Page 41 of Satisfying the King

Something about the way he kissed me—and spoke to me—made me believe exactly what he said.

And that made me smile.

Then I laid my head on his chest again.

And a minute later—I was fast asleep.

11

Giselle

It had been the most wonderful morning.

Stefan and I had left the house early, before anyone woke up. He wanted to take me to a market. It was an hour away and Stefan said we should get an early start. Apparently, it gets crowded down there.

I loved markets, so I was more than game to go and explore. And Stefan and I could use some time alone to reconnect.

“Maybe we’ll get a hotel room after the market.” Stefan moved our clasped hands to his mouth. He kissed the back of my hand and gave me a steamy look.

“You came inside of me twice already this morning,” I reminded him of the truth. We showered together while Carlo slept. I got on my knees for Stefan, and then he picked me up and backed me against the side of the shower.

All before breakfast.

“And what’s your point?” he asked as his eyes wandered from my cleavage back to the road.

I shook my head and grinned. “Nothing, honey. Whatever you want to do is fine with me. I’m just happy to be beside you.”

The smile that spread across his face made my belly do flips. “How about on top of me? That would make me happy.”

I laughed and squeezed my thighs together. Because being on top of Stefan sounded like a great freaking idea right now. But we had time for all of that later.

I set my other hand on his thigh. “After the market? I’m excited to look around. It sounds wonderful.”

We drove for a little longer before he pulled over to park. “Stay with me at all times, okay? It gets busy there fast. I don’t want to lose you in the crowd.”

His concern for me made my heart happy. I loved how Stefan was always looking out for me—and had always looked out for me.

“Gotcha. I’ll stay close.” My hand squeezed his thigh, and I gave him a smile.

“Maybe not that close.” He moved my hand off his leg. “Unless you want to hit the hotel before the market?”

I set my hand on his chest and let it roam up his neck to the side of his face. “Market first,” I raked my hand through his hair, “and then the hotel.”

He laughed and leaned over to kiss me. And trust me—it was definitely a toe-curling kiss.

After that, we jumped out of his car and walked toward the market.

A lot of the booths were already open. There were different meats and cheeses, vegetables and fruits—and all kinds of cooked foods packed up and ready to go.

I instantly decided we needed a huge charcuterie board and a sampling of meats, cheeses, olives, fruits, and breads.

And enough cannelloni to feed an entire village—according to Stefan, anyway.

But the woman who made the cannelloni assured me on her husband’s grave that the pasta she’d used was handmade. And Nick Rosetti was a stickler for homemade pasta. So, I knew he’d love it.

And the bonus was that Eve, and I didn’t have to make it.

Needless to say, Stefan’s hands were already full before I dragged him along to see some of the other vendors.

---