Page 71 of Italy Can Bite Me

Act natural.You’re just a girl, standing in front of her aunt’s bag, about to commit petty theft so she can get laid.

My hand slips inside and—

Bzzzzzzzzzz!

Why am I even surprised? Of course she brought her “travel companion” to the beach. The sudden vibration against my fingers startles me, but it’s the memory of Matteo feasting on me that makes my breath hitch. My body is screaming,Go to Matteo now!

Down girl, we gotta get what we came for first.

After what seems an hour of fumbling past more “massagers”(plural!), sunglasses, a water bottle, and some weird object that feels like military dog tags, my fingers close around the cool, foil packet.Victory!

But where to put it?This bikini has less fabric than a Band-Aid. With a resigned sigh, I tuck the foil packet into the front of my bikini bottoms, praying it stays put. Each step makes the foil crinkle as if it’s announcingThis Girl is DTFin morse code.

My entire body hums. I’m nervous and excited. I’m nervicited! Sex on the beach? Maybe this is too crazy.

But Lorenzo’s words surge through me like liquid courage:“Matteo’s rule? To keep people out. But you? You are worth breaking it.”

“Matteo! I’m going for a walk,” I announce, projecting Aunt Deb vibes.

He faintly glances my way. “Be safe.”

“Um, which part of the beach is best for topless tanning?”

That gets his attention.

His head snaps up so fast I hear his neck crack. In three long strides, he’s in my space, radiating heat and male possession.

“Katie, being alone and naked?” His jaw clenches. “That’s asking for trouble.”

“Perfect.” I lift my chin. “Because I’m looking for trouble. And on a clothing-optional beach? I’m betting there’s at least one guy willing to make some bad choices with me.”

I turn to leave, but his hand wraps around my arm. The touch makes my lady parts pulse.

“Stay with the group.”

“Can’t. Aunt Deb’s wish, remember? Don’t want to rain on her naked parade.”

I watch his control fracture, a muscle jumping in his jaw. Before he can object, I reach for the knot at my waist and untie my cover-up, letting it slide off my shoulders.

“Don’t worry about me,” I say sweetly.

His jaw goes slack. His eyes rake over me, darkening with every second that passes. I don’t wait for him to recover. Instead, I turn slowly, making sure he gets a good look at what these thong bottoms do for my ass, and suddenly I’m a goddamn runway model strutting down the shoreline. My thundering heart mixing with the crashing sound of the waves.

“Katie!”

I keep walking. The condom wrapper crinkling against my skin like tiny applause.

“What would Jared think?”

I stop dead, spinning to face him. The waves crash around our ankles as I plant my hands on my hips. “I don’t care what anyone thinks.”

“Dio mio,” he mutters. “What about what I think?”

“You’re welcome to join me.”

“So look but don’t touch?”

“Your rule.” I reach back, untying my top with trembling fingers. “Not mine.”

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