Page 38 of Merciless Desires

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“But you’re still not ready to tell me why you don’t want me.”

“I want you.” I tilted her face toward mine. “More than I’ve ever wanted anyone.”

“Show me.” She leaned into my mouth. “I don’t want to wait.”

“Cin.” I dropped my gaze to her lips. “I don’t want to wait either but…”

“No.” She pressed her mouth to mine, kissing me slowly, taking her time to torture me with the slow swirl of her tongue against mine. As she kissed me, I released her face from my hold and gripped her hips, steadying them. “Let me.”

She reached for the buttons on my shirt but I grabbed her hands.

“Why?” She kissed me again.

Romero barged into the penthouse. “Gio!”

“That’s why.” I gave her a quick hug before lifting her off my lap. I knew Romero would be here once he found out what happened.

She huffed in frustration as I stood to meet Romero, Luciana, and Rocco.

“Hey.” I cleared my throat. “It’s been a fucking night.”

“Are you okay?” Romero hugged me. “You fucking scared me.”

“I’m fine.” I winked at Lu. “What are you doing here, beauty?”

“I needed to see for myself that you were alright.” She hugged me hard. “We need you.”

“Not a scratch on me.” I released her. “I’m good.”

“Gio.” Rocco placed his hand on my shoulder. “We’re going to find out who did this. Santino is downstairs handling the cops.”

“Thank you,” I said. “It’s nice having an attorney in the family.”

“It would be nicer if my little brother didn’t get killed five minutes after I found out he was my little brother,” Rocco said.

“It’s been more than five minutes.” I shrugged. “But I appreciate it.”

“The only person who is going to get killed is the scum who took a shot at Gio and Cin.” Romero motioned for Cin to join us. “How are you?”

“I’m okay.” She took my hand. “Gio was amazing.”

“You’re bleeding.” Luciana looked at Cin.

“Oh, I scraped my knee,” Cinzia replied. She pushed the hair from her face. “It’s nothing.”

“I didn’t realize you were bleeding.” I glanced at Romero. “I pushed her out of the way and she fell when the shooting started.”

“Lu,” Romero said. “Can you take her upstairs and clean her up?”

“Of course.” Luciana smiled at Cinzia. “Come on.”

“That’s not necessary.” Cin looked at me. “I want to stay with you.”

“We won’t be long.” Lu placed her hand on Cin’s shoulder. “I’m sure the guys need to have a conversation.”

“Go with Lu,” I said. “I’ll be up later.”

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