Page 18 of Carnal

When it's over, I stay hovered over her as we try to catch our breath. My heartbeat slows, and I roll on my back and tug her into me.

Too many thoughts race around my mind. Before tonight, she was an obsession—a mere fantasy of what seemed impossible. I thought I could have her and everything would be solved. We could both go our separate ways, and no one would be any wiser.

I couldn't have been more naive. I should have known that a woman like Pina isn't someone you get out of your system. And now that I've had her, there's no returning to normal. We did this—both of us. Now we know how good we are together, and it's an entirely new can of worms. Yet strangely enough, I don't regret any of it. Whatever the consequences are with my family, I tell myself I'll deal with them.

Pina slowly sits up and drills her gaze into mine.

I wiggle my eyebrows and, in an arrogant tone, state, "Want to show me the rest of your place?"

She reaches back and slaps me. The sting sprawls across my cheek as she seethes, "You liar."

4

Pina

My insides shakewith rage and confusion. It's a gun aimed and fully firing not only at Tristano but also at me. I curl my hand into a fist, jumping off the bed and going into the bathroom.

What the hell did I just do?

This wasn't supposed to happen.

Where was I? Since when do I submit to any man?

How did he turn me into a begging submissive without even restraining me or using any other tools?

Why did I love it so much?

"Pina! What the fuck?" Tristano barks, following me.

I get to the sink and splash cold water on my face, wishing I could erase everything that just happened.

I was supposed to dominate him. He should have been the one pleading with me.

"Pina!" Tristano repeats, grabbing my shoulder and spinning me into him.

I jab the skull tattooed on his chest. "Don't! Go home."

He jerks his head back. "What's happening here?"

So much anger ignites in me that my lips tremble. It only irritates me further. I'm always in control and especially around the Marinos. I don't need them thinking they can run all over me like they do with everyone else. And now Tristano will see me like I'm one of his women he uses then throws out. I step to the side, but he matches my move and cages me against the counter. I seethe, "Get out of my way."

His dark eyes burn hotter, turning into slits. "You're acting like I did something wrong."

My voice shakes, displaying none of the confidence I usually have, which makes me more humiliated. "We had a deal."

"I asked you if you wanted me to stop. Several times. So don't act like I did something against your will," he states in a harsh tone.

My cheeks heat. I hate that he's right. I despise that I lacked the ability to tell him to stop and regain control of the situation in the heat of the moment. I look away, blinking hard and willing myself not to cry in front of him. The last thing I need is to display any more weakness in front of a Marino.

He turns my chin and forces me to face him. In a softer tone, he asserts, "It was good, Pina. No. It was the best sex I've ever had. We're good together, and I know it wasn't only me who enjoyed every minute of that. So whatever this is about, let's get past it."

Butterflies explode in my stomach, fluttering as if they're trying to escape.

The best sex he's ever had?

It was mine, too.

No, no, no! It doesn't matter if I enjoyed it. I shouldn't have. Plus, I submitted to a Marino.

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