Stop.” I had had enough of the distance between us. My hand gripped hers firmly, the warmth of her skin sending electricity through my veins.
I pulled her up from the bed, her feet barely touching the ground as I brought her against me. She was so light, so delicate in my arms. Her chest collided with mine, and she let out a soft gasp, a rush of breath escaping her parted lips.
The scent of her arousal still clung to her skin, mixing with the faint perfume she wore. My other arm wrapped around her waist, holding her in place, feeling the rapid rise and fall of her breathing.
“Stop putting words in my mouth.”
She pushed strands of hair away from her face, her fingers trembling. She tried to pull away, but I held tightly.
I tilted her jaw upward with my thumb and forefinger, forcing her gaze to lock with mine. Her eyes were wet, vulnerable, filled with doubt and desire all at once.
“You want to know why no other woman could ever be enough?” My voice dropped low, rough with desire. “Because no one else makes me feel like this. No one else makes me want to break every rule I’ve ever set for myself.”
Her breath hitched, but her eyes flashed with something fierce. “And Selene? What does she mean to you?”
Confusion washed over me, followed quickly by shock.
“What are you talking about?”
Guilt flashed across her face. “I didn’t mean to.” Her words tumbled out in a rush. “But I overheard your conversation with
Selene.”
Damn.
My face hardened. “Gianna, you weren’t meant to hear that.”
She threw her hands up, breaking free from my hold. “That makes it even worse. Knowing that you were going to keep the fact that your sister–in–law confessed she’s in love with you a secret from me.”
“You can’t know that.”
“You just admitted it.” Her voice broke. “How long have you known she’s in love with you? Dante, tell me the truth.”
I pulled away, running my hand through my hair. My mind raced. This explained everything. The jealousy, the outburst, the pain in her eyes.
“Love?” I said carefully. “I just found out moments ago, as it’s apparent you were listening. But that she had some kind of attraction toward me? Yes. To be honest, Selene has always had a thing for me, even before I married her sister. But she knew I never felt the same, and it was Esme I wanted. And now you.”
Gianna ran her hands through her hair, her whole body shaking. “So she’s been in love with you all these years? Oh my God,
Dante.”
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“It doesn’t matter what she feels.” I stepped toward her again. “I’m choosing to be with you. That’s all that matters.”
“I don’t think it is.” Her voice wavered “Selene is a part of your family. She’s sacrificed so much because she loves you. Ariel sees her like a mother. And I’m new in all of this. First there’s the memory of your late wife, and now this. I can’t compete with whatever she’s offering,”
Pain lanced through my chest. She actually thought she was not enough.
“I would never ask you to compete.” I reached for her again, needing to touch her. “I loved Esme. She was my world. And I’m learning to make peace with the fact that she’s gone and you are the new chapter now. So know this, there’s no competition between you and anyone. You are perfect just as you are.”
“I want to believe I’m enough for you.” Her eyes glistened with tears. “But I know enough to know that men in this world never stay loyal to one. I’ve heard stories. Seen it. And today proved it.”
“Some men in my position take mistresses,” I admitted, hating the words even as they left my mouth. “But I am not some men.”
“But you could.” Jealousy and fear warred in her expression. “If you wanted to. It’s expected, isn’t it? The Mafia King gets to do whatever he wants. Gets to sleep with whoever he wants.”
“Gianna…”
“I won’t share you.” She poked her finger into my chest with each word, her touch burning through my shirt. “I don’t care what tradition says. I don’t care what’s expected.”
Another poke, harder this time, her nail digging in. “If you think for one second that I’m going to stand by while you sleep with other women…”
The final words burst from her, fierce and possessive. “Then know that I would be with other men too.”
My vision went red. Possessiveness roared through my veins, primal and violent.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
