Page 55 of Vicious Vows

“That’s not like you at all.”

“It was a brief moment. I’m over it now.”

Maybe I had been a shitty friend. It had always been easier to entice people to be my friend by buying them stuff and lending them money just so I wouldn’t be lonely. With my father’s line of work, it was difficult to make lasting relationships. Sometimes, I got rid of people before they could dump me.

“I already told you why the guards are keeping their distance. I couldn’t risk you charming them into letting you do something stupid.” He arched an eyebrow at me. “We both know you’re capable of that.”

“True.”

“Your last guard was quite fond of you.”

“Michael? He was paid to like me.”

“Ricardo adores you, and I know how Lorenzo feels about you.”

“Again, these are people in our orb. I’m friends with them because of the circumstances, not because I found them and we connected.”

“Princess, that’s how our world works. We can’t bring outsiders in. My best friends are Milo and my father. I don’t need anyone else.”

“I know.” I looked down at the comforter, wishing he saw me as a friend too, but most of the time he didn’t like me either. “It’s good you have them.”

I wished more than anything his dad could come back and help him with all the crap he dealt with. It wasn’t fair he had to suffer through all of this without his father’s guidance.

“I have you too.” He tilted my face up. “Don’t I?”

“I keep waiting for you to see that.” I got up on my knees and rested my hand on his shoulder. “I’m here for you.”

“Because I kidnapped you.” He pushed me onto my back and settled in next to me, propping himself on his elbow.

“I don’t hold that against you anymore.”

“What I’m trying to say is, we’re in one another’s orbit because of who we are.” He traced his finger along my throat, then lowered his face to mine. “We found each other because of who we are. You don’t need outsiders. You need me.”

“I do need you, Marchello.” I ran my hand down his arm. “More than I ever thought possible.”

“You have me.” He brushed his lips along mine, kissing me softly.

I trailed my hand down to the buttons of his shirt, undoing them as we kissed. I smoothed my hands along his chest, pushing the shirt from his shoulders.

I sat up, breaking our connection so I could tug my shirt over my head.

He took in my bare chest with his hungry gaze before bringing me back to him. Gently caressing my back, he swept his lips along my throat. I unbuckled his belt and unbuttoned his pants, hastily lowering his zipper.

“Lissia.” He pulled back. “You were shot a few days ago.”

“I want to do this.” I stroked his erection. “I need you.”

“I don’t want to hurt you.” He sprinkled kisses along my jaw as he cupped my breasts in his hands. “We don’t have to do this tonight.”

“Please.” I pushed his pants over his hips. “I want to feel you.”

“I always want to feel you, baby.” He kicked off his shoes and pulled off his socks before standing and removing his pants and boxer briefs. “You have to tell me if it’s too much.”

“It’s never enough.” I got up on my knees and draped my arms over his shoulders. “I always want more.”

He pressed his lips to mine as he coerced me onto my back, eagerly kissing me until I couldn’t catch my breath. It didn’t matter. He could breathe for both of us.

Shifting his focus to my neck, he hauled his lips along my simmering flesh, working his way to my breasts.

---