But I’m not.
I’m...confused.Light-headed.Floating somewhere between what I promised myself and what I’m feeling right now.
Because I’mreallyenjoying this kiss.
He’s kissing me like he’s been parched his entire life and I’m his first taste of water.Like he’s drowning and I’m air.He’s holding me pressed to him as if he’ll die if there’s even a sliver of space between us.With a desperation that short-circuits my mind, his erection hard and insistent against my belly.
It’s been so long since I’ve felt this wanted.Thisdesired.
Soyes, I’m enjoying every moment.
Gio groans into my mouth, sliding a hand up to cup my breast, dragging me deeper into his heat, his fevered want, his hunger.
Just as I begin to loop my arms around his neck, ready to give in, to kiss him back…a loudBANGbreaks us apart.
An explosion rocks the air.
Followed by abrupt, pitch-black darkness.
~
WE USE THEflashlights on our phones to navigate our way out of the gym when the generator doesn’t kick in.
As we’re pushing through the doors, I suddenly remember spotting Stefano out here before the lights went out.I glance around in search of him, but it’s total darkness in this area.
We find out from the maintenance team a few minutes later that a transformer blew.Only a couple buildings on this side of the villa are affected, but most have already kicked into backup power.
Gio tries to talk me into heading over to Lions House with him, but when the lights went out, so did whatever idiocy was tempting me to make bad decisions.My common sense came back with a vengeance, and the refusal is easy.
He walks me back to the Pink House sulking like a kicked puppy.
Thankfully, no one’s around to see him stop at the front steps, slide a finger under my chin, and tilt my face up for another kiss.Like I belong to him now.Like he’s claimed me.
When our lips part, he murmurs, “Is your heart still switched off?”
“Maybe.”
“You rubbed me down with healing oil when I was sick, and came to check on me every time I called.”
“Because I take care of my team.”
“Team…” He chews the word like it tastes bitter, then shakes his head with a grin, like he thinks I’m messing with him.“Turn your heart on for me, pretty eyes.I wanna know you.”
Before I can respond, he steals one more kiss.A firm, possessive press of his lips.“Come over later.”
With that, he gives my chin a light pinch then walks away.
Ugh.Men and their arrogance...
I head inside and up the grand staircase, finding Tazi outside my door with a small box in hand, knuckles raised to knock.
“Hey, I’m here.”
Tazi turns.“Oh, hey.Just came to drop this off.”
“Oooh, is that what I think it is?”I waggle my brows.“If so,finally.”
With a conspiratorial wink, she shoves the box at me and breezes past.“Enjoy.”
