Page 40 of Fortress of the Soul

He’s never going to go for it, so I don’t know how I’m going to accomplish this new mad escapade floating around in my head. But if I don’t have his lips on me soon, I’m going to die.

That much, I’m certain.

He puts his hand back on my thigh again as the cutting of the cake proceeds, and I pour another glass of wine.

I love the way his hand feels on me, I love his warmth.

He squeezes my thigh again as he leans into me. “Don’t look now, but Toby is three tables up to the left.”

We’re at a round table in the middle of the large dining room. I put my hand on top of his, that’s still resting on my thigh.

He does the unthinkable and nudges his nose into my neck, nuzzling me. I can’t help but wonder what it would feel like between my legs. I squeeze my thighs tight as my center throbs with a desire I never knew existed. His warm breath caresses my skin as I giggle and reach my hand to his thigh and squeeze. Two can play at that game.

“Fuck,” he mutters into my skin, pulling back as we look at each other. He looks flushed, and he never swears like that around me, only when he talks to my brothers.

My fingers climb up his leg under the tablecloth. I just get to his thigh crease and my fingers nudge his dick, when his hand comes over the top of mine. “Val,” he whispers, moving it back down to a safe distance and squeezing my hand.

“Too much?” I raise my eyebrows, biting my lip.

His eyes flick to my mouth and back to my eyes. “You know it is.”

“Does it matter?”

He laughs softly. “That wine is making you giddy.”

“Wait until I get onto the champagne.”

He shakes his head, and neither one of us removes our hands from the other. It feels like fire burning my skin.

“You think we’re acting the part of the loved-up couple, Valentina?” he says into my ear.

“Oh perfectly, Enzo.”

He laughs softly and it sends a shiver up my spine. Maybe the few sips of red he’s had are working after all. He’s loosening up.

“Are you having a good time?” he asks me as the desserts are served. Speeches will follow, then the wedding cake and aperitifs.

“I’m having a great time. I can’t wait to hit the dancefloor.”

He rolls his eyes. “Can’t wait.”

“Come on, you can’t say you’re not enjoying this. The food was amazing, we have great company, and now dessert.” I look at him and lick my lips on purpose.

He gives me a one-sided grin. “You’re trouble, Val, with a capital T. I can see why Angelo worries so much. It’s not actually the people around you at all, is it?”

I pretend to be shocked. “You mean to say it’s all me?”

“It’s all you.” He shakes his head and digs into his tiramisu.

I glance over to Toby’s table, but he’s not looking in this direction. Good.

Maybe he’s gone off the idea of pursuing me. He certainly looked a little less determined after yesterday’s side-show. Since I’ve been in the presence of Enzo, I’m wondering what I ever saw in Toby. You can’t even compare the two.

While Toby is handsome with his dark hair and dark eyes, he doesn’t have that strong manliness about him like Enzo does.

“I think we should all get up and dance!” Grace exclaims when the speeches are over and the toasts are done. I guzzle my glass down, never one to turn down a dance opportunity..

“Steady,” Enzo says to me as he helps me out of my seat, and we head out to the floor to see Sarah and Dale.

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