Page 48 of Savage Vows

He stands perfectly still, his eyes never leaving mine as I slowly unfasten each one, revealing a glimpse of tanned skin and a smattering of hair. As I reach the last button, my knuckles lightly brush against his taut abdomen, and I feel the muscles contract beneath my touch.

He shrugs out of the shirt and tosses it over the back of a nearby chair.

Unable to help myself, I stare at him, drinking in every detail as if memorizing them. I knew he was gorgeous, but I really had no idea how broad and hard he is, all honed muscles and corded sinew.

But the scars on his chest and the tattoo on his arm hold me riveted. For the first time, I can read the entire tattoo. Duty First. The words seem to be a motto as well as a stark reminder of the life he leads—the life I despise.

Yet I can’t deny the pull he has over me.

Tentatively I reach out to trace one of the small scars with my fingertip. “What happened?” I ask softly.

He captures my hand in his, pressing a kiss to my palm before answering. “That one came from Dante, if I remember.”

“Your younger brother?”

“Who wanted to act as if he were the oldest.”

He says the words simply, as if the explanation is obvious. I remember my brothers roughhousing, but I don’t recall anyone actually drawing blood.

Instead of pulling away, I trace a jagged line “And this?”

“A reminder.” His words are simple and stark. “Of my responsibilities, my obligation to protect what’s mine. Have no doubt, I always do that.”

A shudder runs through me.

“Tonight, Alessia, I want to forget all that. Tonight, I just want you.”

The intensity in his voice sends a surge of awareness through me.

Before I can say anything, he kisses me again, this time sliding his hands around me to cup my ass and pull me flush against him.

The insistent length of his erection presses into my stomach, making me damp. He deepens the kiss, his tongue tangling with mine, exploring, tasting.

He allows his hands to roam over my back, then drift lower until he’s holding my ass and squeezing gently. His hard cock presses against me, making my legs weak. It’s a good thing he’s holding me so tight.

Slowly he breaks the kiss. Then he trails his lips down my jaw to nip at the sensitive skin of my neck.

With a gasp, I tilt my head back to give him better access. Taking advantage, he moves lower, capturing one taut nipple between his teeth. He tugs gently, sending a sharp jolt of pleasure straight to my core. “Matteo!”

He responds by licking my other nipple, circling the peak with his tongue before sucking it into his mouth.

I’m lost in sensation, aching for more.

He seems to sense my need, his hands moving to the waistband of my pants. With deft movements, he slides them down, taking my panties at the same time. I step out of them.

Standing in front of him, completely naked, seems different than earlier this evening.

This time, he’s moving more slowly, not issuing commands.

He takes the time sweeping his gaze over me appreciatively. “I’m lucky you’re mine.” Still keeping my gaze captive, he traces a line from my collarbone down to my navel, then lower still.

With a wicked curve of his lips, he drops to his knees in front of me.

Oh, God.

I watch, wide-eyed, as he leans in, inhaling deeply. “You smell intoxicating.” His breath is warm on me. Then, without warning, he leans in and licks me in a long, sensual stroke.

He continues, exploring me in a way he hadn’t earlier, his tongue delving deep inside me before once more circling my clit.

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