Page 121 of Vicious Vows

“My mother would have loved hearing that.” I twisted her hair around my finger. “It was always her go-to meal. When in doubt, she ordered pasta.”

“What was her favorite kind?”

“Cavatelli.”

“Oh, I haven’t had that one in a while. I wish I could have met her.”

“Me too.”

“Do you think she would have liked me?”

“I do.” I kissed the side of her neck. “Because you make me very happy, and that’s all she wanted for me.”

“I do try to make you happy, Marchello.” She gazed up at me. “I want a life with you.”

“You do have a life with me.”

“Sometimes I worry that I’ll push you too far and you’ll leave.” She closed her eyes. “I can be a lot.”

“I know who you are, princess. The very things that drove me insane when we first met are the reasons I’m drawn to you now.”

“Even if you can’t tame me?”

“I can tame you.” I took her face between my hands. “Don’t fool yourself.”

“Can we go upstairs now?” She rocked into me. “I bought something sexy, and I want to show you.”

“I prefer you naked.” I grasped her hips. “But if I get to tear it off you, it will be worth it.”

“You paid for it.” She smiled. “So you can do whatever you want.”

“I plan to do whatever I want.” Kissing her neck, I slipped my hand under her skirt. “The question is will you be able to handle me?”

“I think we both know the answer to that.” She rocked against my hand. “What are we waiting for?”

Milo strolled into the living room, and I withdrew my hand from between Lissia’s legs.

He shook his head as he set the black bottle of vodka down on the coffee table. “I leave the room for five minutes and this happens.”

“Don’t you have a girl you can play with tonight?” Lissia asked.

“I have several.” Milo winked.

“At the same time?” Lissia leaned against my chest. “How does that work?”

“Don’t answer that.” I scooted her off my lap. “I need to finish up some business with Milo.”

“On Thanksgiving?” She stood in front of me. “How long will you be?”

“As long as I need to be.” I pointed to the stairs. “I’ll come up when I can.”

“Fine.” She faced Milo. “Don’t keep him all night.”

“I won’t, your highness.” He kissed her cheek. “Happy Thanksgiving.”

“I’m serious.” She pranced to the stairs, then looked over her shoulder at me. “If you make me wait too long, I’ll just come down in the underwear that I told you about to get you.”

“In that case, I’ll take my time.” Milo laughed.

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