“Swamped at work, I’m afraid. We have two book releases and countless meetings with prospective clients and existing ones. There’ll be several late nights at the office. Then on Friday, I have to attend my parents' annual Halloween costume ball.”
I have heard of that event—it’s one of the most talked about events of the year in Manhattan. Every Halloween, the Paladinos host a costume party with a silent auction. They rotate charities to donate the proceeds to, and every important citizen of New York society is in attendance.
Except the Lucchettis.
I hate the thought of Vinnie being in the arms of who knows how many other men, being trotted around the dance floor like she’s a prized horse. I’ve seen it firsthand at the galas we’ve both attended. Only this time, I won’t be there to intervene if absolutely necessary.
The thought makes my palms twitch.
“Next weekend?” I ask, already feeling desperate tosee her. “I’m not sure I can go a full week without seeing you, amore mio. I may need to sneak by your office for a few stolen moments.”
“I’m all yours. Except for Sunday brunch, I’ll have to sneak away for that.” She tilts her head back and I lean down to kiss her.
“Next weekend it is,” I mutter against her lips.
Our lips fuse once more, but this time, the kiss is frantic. I can feel her heart beating wildly in her chest as she pushes into me. Reaching between us, she grabs my length in her hand, pushing up on her toes to allow space between us.
Her eyes speak a million words as she lowers herself onto me slowly.
Emotions grip my heart as I watch her, taking in how stunningly beautiful she is. I’m overwhelmed by how much I love her—how she has imprinted herself into my very being.
Her lips form a perfect O as she continues inch by inch. She’s so wet, her warmth gripping my cock like a vice, as she slides herself down.
Once she’s taken me entirely, she stills, a sweet moan floating past her lips, matching my own soft groan.
Neither of us moves, nor do we speak, as I hold her close. We’re simply united as one for several heavenly minutes.
Having her on top of me is a vision I have seared permanently into my mind, but right now, I wish to lookat her and watch the pleasure dance across her face as I make love to her.
In one fluid motion, I flip us so Vinnie is lying on her back. Her legs fit around my hips as I support my weight on my forearm, using my other hand to tame her wild hair as it’s scattered all over her face from my movement.
It becomes difficult to breathe.
My heart squeezes in my chest, and I want nothing more than to protect Vinnie from everything bad this life tries to throw at her—to shield her from any pain she may be caused.
I want to be the person shealwaysturns to, not just in secret.
There is no doubt in my mind that we are approaching a crossroads. She’s afraid to tell her family of us, as am I, but we must take the leap if we’re to continue to move forward.
And I want to. Iacheto.
She’s my present, and my future. Myforever.
I’m just not sure if I am hers.
My fingers brush softly down her cheek as she looks up at me with nothing but affection in her eyes, and for a moment, I am filled with hope.
“Ti amo, piccola ladra. Giuro di amarti sempre.”
I love you, little thief. I vow to always love you.
Chapter 31
Vinnie
“Oh, Vinnie, darling, you look gorgeous!” my mother singsongs as she walks into the ballroom where I’m standing, admiring the details the staff put into the decor.
Candles hang from the ceiling giving the illusion of them floating. Vintage sconces have been added to the walls with votives sitting on top of them, their wax already melting. Black tapestries are hung, interlaced with lighter black fabrics such as tulle and gauze to add texture.
