Page 40 of Crazed

Massimo nods and steers me outside of the library. The moment the doors shut, he tugs me into him, sliding his hands on my cheeks. He studies me for a moment. My butterflies spread their wings. I'm about to ask him what's wrong when he presses his mouth against mine. His tongue parts my lips and urgently teases mine until my knees buckle and he's supporting all my weight against his body. He retreats from the kiss, murmuring, "I've been wanting to do that all day."

My anxiety disappears. Right now, it's just Massimo and me. The world could burn around us, and I wouldn't notice. His steel-blue eyes mesmerize me. The warmth of his hard flesh penetrates against my skin. A different cologne than what he normally wears flares in my nostrils. Hints of amber and cedarwood taunt my senses. Any good feeling I've ever experienced is in this moment. The heat in my cheeks grows hotter, and I ask, "Was it worth the wait?"

Amusement fills his orbs. He leans into my ear. His breath tickles my skin, and I shudder as he asserts, "Definitely. I'll let you know if the other things I've been waiting to do to you are worth it, later tonight." He pulls back and locks his gaze on mine.

Tingles rush down my spine. I reach for his cheek, asking, "What would that be?"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Are you looking to get punished by asking for details?" he challenges.

I smirk, keeping my voice low. "Will it involve restraints?"

His face turns stern. "I think it's time for you to learn about self-restraint."

"What does that mean?"

Dark arrogance expands on his face. He declares, "You'll find out tonight." He pecks me on the lips, spins, then leads me through the building. The sun peeks through the clouds, and I tilt my face toward it.

"Spring will be here soon. Did you find out about vacation time?" he asks, snapping me back to reality.

The nerves in my chest reactivate, squeezing my heart. Once again, I lie, "Alicia said she'll find out from HR."

He pins me with his eyes, opening the car door. "She doesn't know what you're eligible for?"

I shrug, tearing my orbs off his, and slide into the car. "She has a lot to manage."

I pull the visor down, pretending to fluff my hair.

He shuts the door and races around the car. He gets in and turns. "So you'll know tomorrow?"

I keep my focus on my hair. "I assume so. Is there anything you feel like eating for dinner? I can make something."

He turns on the engine and revs it. Pulling into traffic, he replies, "I'm taking you out tonight."

I close the visor and turn toward him. "Oh? Where are we going?"

"It's a surprise. Your dress is in the backseat."

Excitement flares through my bones. I shouldn't allow myself to keep feeling these emotions where Massimo is concerned, but I don't know how to stop them. I glance behind me. A deep-purple silk dress hangs next to the window. A see-through bag withGucciwritten in gold protects the garment. I gape at him. "You bought me a dress?"

"Yep."

"It's beautiful. Thank you."

He reaches for my hand and kisses the back of it. "It'll be beautiful once you're wearing it."

My heart soars. Once upon a time, I could only dream of meeting a man like Massimo. He treats me like a rare gem. And it's not just the gifts he bestows on me. Every aspect of our relationship—sexual, emotional, mental—is more than I could ever have imagined. I never knew real chemistry existed before him. If I didn't have Leo's orders hanging over my head, I'd believe he'd protect me until the end of time. Yet I know our ending will never be what I wish.

Guilt creates emotions I don't want to feel right now. I blink hard, but a tear escapes. I curse myself and try to swipe it away before Massimo sees it, but I'm too slow.

He pulls into a fire lane. I laugh through my tears, choking out, "Do you ever park in actual spaces?"

He removes his sunglasses and turns my chin so I can't move. "Dolce, what's wrong?"

"Nothing. You're very generous," I offer.

"It's just a dress." He caresses my cheeks with his thumbs.

I close my eyes, wishing that everything could be different. It's like having Prince Charming at your fingertips and the insight it's not going to last.

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