Page 11 of Merciless Desires

“You would see more if I was wearing a bathing suit.” Why were Americans so uptight when it came to clothes, breasts, and nipples? They made everything about the human body so taboo. “As a matter of fact, I sunbathe topless.”

“On your father’s private island where I seriously doubt he lets his guards see you.”

“Hey, Gio, I need…” Conti stopped in the doorway of the kitchen. “Oh.”

“Hi, Conti.” I waved as I popped a grape into my mouth.

“Get out!” Gio yelled at his guard as he pointed to the hallway.

“Sorry.” Conti held up his hands as he backed out of the kitchen.

“Do you see why you can’t walk around here in your underwear?” Gio shouted at me.

“No, I don’t.” I sat at the island and put some fruit on my plate. “It’s not my problem if your guards can’t be respectful. Why would you have such men work for you?”

“Cin?”

“My father’s guards don’t disrespect me like that.” I bit into a piece of pineapple. “But they know he would gut them if they did.”

“I should gut my guards because you can’t put your clothes on?”

“Yes.”

“Makes perfect sense.” He let out a frustrated breath. “Did you sleep well?”

“It took a while to fall asleep, but once I did I was out.” I got up and walked around the island and stood next to him. “How come you gave me the main bedroom?”

“It wasn’t being used.”

“Why don’t you sleep in there?”

“When Romero and I bought this place, he took the main bedroom. When he got married, I wasn’t sure it was going to last, so I didn’t move in there.”

“Why didn't you think his marriage would last?” I asked.

“It’s a long story.”

“I have time.” I took another grape from the tray of fruit. “Didn’t you like his wife?”

“I adore her. They ended up staying married despite their rocky start and even moved back in here when I was in Italy and their house was being renovated. I just haven’t seen the need to move out of my room.”

“The view is spectacular.” When I pressed a grape to his mouth, he parted his sexy lips and took the offering. “Maybe you want to share the room with me. The bed is really big.”

“I don’t think so.” He chewed the grape. “Finish your breakfast, and then get ready. We’re going to Romero’s in an hour.”

“How come?” I moved closer, standing in front of him. “I thought you could take me sight-seeing.”

“I have business with my brother, and Luciana would like to meet you.”

“Gio.” I placed my hands on his biceps, remembering how muscular and tattooed his arms were. “Why are you mad at me?”

“I’m not mad at you.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Trust me, sweetheart, you’ll know if I’m mad at you.” He dropped his gaze to my mouth. “It’s not something you want.”

“I know something I want.” I trailed my fingers along his jaw. “I think you want it too.”

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