Page 81 of Captured Innocence

He shook me brutally, jarring my entire senses. But as joy and love swept through me, tears slipped past my lashes. And I knew without any doubt, with zero reservation that he was the only man I wanted in my life. “Yes. Oh, God, yes.”

CHAPTER 23

“Love is blind, but when we close our eyes, we see with our hearts.”

—Sara Bareilles

Sophia

Love.

Was there truly such a thing as being blinded by it? Yes. I knew it without any doubt, without reservation that the few who were lucky to find true love, the kind that left you breathless and aching because of a single thought, were blinded utterly and completely.

And in admitting it, I’d never felt such a powerful release in my life. The man I’d refused to love, had been told not to care about, who’d remained in the shadows for far too many years was right here. And he loved me.

I threw my arms around his neck, gasping for air seconds before he captured my mouth. The air around us was still, all sounds ceasing. While danger still existed, this was yet another moment that we would steal from reality, taking our time to appreciate the realization of what we’d almost lost.

Mattia swept his tongue inside my mouth as he pulled me onto my toes. I was thrown into a sweet abyss, every nerve ending on fire, every rapid beat of my heart exciting me even more. He loved me.

Love.

Love!

How was it possible for two broken people to be in such a heated, passionate moment of understanding? I wrapped one leg around his as I brushed my hand down his back. The feel of having him this close, the heat of his sculpted body pressed against mine was everything I’d ever wanted, yet the one thing I’d tried to deny.

No longer.

I belonged to him.

The kiss was more powerful than it had ever been, his tongue finding and dominating mine. His chest rumbled as he growled into the moment of intimacy, his massive hand sweeping down my back and cupping my bottom, forcing my legs around him. The man was more possessive than before, determined to take all of me. Even the way his fingers dug into my skin was more controlling.

I would never be free of him again, not that I wanted to be. My heart, my body, and my soul belonged to him. He fisted my hair, tangling his fingers in my long curls as he took long strides toward the door of the chalet, struggling to open the door then kicking it shut once we were inside.

It was apparent he knew where he was going, heading through the house without hesitation, never breaking the deliriously amazing connection. When he started to walk up the stairs, I pushed my hands against his shoulders, finally able to break the kiss, catching my breath.

“What are you doing?” I asked, laughing and purring.

“You’re dirty.”

“I thought you liked it when I was filthy.”

There was something about his dark grin that sent a series of shivers down my spine. He was so determined, his hunger off the charts. I adored seeing him this way, taking full control of me as he’d done before. Maybe I was always meant to submit to only one man. The thought gave me a wicked smile.

He headed for the third floor, the loft-like setting a beautiful addition, highlighting the cathedral ceiling. As he walked down the hall, I allowed myself to peer down at the gorgeous living room. A stone fireplace jetted up to the peak of the roof, the leather furniture accentuating dark rugs and vibrant art on the walls. Every window had a gorgeous view of the countryside. This was a place where magic happened, where two people could fall hopelessly in love.

And where no one could interfere with the passion.

I so wanted to believe that.

Mattia nipped my lower lip, dragging my attention back to him. Then he stormed into a bathroom at the end of the hall, barely managing to flick on a light.

“Oh, my God. This is gorgeous.” I was shocked at the stunning black marble features, veins of gold and a pearlescent shimmer weaving a delicate pattern through the thick slabs. Everything was modern, yet gothic, larger than the living room in my apartment in Paris.

“Not nearly as much as the woman in my arms.” He laughed, the husky sound sending a flicker of electricity through every cell and muscle. Before allowing me to stand on my feet, he jerked off my tennis shoes, pitching them to the side.

As soon as my feet touched the cool marble, he ripped off my shirt, growling as soon as he exposed my naked breasts. He was nothing but a savage, his hunger knowing no bounds. He cupped my breasts, flicking his thumbs back and forth across my already hardened nipples.

“Are you wet for me, Sophia?”

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