Page 54 of His Broken Queen

“Are you ready to leave?”

“No.” I cuddled into his chest. “We just got here.”

“We can stay longer.” He wrapped his arms around me. “I have some business to deal with. It’s probably better if we lay low for a bit anyway. Just until I have a plan in place.” He tilted my chin and stared into my eyes. “I don’t want you to worry though, you’re not in danger.” He gently kissed me. “I’ll take you shopping tomorrow.”

“I don’t need anything.”

“That’s not true.” He kissed me again, this time he lingered at my lips a little longer, making me warm and fuzzy. “Italian designers are the best. You need a new bag and shoes, I’m sure of it. I want a new suit.”

“You have a hundred suits.”

“So, now I’ll have a hundred and one.” He laughed, causing the tension in his face to disappear. “I may not have given you the wedding you wanted, but I can give you a honeymoon.” He closed his eyes. “Right now, I need to go to bed. I drank too much today.”

“Did you eat anything?” I scooted off his lap. “I can make you something.”

“Maybe later.” He took my hand and let me help him up. “Will you lay down with me?”

“Yes.” I put his arm around me for support and walked him into the house. “Can you make it upstairs?”

“I’m not that drunk.” He knocked into me. “Sorry.”

“You were saying?” I laughed. “One step at a time.”

“Okay.” He climbed the stairs, stopping about every two to check his balance.

“I got you.”

“I’m supposed to have you.” He held onto me. “And let’s face it, if I fall, I’m probably going to take you with me.”

“Then don’t fall.”

We continued up the stairs and to the bedroom. Once inside, he leaned against the wall as I shut the door. I’d never seen him lose his composure after drinking. He could hold his alcohol, so whatever he gave up today in exchange for Malatesta’s help must have been a big deal.

“Are you okay?” I helped him out of his jacket.

He closed his eyes and fought through the pain when I shimmied it over his injured shoulder.

“Sorry.” I kissed him.

“It’s all right.” He stepped out of his shoes, and took off his socks.

As I unbuttoned his shirt, he ran his fingers through my hair, twisting it around his hand, and bringing my lips to his. Our mouths barely touched, but his warm breath made me tingle with excitement. Staring into his gorgeous eyes, I spread his shirt open.

“Are you ready?” I inched the shirt down his shoulders, taking his good arm out of the first sleeve. He pushed away from the wall, and wiggled out of the other sleeve.

“I need more vodka.” He breathed out.“It fucking hurts.”

“You need a nap.”

“I need you.” He tugged me against his bare chest, and claimed my mouth, kissing me with so much force, I had to hold on to him.

“Let’s get you into bed.”

“You’re not finished undressing me.” His smug half-smile made him irresistible. “I can’t go to bed with my pants on.”

“Of course not.” I smoothed my hands down his chest and over his rock-hard abs. When I got to his belt buckle, I noticed his abs weren’t the only thing that were rock hard.

“I like when you undress me.” He tucked my hair behind my ear. “We’re going to have to work that into our rotation.”

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