“The sex is phenomenal, but I am not delusional. We agreed that this would be temporary. Only while I was in danger and in need of your protection.”
I go to turn away, but he pulls me back towards him.
“Is it just sex?”
My mind wars with my heart. I have all these walls built up inside. They are meant to protect me from this sort of thing. Somehow, along the way I got lost. Bash found me. He touched a part of me I didn’t realize still existed. I think he owned my heart before I even knew he was past my walls. My mind tells me that there is only heartache ahead, but my heart says to trust him. It says his actions prove more than his words have since the beginning.
“Isn’t that what we said it was?” I whisper as I avert my eyes.
“It was. We did say this would end. Even back then I was fooling myself. I thought that if I could just have a taste, my thirst would be quenched and I would be over whatever spell you put me under.”
My heart beats faster at his words. He reaches out and cups my cheek bringing my gaze to his.
“Truth is, you intrigued me. You didn’t fear my men and I thought ‘This girl is either brave or stupid.’ Then you curtsied and called me royalty in the most sarcastic tone that I have ever heard. No one speaks to me like that. I honestly don’t think anyone ever has. Most people are afraid to even speak to me and the ones that do, they just kiss my ass until its red. Not you though. You, my beautiful and unique Tesoro, you said what was on your mind. You challenge me and make me want to be better. I didn’t want this. I never thought this life was for a woman or a family. I watched it break my mom.”
He sighs and kisses me.
“I thought I broke you too. You sobbed in my arms at what you saw and had to do. Hell, you jumped in front of a bullet for me. It could have killed you, but you did it anyways. I thought I had lost you then. You had seen the dark side of my life. Then you demanded to stay at my side. You showed me how strong you are. When you pulled that trigger, I knew then you were something special. I don’t think I can let you go. If I was a better man, I would demand you run far away, but I am not a better man. I am a bad man and I do bad things. If you can accept that, accept me for who I am, then I won’t let you go. I can promise you will always be protected and cherished with me. I love you, Sofia. You truly are the Tesoro of my life.”
Tears pour down my face at his beautiful words. This strong man who I once thought was cold and careless loves me. I see how he is warring with himself, wanting to protect me from himself yet also not being able to deny himself.
I lean forward and capture his lips. In between kisses, I speak to him.
“I love you, Bash.”
Kiss.
“So much it hurts.”
Kiss.
“I accept you.”
Kiss.
“Hell, I think I was meant for you.”
Kiss.
He pulls back.
“You were meant for me, Tesoro. No other woman could have withstood the pressure you have had to go through the last 24 hours. No other woman would have stepped in front of a bullet to save my life, knowing it could have ended hers. No other woman would have been strong enough to face her past and walk away like it was a weight off your shoulders instead of being put on them. You were meant to be my beautiful, strong, fearless queen.”
I smile up at him.
“I suppose it is only right that a mafia king has a queen to share the throne. Shoulder the responsibilities of power.”
He rolls over on top of me and my legs immediately open for him. He kisses me before looking into my eyes.
“I like the sound of that. My naughty little mafia queen.”
I giggle at him.
“I have always called you the mafia king so it really is fitting.”
“No wonder you curtsied me.”
“I just wanted to see if you had a sense of humor. Turns out you do.”
