Page 127 of Carnal

He cages his body around mine, secures his fingers around my wrists, then pins them above my head. His face dips toward mine, and his tongue parts my lips.

Fireworks explode in my cells. I instantly submit to him, which is something that happened a while ago. I realized it the other day, which created more questions I've internalized.

I no longer even attempt to be dominant. It's like he fucked me into submission so many times, I lost the desire. The mere thought of trying to seems like an injustice. All I do is crave to be at his mercy.

Every flick of his warm tongue against mine creates scorching fire, burning through my veins. His fingers clasp tighter around my wrists. His other hand slides between us, stimulating my nipple.

I arch into him, thrusting my hips toward him, but he holds me off.

His hand slides to my hair. He forces it under my head, lacing his fingers through my locks and keeping my face in front of his. He declares, "I'm going to marry you."

I freeze, my pulse skyrockets, and my heart swoons. We've never discussed marriage.

Is he being serious or just nostalgic from watching Massimo get married?

"I'm serious," he assures me.

Joy fills me, but then all my fears kick in. I open my mouth then shut it.

I need to get past this.

How?

"Don't do that," he warns.

"Do what?" I ask, but I know what he means.

"Think about your job and insecurities right now."

Insecurities? Is that what I have? If that's the case, am I only imagining how bad it'll be telling Dante?

"Tell me I'm your future, Pina," he demands.

I blink hard, acknowledging the only thing in my heart. "You're my future."

Relief fills his face. He enters me in one thrust, filling me with his body, exiting me, then pushing deeper until I see stars.

"Oh…oh..." I cry out, tightening my legs around him and trying to grasp something, but he still has my wrists pinned.

"No more excuses, baby girl. After the wedding, we tell everyone. Don't make me regret you," he asserts.

"Regret...me?" I ask, my mouth forming an O as a tidal wave of adrenaline hits me.

He stops thrusting, leering at me. "I'm in love with you. I want to be free. I want my family to know about us. And I want to spend my life with you. So don't make me regret loving you, Pina."

My eyes fill with tears. I swallow hard, nodding.

Why can't I get past my fears?

I can't lose him.

I'll tell Dante when I see him next.

"I love you," I proclaim.

He resumes thrusting, dips his head to my neck, and sucks on my collarbone.

"Tristano, I… I...oh God!" I moan. My eyes roll back, a burst of white light flares in my vision, and endorphins consume every nerve in my body.

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