Page 29 of Hers to Command

Riccardo’s eyebrows draw together as if something about what I just said is bothering him.

“It’s our wedding day.”

I raise my own eyebrow. “And?”

“Newlyweds don’t usually work on their wedding day. They have better things to do.”

I almost burst out laughing. “Are you telling me you came home because you’re horny?”

“And what about the notion that I want to tear off your clothes and fuck you is so damn funny?”

Riccardo takes a step closer, his sheer presence making the air feel heavier. My smirk falters, replaced by the tiniest catch in my breath as he narrows the space between us. Not because I’m intimidated, but because the man is fucking hot.

And he’s mine now.

“Go ahead,” I taunt, though my voice is softer now. “You’re so good at taking what you want, aren’t you?”

His jaw tightens, his eyes dark and unreadable. “You think I’m joking?”

I don’t get the chance to answer. His hands are on me, firm and possessive, gripping my hips as he pulls me against him. The heat of his body seeps into mine, and my pulse quickens.

“You’re my wife now,” he growls, his lips so close I can feel his breath on my cheek. “That means something.”

I tilt my head defiantly, though the quickening beat of my heart betrays me. “What does it mean, Riccardo? That you own me? That I’m supposed to drop everything and let you have your way?”

His fingers dig into my hips, and a dangerous smirk plays on his lips. “No,” he says, voice low and lethal. “It means you’re mine, Anya. And I protect what’s mine, whether it’s from someone else or from yourself. And right now, you better not stand in your own way of getting fucked nice and hard.”

His words are like a spark, igniting something deep inside me. I push at his chest, but it’s half-hearted at best. He doesn’tbudge. Instead, he leans down, his lips brushing my ear as he speaks.

And why the fuck is that so damn hot?

“Laugh all you want,” he murmurs, the gravel in his voice making my knees weak. “But you’re the only thing I’ve thought about all day. So, go ahead, fight me, argue with me—hell, hate me if you need to. But we’re not done until I have you screaming my name.”

My breath catches, and for a moment, I consider slapping him. It might actually turn the bastard on. Instead, I let my hands slide up to his shoulders, gripping him as if I could steady myself. His dark, smoldering eyes search mine, and I see it—possession, yes, but something else, too. Something I can’t quite name, but that feels dangerous in a completely different way.

I don’t respond. Instead, I lean in and let my lips brush his, soft at first, testing, before biting down hard enough to make him hiss in surprise.

“Then what the hell are you waiting for?” I whisper against his mouth, and in an instant, the tension between us snaps like a thread pulled too tight. “And I ordered condoms to the house. Use one for fuck’s sake and we’re both getting tested.”

Riccardo freezes for half a second, his forehead pressing against mine as his breath comes in rough, heated waves. Then a sharp laugh rumbles out of him. It’s low and dark, the kind that sends shivers down my spine.

“You think I give a damn about condoms right now,Tesoro?” he growls, his hand sliding up to cup the back of my neck. “But yeah, we’ll get tested. I’m clean though.”

I narrow my eyes, refusing to let him get away with aversion. “And you’ll use a condom. It’s not negotiable. I’ll visit the clinic this week and get on birth control.”

His lips curve into a wicked smirk, and before I can react, he grabs my waist and hoists me up and against him, his strengthmaking it seem effortless. “You like being bossy in the bedroom, huh?” he teases, but there’s a heat in his gaze that strips away the sarcasm. “Lucky for you, I find that damn hot. Don’t bother about the clinic. I’ll have my doc see you tomorrow.”

I glare at him, but my body betrays me, responding to the rough grip of his hands, the way his body presses into mine. “Lucky for you, I’m in the mood and not to argue, so I’ll let you give that doc a call.”

Having his doctor come is convenient. I’m not registered with any clinics, since I always use Dr. Beskin, but using my father’s physician who’s Bratva associated probably isn’t the best idea when I want to get on birth control so I can fuck the head of the rival Italian syndicate.

Riccardo leans in, his teeth grazing my neck as his voice drops to a growl. “You don’tletme do anything, Anya.” He pulls away just long enough to pull his dress shirt over his head, exposing his finely sculpted chest.

His shirt hits the floor, and my gaze trails over the lines of his body. My fingers itch to touch him, but I keep them at my sides, refusing to give in completely.

He notices, of course. I hardly tried to be subtle about it.

“You’re staring,Tesoro,” he murmurs, his lips curving into a smirk as he steps between my legs, his hands sliding down my waist. He’s about to get what he wants, and is obviously enjoying the hell out of it. “Now start touching me.”

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