I draw my lips together to form a tight-lipped smile.

He traces his thumb over my lower lips. It makes me shiver with an electric wave thrusting into me. His lips are slightly drawn apart, with his gaze shifting from my lips to my eyes.

My hands rest on his chest. Every part of me wants to touch his face and run my fingers along the line of his jaw. His beard has grown fuller. “What are you thinking about?”

Luca’s eyes are tired, unlike what I’ve known them to be. He tries to hide a lot of things, but I can see through him this time. Something isn’t quite right with him.

He bends to kiss me instead. I’ve almost forgotten how good it feels. His lips warm against mine as he takes my mouth like his prize. I love the way he kisses me. It’s gentle and sweet, with just the right intensity that lets me know he has missed this just as much as I did.

My eyes shut as I moan into his mouth. The way he moves his lips against mine...

Oh fuck.

Then he stops.

I pout my lips when he withdraws from kissing me. He lets out a subtle chuckle, staring at my pouty lips.

“You are fucking beautiful, Gianna.”

I bite down on my lips so I don’t smile. His words make my belly tumble in excitement.

Luca takes my chin back in his grip and raises my head higher. “Don’t ever bite down a smile. Ever.”

He welcomes my lips as I stretch to kiss him. It only lasts for a few seconds as I stop kissing him. The kiss isn’t making me forget that he hasn’t answered me yet.

“Now answer my question.”

He lets out a sigh and squeezes his eyes shut. “Work, everything.” He opens his eyes and looks at me. “You.”

“I know what’s going on. Our families are fighting.”

“We’ve done enough talking, Princess. I didn’t risk coming to meet you for some words.” He grabs my neck and closes the distance between us. I can feel how hard he already is. My heart’s beating faster as I gasp under my breath.

“I want you,” he says, his eyes darkening.

The sight causes a throb in my core, between my thighs.

He doesn’t wait another moment as he claims my lips again. It’s a sweet rush this time. Both of us devouring the other like starved lovers wanting to quench a longing need.

I know I’ve waited long enough to kiss him again. The days without him were torturous and unbearable.

He groans into my mouth as I touch his erection. I swallow the beautiful, guttural sound.

His hands grab my ass and he squeezes both cheeks greedily.

“Luca,” I breathe, as he runs kisses down my neck.

His wet lips on my skin leave me on fire. He could burn me for all I care. I’ll gladly let him be the ruin of me. Just as long as he doesn’t stop kissing me.

He lets go of me and begins to unbutton his shirt. “The counter. Now.”

I stare at him, confused, but he nudges his head towards the bar counter. My fingers struggle to unzip my dress as I walk to the counter.

“Don’t take your dress off. I like it on you.” He is shirtless now as he walks to me. His inked chest is tempting, as I want to run my fingers on every line and curve. He kisses me again and grabs my waist tightly. “I want to have you from behind, Princess.”

I gasp as he turns me around with his strong arms. My back is to him now.

“Hold the counter.” He stops me as I try to turn to see him. “Follow my instructions, Princess, or you’ll get spanked.”