Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 57287 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 286(@200wpm)___ 229(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57287 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 286(@200wpm)___ 229(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
"Fuck." I palmed myself through my slacks, watching her curl deeper into that oversized sweater she'd claimed from somewhere.
The security feed showed her completely absorbed in her book, unconsciously tucking hair behind her ear in a gesture that made heat coil in my gut. The innocent movement shouldn't have affected me this much, but everything she did was like gasoline on an already raging fire.
This wasn't part of the plan. She was supposed to be leverage, nothing more. A way to bring Vittorio to his knees, make him pay for everything he'd stolen from my family. The perfect bargaining chip.
Instead, she'd become my obsession.
I unzipped my pants, giving in to the need that had been building since that kiss. Imagined how she'd taste, the sounds she'd make if I touched her properly. Would she fight it at first, that proper upbringing warring with desire? Or would she surrender immediately, letting me claim every inch of her?
My hand moved faster as I pictured her beneath me, all that golden hair spread across my sheets. How she'd arch when I—
"Christ." I came with her name on my lips, but it didn't help. If anything, the need burned hotter.
On screen, she shifted position, completely unaware of the effect she had on me. On all of us. I'd seen how the men watched her—their lingering glances, the way they found excuses to check on her. The thought of them serving her, worshipping her, sent an unexpected surge of heat through my blood. Let them look. Let them want. In the end, she'd come to me—and maybe I'd let them watch as I claimed what was mine.
Even if she shouldn't be.
I cleaned myself up, but the ache remained. Before I could think better of it, I was already moving toward the door.
"Just checking security," I told myself, knowing it was a lie. "Making sure she's not planning anything stupid. I can control myself."
Right. Because that had worked so well in the library.
But I was already walking down the darkened hallway, drawn like a moth to flame. Just one look, I promised myself. One moment to satisfy this burning need to be near her.
I approached the door. Every step had me wondering whether I should just turn back. No—the desire to satisfy and the throbbing between my legs could not be contained.
After a moment, I knocked my fist at my side, clenched. I had to show at least some semblance of restraint. Pearl opened the door, our eyes locked.
"Guiliano. What are you doing here?"
"I had to perform security rounds," I explained. A bald-faced lie.
"Right. Security. In the middle of the night. When there are cameras in my room already."
I should have known she'd never believe the excuses I'd made. But, in a way, it made it simpler and clearer. I reached out and touched her arm. She did not shirk away but instead leaned into the touch.
"You should be sleeping, tesoro," I said. It was rare for the Italian to slip out. It only happened in moments when I lost control.
Like right now.
"I…I can't."
"Why not?"
"I was just…I wanted to finish my chapter. And…I couldn't sleep."
"I see."
"That isn't the only reason why you're here, though, is it?" Pearl asked. "To check if I'm getting enough rest?" Her voice goaded me with that hint of challenge.
And goading it did. Her vulnerable, thin frame in the oversized sweater sparked a blaze of desire in me. Such a simple garment. One move and it would be off, bearing her more intimate parts.
Parts that infected my mind.
I stepped forward. Pearl moved back instinctively. I closed the door and locked it. We were alone.
I reached forward and gently gripped her chin. Her smooth, pale skin was a subtle contrast against my olive-hued hands.
"You know why?"
A smile tugged at her lips, flirty and teasing. "Care to explain?"
I took a few deep breaths. If I broke my resolve and expressed some of the deeper feelings this girl was awakening in me, it would complicate things. As a Barbieri, I needed to be careful. Falling in love, expressing emotions, I did no such thing.
There was no harm, however, in having a little bit of fun.
"Oh I do not need to," I said against her lips. My hand caressed her waist as our chests brushed. "Ti voglio, tesoro."
Pearl parted her lips. Heat built. Logic left the room, replaced with pure lust. An ache that drove us both crazy.
I closed the gap just like the time in the library, my lips against hers. Subtle breath caressed my lips. "Tesoro, I cannot hold back."
"Then don't," Pearl gently insisted. Her voice was soft. Yet the sheer utterance broke all barriers.
Restraint was gone the moment I kissed her. It was not like the innocent, whimsical kiss in the library. This time, Pearl was mine. My hand reached down and grabbed her hip to pull her close to me.