Page 121 of Beneath the Shadows

She covers her face with her hands. “Don’t,” I say gently. “There’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

“I’ve never had a man’s mouth on me,” she whispers, her voice soft and almost shy. “And I’ve never felt anything like that.”

“It’s only the beginning,” I say, popping the button on my pants and sliding them down. “Because now that I’ve tasted you, I’ll never get enough.”

Seeing me naked for the first time, her eyes roam my body, stopping on my hard cock. “What’s that?”

“Piercings,” I reply, climbing over her and capturing her lips in another kiss. “They won’t hurt,” I promise, my voice dark and full of need. “I need to be inside you,tesoro.”

I wait, watching for any sign that she’s ready. Her fingers trail softly down my back, her touch light yet sure. She shifts beneath me, her body opening, a quiet, unspoken invitation.

Guiding myself to her entrance, I ease in slowly, savoring the tight warmth that envelops me. A low groan escapes me. “Look at how perfectly we fit,” I murmur, pulling back slightly before thrusting deep within her.

I move in a slow, steady rhythm, our bodies merging. Her breath catches, and I press my lips to hers, filled with desperate need. Every inch of her is like home—the piece I’ve been missing

“I can feel your piercings,” she breathes, her voice thick with pleasure.

"Do you like them,tesoro?" My hips move faster, pulling a moan from her.

Her nails dig into my back as our pace quickens. “Yes,” she gasps.

“I want to take my time,” I say, my voice strained. “But I don’t think I can hold back much longer.”

“Then don’t,” she whispers.

I let go, driving into her over and over, her body pulling me to the edge. “You were made for me.”

“Antonio.” My name falls from her lips like a prayer as she clutches my shoulders, her body coming apart beneath mine.

The sensation of her squeezing around me pushes me over the edge. I know I should pull out, but I can’t bring myself to do it. I thrust one last time and surrender to my own release, groaning as my cock pulses, filling her with my cum.

I collapse onto her, my lips finding hers again, claiming her as I come down from the high. Gently, I pull out and settle by her side, wrapping her in my arms. Her body feels warm, soft, perfect against mine. But after a moment, she whispers, “You came inside me.”

“I did,” I admit. “But I’m clean. I haven’t been with anyone in almost a year.”

“I’m not on birth control,” she says, her voice soft but unsure. “After Val died I didn’t need it so I stopped taking it.”

A slow smile spreads across my face. "Good," I say, brushing my thumb over her lips. "Maybe you’ll end up pregnant with my child for real."

Alessia’s breath catches, uncertainty washing over her face. She blinks up at me. "A baby?" she whispers, almost as though she’s thinking out loud.

"I want you to be mine in every way possible." The thought fills me—her carrying my child, bound to me forever. "But only if you’re ready for it,” I add, letting the words linger, hopeful, yet patient.

"I didn’t expect this," she admits. "I didn’t think you’d actually want a baby.” Her eyes search mine as if trying to make sense of what I’m saying.

I hold her gaze, steady and sure, wanting her to see the truth in my eyes. There’s no doubt, no hesitation. I know this might be overwhelming for her, and I hadn’t allowed myself to imagine it before. But now that we’re here—now that I’m here with her—it feels undeniable, like it’s exactly where we’re meant to be. A part of me wants this more than I ever expected, more than I thought possible. I brush my hand over her stomach, the idea settling into place.

"I didn’t have a good example of what it means to be a mother. I’m not sure I’d be any good at it," she says softly, her hand resting on mine. The warmth of her touch stirs something deep inside me, something primal. "But the idea of being yours like that..." Her voice trails off, vulnerable, unsure.

“You have so much love to give.” I tighten my grip on her hand. I want to tell her everything. How she’s the only one who’s ever mattered to me, how I’ve dreamed of a future where she’s mine, but before I can speak, the sound of shattering glass echoes through the room. Tires screech outside as a car speeds away.

“What was that?” Alessia cries.

I push myself up, heart hammering in my chest. “I’m going to find out. Stay here,” I say sharply, pulling my pants on in a rush. There’s no time for hesitation. Grabbing my gun from the nightstand, I check the chamber to make sure it’s loaded. "Lock the door and don’t leave this room until I come back."

Her eyes are filled with fear, but there’s no time to reassure her right now. I move quickly, making my way down the darkened hallway, every nerve in my body on high alert. The adrenaline surges through my veins as I descend the stairs.

When I reach the living room, my worst fear is confirmed. The front window is shattered, shards of glass scattered across the floor, and among the debris lies a brick with a piece of paper wrapped around it.

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