Page 207 of My Italian Love Affair

"How did you know I’d be home?" she asks. "I could have been working this evening.”

I shrug.

"I called your boss."

"Richard?! You did not."

"No, not Richard," I say, enjoying the way her irritation sparks so easily. "Your neighbour. The old guy with the limp.Reallychatty. He told meeverythingabout your schedule."

She laughs despite herself, shaking her head.

"Signor Benedetti wouldabsolutelydo that."

I grin, then let my gaze drop, assessing her carefully.

"You okay?" I ask, voice softer now.

The laughter fades from her lips.

"I'm fine,” she nods.

I narrow my eyes.

"I know what fine means whenyousay it."

I step forwards as she steps back, and I follow her inside, shutting the door behind me with a quietclick.

And then my hands are on her.

One cups the back of her neck, fingers tangling in her hair, while the other grips her waist, warm and steady.

I study her face, searching for any sign that she's still hurting from yesterday.

That she's still thinking about that prick who thought he could treat her like she was nothing.

"Long day?"

She sighs. "Very."

"Good thing I came over to help you unwind, then."

I tilt my head, letting my lips brush over hers in a featherlight tease.

"Help meunwind?" she repeats, her pulse ticking faster beneath my fingers. "I don't remember requesting your services, Rossi."

"What can I say?” I smirk. “I’ve been watching you since the day you arrived,giornalista. I know how to anticipate your needs."

Before she can respond, I kiss her, all slow and deep. I taste her, andfuck, it’s not enough.

It’sneverenough.

She melts against me, and her hands move to my chest, her fingers gripping at my shirt like she needs something to hold onto.

I take my time peeling her blouse off, dragging it up over her head and tossing it aside.

And then I look at her.

My chest tightens. My cock twitches.

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