive like I'm on a big hill of a roller-coaster ride. "You had me marry you when I was still drugged. You had everything planned, didn't you?"

He pauses, probably counting numbers in his head. He admitted to me once that's what he does to calm himself. After his admission, I could always tell when he was doing it. About ten seconds pass before he replies, "You don't understand what the Abruzzos are capable of, even after being in their auction, do you?"

Fear washes over me. Flashbacks of waking up wherever I was and the cold water blasting my body torpedo me. I'm not ignorant. Anyone who would kidnap and auction women off is someone who would do things I can't even fathom. I was super close to being a sex slave, yet I haven't even had time to process all of it. My lips tremble, but I manage to admit, "No. And I don't think I want to know."

Gianni inhales a deep breath, sliding his hand over my cheek. "I won't lie to you. The sick part of me loves the fact you're at my mercy. No one on Earth will protect you as I will, and deep down, you know this is true."

His statement solidifies everything I already knew about him but also brings out a warped part of myself. I should hate him more for confessing his love of my reliance on him. I can't deny that the notion of him keeping watch over me makes me feel safe, nor can I ignore the flutter in my belly when he stated I'm at his mercy.

It makes me wonder if I'm as sick as Gianni.

"Admit it, tesoro. Being my wife is in your best interest," he insists, peering down at me.

I bite on my lip, fighting my urge to hate him and love him. I finally acknowledge the truth. "Yes. I know you'll protect me better than anyone else."

His eyes grow darker. "That's right. And what will I do to anyone who attempts to harm you?"

Goose bumps pop out all over my skin. I don't hesitate. "Kill them."

He slowly shakes his head. "You're only half correct, tesoro. I won't just kill them. I will torture them and make them beg for their lives as long as I can. Their life will only end when they can no longer feel my wrath."

My mouth turns dry. I've always known what Gianni is capable of, and not once have I run from him. Yet, it's different hearing him speak the words out loud.

The elevator doors open again. He pecks me on the lips then steps back. I start to reach for him then remember this doesn't change our past. I pull my arm back and wait for him to lead me out of the elevator. This time, his hand is on my back. I lean into him, unable to stop myself.

When we reach our room, he waves the keycard over the lock and opens the door, then motions for me to go inside.

I walk inside the suite, noting the one king-size bed. A few minutes ago, I wanted separate ones. Now, I'm confused again by my lack of ability to segregate my gratitude for him protecting me over my need to protect my heart. His commitment to go to extremes to keep me safe toys with my rationale that won't let me forget all the years of pain he's put me through.

His phone rings, pulling me out of my trance. I glance at him. He holds up his finger and answers it in Italian.

I spin away, stroll to the window, and once again take in the white-covered mountains and frozen lake. Daylight is turning into nighttime darkness. If we weren't in the situation we're in, I would love everything about this place.

The suite is modern with light wood cabinetry. The entire wall is a window overlooking the breathtaking scenery. A two-person, white jacuzzi tub is situated in front of the window. Indie music plays through the surround sound, and soft lights outline the ceiling. Everything about it screams romantic getaway, which only makes me sad.

Gianni continues to speak in Italian. I unbuckle his coat since the room is warm. I don't take my eyes off the view in front of me until I hear a pop.

I spin and see him pouring a glass of champagne. He fills two flutes then hands one to me. I take it. He clinks my glass, winks, then continues speaking in Italian while letting his eyes roam over my body.

Everything about his look makes me want to squirm. It's his signature leer, undoubtedly full of naughty, indecent thoughts. Heat grows in my cheeks as he fixates on my lower body.

The moment his intense gaze meets mine again, I realize I'm half-naked. I freeze until he nods at my champagne.

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