Page 117 of Of Oaths and Secrets

Her cheeks flush, but there’s no hesitation in her as she reaches for my shirt, unbuttoning it with trembling fingers. I shrug it off, letting it fall to the floor, and then I press her backagainst the mattress, covering her with my body, our skin-to-skin contact sending a jolt of electricity through me.

My mouth moves lower, teasing her breasts, my tongue circling one hardened nipple before sucking gently. Her moans fill the room, soft and breathless, and her hands grip my shoulders, urging me closer. I trail kisses down her stomach, pausing to press my lips against the smooth curve where our daughter once grew.

“You’ve given me everything, amore,” I murmur, my hands sliding down to part her thighs. “Now let me give you everything.”

I kiss her inner thigh, savoring the way she trembles beneath me, her anticipation palpable. When I press my mouth to her slick folds, she gasps, her hips lifting off the bed. I take my time, my tongue tracing every inch of her, tasting her, worshiping her. Her hands tug my hair, her soft cries filling the room as I work her closer to the edge.

“Rafaele…” Her voice breaks as her thighs tighten around me. “Oh god… I?—”

“Let go,” I murmur against her, my tongue circling her clit, my fingers sliding inside her, curling the way she likes. “Come for me, Nora.”

Her body tenses, and then she’s shattering, her cries of pleasure echoing in the quiet room. I don’t stop, drawing out her release, savoring every shudder, every gasp, until she’s trembling beneath me, her breath coming in short, shallow bursts.

I rise over her, kissing her deeply, letting her taste herself on my lips. Her hands slide down my chest, unbuckling my belt, and I groan as she pushes my pants down, freeing me. I position myself between her thighs, the tip of my cock brushing against her slick heat, and I pause, looking into her eyes.

“I love you,” I whisper, the words tumbling out before I can stop them. “Sempre. Always.”

Her eyes glisten as she cups my face, her voice steady and sure. “I love you too.”

I push into her slowly, inch by inch, groaning as her body stretches to take me. She gasps and digs her nails into my shoulders, and I still, giving her time to adjust, savoring the feeling of being completely connected to her.

“Move,” she whispers, her voice trembling. “Please, Rafaele.”

I obey, pulling back before thrusting into her again, setting a slow, deliberate pace. Her moans spur me on, and I grip her hips, angling her just right, hitting that spot that makes her cry out my name. The rhythm builds, faster, harder, our bodies moving in perfect sync, the heat between us spiraling out of control.

“You’re mine,” I growl, my voice rough as I thrust deeper. “Always mine.”

“Yes,” she gasps, her nails raking down my back. “Always.”

Her body tightens around me, her moans growing louder, and I feel her shatter again, her walls clenching around me as she screams my name. The sensation sends me over the edge, and with one final thrust, I bury myself deep inside her, my release crashing through me as I groan her name, my body trembling from the intensity.

I collapse beside her, pulling her into my arms, our breaths mingling as we come down from the high. She rests her head on my chest, her fingers tracing lazy patterns over my skin.

“No interruptions,” she whispers, her voice soft and content.

“No interruptions,” I agree, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Not tonight.”

The crackle of the fire in the hearth fills the quiet, its warmth a gentle reminder of the life we’ve built together. With her in my arms, nothing else matters. She is my sanctuary, my strength.She’s the warrior who brought me back from the darkness, the savior who healed wounds I didn’t know I had, the mother of my daughter.

But above all else, she is mine. Forever.

Epilogue

Nora

Six Years later

The sound of giggles echoes through the grand hall as Aurora’s tiny feet patter against the marble floor, her black curls bouncing with every step. She’s clad in a little red dress, her blue eyes sparkling with delight as she tries to escape the watchful gaze of her father. Rafaele is crouched low, arms spread wide as if preparing to pounce.

“You can’t escape The Reaper, piccolina,” he teases, his voice filled with mock menace.

Aurora shrieks with laughter, turning on her heel to dart the other way, but Rafaele is faster. With a sudden swoop, he scoops her up, spinning her around as she squeals with joy. “Got you!” he declares, his deep chuckle reverberating through the room.

“You cheated!” Aurora protests, her little arms crossed as she tries to appear stern.

“Cheated?” Rafaele raises an eyebrow, his grin devilish. “Cara, you’ll have to do better if you want to outwit The Reaper.”

“Papa,” she huffs, trying to suppress a giggle.

---