Page 210 of My Italian Love Affair

She hesitates, just for a second, and I catch it.

"Are you sure?" she asks. "I mean… the game next week ishuge. Shouldn’t you be, like, meditating alone in a dark room or something?"

"No,” I chuckle, fingers tracing slow, absentminded patterns on her hip. “I don’t need meditation. I’ve gotyou."

She laughs softly. "What, am I your lucky charm now?"

"Absolutely." My voice drops lower. "Andyou’ll be there next week,sì?"

She nods.

"Mmhm.Don’t worry - you can expect one more post-match interview from me."

"Good." I smirk, brushing my lips against her jawline. "And you’ll get to watch me lift the trophy with your own eyes."

She snorts, shaking her head.

"God, your confidence issomething else."

I grin.

"What can I say? I know how to win. And even more than that… I like giving you a good show."

"Is that right?"

"Of course." My grip tightens on her waist, pulling her closer. "You get to watch history,bella. Me, Roma, the trophy… It’ll be a huge celebration. Champagne showers all around."

I pause, letting my smile turn wicked.

"Who knows? Maybe I’ll pull you onto the pitch for a kiss.Give the cameras something else to obsess over."

Her cheeks heat, and I know I’ve got her right where I want her.

"No, thank you," she mutters. "The public is already far too invested in whateverthisis."

"Exactly." I flash her a teasing grin. "So you might as well give the people what they want."

She rolls her eyes, but there’s amusement in them, and Ilovethat I can pull it out of her so easily.

She stretches beneath me, her body shifting against mine, andfuck, the movement alone has me hardening again.

I clear my throat, shifting to prop myself up on one elbow.

"The team has booked out an entire hotel for the players, coaches, staff - everyone,” I tell her. “Where will you be?"

She shrugs.

"I’m not actually sure. Richard only booked my hotel last week."

"Not to worry,” I hum, trailing my fingers lazily down her bare thigh. “I expect you’ll be visiting me."

"Visiting you?"

"Sì.Professionally,of course."

"Mixing work and pleasure, Rossi?" she laughs. "Isn’t that against your strict athletic code?"

"You’re worth bending the rules for."

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