Page 233 of Ruin Me Gently

I crouched down beside her, gaze dragging over every delicate feature, drinking her in. The soft curve of her cheek, the way her dark lashes fanned against her skin, lips flushed the palest pink.

She looked peaceful. Like she’d had fun. And I’d missed it.

I moved to brush a few stray strands of hair from her face, and she stirred slightly, shifting against the cushions, breath hitching as she blinked up at me groggily. “You’re home.”

I huffed a small breath. “Apparently.”

She made a quiet noise, moving like she was trying to wake up properly.

“Do you want to go to bed, sweetheart?”

She nodded sleepily, pushing herself up on one elbow.

I reached for her. “I’ll carry you.”

“No. I’ll puke.”

Fair enough.

She yawned, then laced her fingers with mine and tugged me toward the bedroom. I followed easily, letting her pull me along, my gaze drifting down to the mess of fabric hanging off her.

She looked ridiculous.

She looked likehome.

The late-night city lights spilled through the curtains as she stood in front of me, barely awake, swaying slightly.

“What happened?”

She yawned, rubbing at one eye with the back of her hand. “Me and Molly played dress up with your suits.”

“Of course you did,” I said with a smirk.

I reached for the jacket first, sliding it from her shoulders, letting it pool on the floor. The tie was next, my fingers working it loose, undoing the knot carefully.

She didn’t stop me. Didn’t even open her eyes. Just hummed, forehead brushing my chest as she tipped forward slightly.

“Dio, sei incredibile,” I murmured as I unbuttoned the shirt and peeled it off her.

“Sei la cosa più bella che abbia mai toccato.” I ran my hands down the bare skin of her arms, smoothing them over her ribs.

“E lo sai?” I whispered, pressing my palm flat against her spine, anchoring her against me. “Non lascerò mai che nulla ti faccia del male. Mai.”

Her fingers curled lazily into the front of my shirt, her breath deep and steady against my chest.

“Come on, sleepyhead,” I whispered, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head. “Bedtime.”

She gave a small noise of protest but let me guide her into the bed. I eased her down, tucking the covers around her. “I’ll go get you some water, okay?”

I moved to stand but her fingers curled around my wrist, holding me in place. She blinked up at me, grinning. “Tu sei caldo e forte, cavallo grande.”

I froze. “Cavallo grande?”

She squinted. “Yeah. That means, like… big guy, right?”

I exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand down my face. “No, sweetheart. You just called me a large horse.”

Her brows knit together. “Oh…”

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