Page 21 of Married to the Mafia Monster

He leans in, and his lips meet mine. The kiss is gentle at first, a soft brush of lips that sends a shiver down my spine. Then it deepens, his mouth moving against mine with a hunger that makes my knees weak.

I feel the warmth of his body as he pulls me closer. His hands are firm on my waist, guiding me, holding me tight against him.

Every sensation is heightened, the world narrowing down to the feel of his lips on mine and the way his fingers dig into my hips. The stubble on his chin is rough against my skin. The soft, insistent pressure of his tongue as it parts my lips is overwhelming.

My hands find their way to his shoulders, gripping the fabric of his shirt. I find myself responding with a fervor I didn’t know I had. My body melts against his, and a soft moan escapes my lips.

He swallows it with a deep, throaty sound that sends a thrill of pleasure through me. I feel like I’m drowning in him, in the heat and the need and the overwhelming rightness of his kiss.

When he finally pulls away, we’re both breathing hard. He rests his forehead against mine, his eyes closed. “I shouldn’t have done that,” he whispers, his breath warm on my lips. “But I couldn’t stop myself. You’re like a drug.”

I look up at him, my heart pounding. “I didn’t tell you to stop.”

He pulls back slightly. “Go back to your room,” he says, his voice regaining its usual command. “Act as if nothing’s changed. Go to your self defense class tonight. It’s important.”

“Why is it?”

He’s already walking away, leaving me standing alone in the corridor, my lips still tingling, my body aching with frustration.

TWELVE

Bella

I arrive at the self-defense class, my heart pounding in my chest. The room is already filling up with people, the buzz of conversation mingling with the thud of practice mats being laid out.

I scan the room and spot Alex near the back, his presence unmistakable. He catches my eye and smiles, a gesture that sends a thrill through me.

I walk over to him, trying to keep my nerves in check. “Hey,” I say, my voice a bit breathless. “Ready to get your ass whupped?”

“I was hoping to whup yours,” he replies, his eyes locking onto mine.

We settle in, pairing up together just like last time. Karen begins with the basics, going over the techniques we practiced last time.

Having Alex as my partner adds an entirely new layer of intensity to every move, every touch. As we practice, his hands guide me, correcting my stance with a firm but gentle touch.

Each time his fingers brush against my skin, it sends electric sparks through me, making it hard to focus on anything but him.

“Keep your elbows in,” Alex murmurs, his breath warm against my ear as he adjusts my arm. His voice is low, soothing, but filled with authority.

I nod, trying to steady my racing heart. “Like this?” I ask, adjusting my stance.

“God,” he replies, his hand lingering on my waist for a moment longer than necessary. “You’re getting better.”

Karen walks by, observing our technique. “Good, Bella. Keep that left arm up higher. Alex, make sure she’s rotating her hips properly when she blocks.”

Alex nods, his eyes never leaving mine. “You heard her,” he says with a smile. “Rotate those hips.”

“Like this?” I pivot, feeling the movement flow through me.

“Exactly,” Karen says, giving me a nod of approval. “Now, let’s move on to some grappling techniques. Pair up and try to unbalance your partner. Remember, it’s about leverage, not strength.”

Alex and I face each other, the air between us charged with anticipation. He reaches for my wrist, his grip firm but gentle. “Ready?” he asks, his eyes locking onto mine.

“Ready,” I reply, my voice steady despite the fluttering in my stomach.

We begin the drill, our bodies moving in sync. He demonstrates how to break free from a wrist grab, his hands guiding me through each step. “Use your body weight,” he instructs, his touch sending shivers down my spine. “Don’t just rely on your arms.”

I follow his lead, the casual contact between us both thrilling and comforting. Our movements become more fluid, the techniques blending into a seamless dance of defense and counter-defense.

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