Page 75 of Of Oaths and Secrets

“And no Tuscany until I say so.”

I clench my fist, his words pushing just enough to exert control. He wants to remind me who holds the power. I know if I push back, he’ll only make things worse. Besides, Nora’s studies need to be a priority right now—something I won’t tell him. I can only imagine the disgust he’d feel if he knew.

“Fine,” I say. He gives a curt nod, satisfied with my reluctant agreement.

"Good. Remember, Rafaele, I’m the one who makes the rules."

Disgust still curls in my stomach at his earlier words, but I keep my face impassive, watching him with that same calm detachment I’ve honed over the years. My father thrives on power plays, on seeing how much he can control, even when it comes to his own blood. But I’ve learned how to survive under his rule, how to navigate the endless games. I don’t show him my cards, not until I’m ready.

“I’ll deal with Leo,” I say, the words clipped as I turn back toward the door. "Anything else?"

He grunts, leaning back in his chair with a smirk that makes my skin crawl. "No. Just remember where your priorities lie, Rafaele."

I nod once, not bothering to respond. My priorities? They’re not what they used to be. And as much as my father thinks he controls everything, he doesn’t know me—not really. Not anymore. The words through clenched teeth. “No Tuscany.”

The moment I leave his office, a weight lifts from my chest, but not entirely. I’ve made enough compromises today to keepthe peace, but it’s only a matter of time before I’ll take back the power I’ve given. And when that day comes, there won’t be any more deals, no more concessions.

When I leave his property, I'm in a sour mood. Normally, I’d head straight to the club to bury myself in work, but today, I decide to go home instead—home to Nora, my light, the peace I crave with every fiber of my being. This feeling is so different, yet I find myself yearning for it more and more.

On the drive, I call Paolo, asking him to deal with the business for today. Unlike my father, he’s earned my loyalty time and time again, and I trust him completely, just as he trusts me.

As I walk into the kitchen, the sweet scent of something baking greets me before I even see her. Nora is standing at the counter, her back to me, her body swaying slightly as she works the dough. She’s wearing a simple blue slip dress that hugs her curves in all the right places. I stand there for a moment, unnoticed, just watching her.

My heart does that unfamiliar squeeze it always does when I see her. How is it possible that this woman is mine? That she looks at me the way she does, desires me the way she does? How did I get so damn lucky?

Almost as if sensing my presence, she sways her hips, and my cock hardens instantly at the sight of her shapely ass. The memory of her soft body beneath mine floods my mind, and I know—no matter how much I have of her, it will never be enough. My need for her is insatiable, a fire that never dims.

“Where’s Teresa?” I ask, my voice low as I step closer, my eyes tracking the way her hips move.

“She went with her husband for his oncologist appointment,” she says, turning slightly, a little smile playing on her lips. “I told her to take the rest of the day… I hope that’s okay.”

I stop right behind her, close enough to feel the heat of her body radiating toward mine. I lean down, brushing my lipsagainst the shell of her ear. “Of course it’s okay,” I murmur, my voice thick with desire. “It’s your home. You can do whatever you want.” I pause, letting my hands settle on her waist, feeling the warmth of her through the fabric of her dress. “But… does that mean we’re alone?”

Her blush spreads instantly, that sweet innocence that drives me wild. “Yes,” she whispers, her voice catching. “We’re all alone.”

“And areyouokay, amore?”

“I am perfect.” She presses back, rubbing her ass against my dick, and that’s all it takes.

I turn her around in one swift movement, my hands gripping her hips, pulling her flush against me. Her breath hitches, and I can feel the heat between us, the pulse of electricity sparking in the air. My lips crash onto hers, hungry, demanding, and she moans softly against my mouth, her fingers curling into my shirt.

My hands roam her body, sliding up her waist, cupping her breasts through the thin fabric of her dress. She gasps as I squeeze, and I love the way her body reacts to my touch—so responsive, so eager. I tear my mouth away from hers, breathing hard as I trail kisses down her neck, biting the tender skin there just enough to make her shudder.

“You taste delicious,” I growl against her skin, my hands moving lower, sliding beneath the hem of her dress. Her skin is soft and warm, and I want to feel every inch of her. “But I think I want to taste more.”

I pull her up onto the kitchen counter, pushing aside the flour and utensils she was using for baking. She’s breathless, her eyes wide with desire as I lean over her, my hands gripping her thighs, spreading them open.

Her gaze flickers to the dough, and a wicked smile spreads across my face. I dip my finger into the sticky sweetness she waskneading just moments before and hold it up to her lips. She takes it into her mouth, her tongue swirling around my finger, and my cock throbs painfully in response.

“I’m going to devour you,” I whisper, my voice thick with desire. “Right here, on this counter. I’m going to make you scream.”

Her breath hitches, and she nods, her cheeks flushed with heat. “Yes, please,” she whispers, her voice barely audible. “I want you, Rafaele.”

I trail my finger down her neck, over her collarbone, then lower, smearing the sticky dough over the swell of her breasts peeking from her low cleavage. Her body trembles beneath my touch, and I watch as her nipples harden through the thin fabric of her dress. Leaning down, I lick the sweetness from her skin, tasting the mix of sugar and Nora, and it drives me wild.

I rip the dress down, exposing her fully to me, and I groan at the sight of her—perfect, every curve, every inch of her skin, mine to touch, to taste. My mouth latches onto her breast, sucking hard, and she moans, arching into me, her body begging for more.

“You’re perfection,” I murmur against her skin, my teeth grazing her nipple, making her cry out. “You don’t know how much I want you. How much I need you.”

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