Page 63 of The Proposal

“Shit. It was a joke. I didn’t mean it like that. Hey,” he adds when I turn my face away from him. “Look at me,Angelo(Angel).”

“No!”

Dante grips my chin between his forefinger and thumb, dragging my attention back to him. “Fucking hell,” he murmurs when he sees the tears pooling in my eyes. “Come here.”

He pulls my face down into his chest as he wraps me tightly in his arms. “Sei la mia stella, perdonami(You are my star, forgive me).”

When he calls me that and asks for forgiveness before tenderly cupping my face and peppering kisses on my eyelids, I melt into a puddle, finding it impossible to hold a grudge.

“Okay.”

“Okay, what?”

“I forgive you …this time.”

“I could kill your father for the grief he’s caused you over the years.”

“Trust me when I say I’ve wished for that very thing more times than I can count.”

“Say the word,Bellezza, and it’s done.”

The corners of my lips curve up slightly. “Thank you for saying that. I appreciate it, I do, but I would never ask that of you … of anyone.”

“The offer stands if you change your mind. You’re my wife, and it’s my responsibility to care for you, right the wrongs done to you, and most importantly, keep you safe.”

I clear my throat, unsure how to reply to that. The sentiment behind his offer may be sweet, but violence is never the way. This side of him terrifies me and reminds me of the stark difference between us.

“Where were we?” I ask, trying to steer the conversation away from murdering my father.

Dante flips us over again, so I’m now pinned underneath him, and honestly, all this spinning back and forth is making me dizzy. I feel like a rotisserie chicken.

He gently skims a lock of hair off my forehead. “How about we save that lesson for another day?”

“How about we never revisit it?” I growl when I feel his body vibrating with laughter again. “Stop laughing. It feels like you’re making fun of me.”

He clears his throat, but thebastardois still smiling. “I’m sorry.”

“Humph,” I huff, believing this apology far less than the last.

Dipping his face, he places his lips against mine, and my anger is soon forgotten.

I slide my hands around his neck when his tongue probes my lips, seeking access. I happily oblige. I’ve become quite good at this part. I lose track of time as he kisses me senseless. His mouth is both possessive and demanding.

I’m left breathless when he eventually draws back and pushes up on his arms, moving off the bed.

He removes his boxers in one quick swoop, and my eyes immediately gravitate towards his erect penis that hangs heavy between his legs.

He gestures for me to sit up. My nightgown is next to go. “You have a tan line.”

My skin is naturally olive, but glancing down at my bare chest, I see the faint triangle outline from the bikini top I was wearing earlier. Lucia and I spent the afternoon swimming and lounging by the pool. It’s very hot here in Australia, and the humidity is stifling. I’m kind of dreading summer.

My father would never have allowed me to wear something so skimpy, and before Dante, I doubt I would’ve wanted to either. This man makes me feel sexy, which, in turn, gives me a kind of confidence I’ve never known. He’s allowed me to embrace my curves and to feel comfortable in my own skin.

“It’s so tranquil by the pool, and the view of the surrounding countryside is breathtaking. We should have our meals out there sometimes.”

“No thanks.”

“Why not?”

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