Page 22 of Beastly Boss

“Kimbra…” I whisper.

“What you said to me this morning hurt. A lot.”

I dip my head in shame. Here it comes. She’s going to rub the spiky plant all over my face and scar me for life. A creative and well-deserved punishment.

“But,” she murmurs, “I know it came from a place of insecurity.”

I snap my head up, locking my eyes on hers. I’ve never been called insecure before.

“You thought you were protecting me from yourself. From your life. From danger.”

“Instead, I ran you out of my house and straight into harm’s way,” I mutter, filled with self-loathing.

“That’s not what I was going to say.” My sweet girl sets the plant on the table next to her and rests her hand on mine. That simple touch is like the first ray of warm sunshine on a coldwinter’s morning. “We’re stronger together, Aurelio. Just like this plant. Can’t you see that? Can’t you feel it?”

“Yes,” I answer. “I feel it. I feel you, Kimbra. In everything I do. Your smile, your scent, your sweet laughter… your vulnerability; You’re everything I’m not, but if you can find a way to forgive me, I promise I can be better. Iwillbe better. I’ll be the man you deserve.”

“No more pushing me away?” she asks softly.

“Never again.” I inch closer to her on the couch and place the palm of her hand over my heart. “Do you feel it beating?” She nods. “It’s all for you. With every breath, every beat of my heart, I will earn your trust back.”

“I trust you, Aurelio. You proved your loyalty when you found my dad and me. How did you do that, by the way?”

The curious look in her hazel eyes makes me smile for the first time since leaving her this morning. “You’ll soon learn there are many perks to being the king of the underworld,” I tell her with a grin. “I can find nearly anyone, anywhere, at any time. I just needed to put the pieces together. When I realized Officer Fuck-Face Chase tossed you in a van…” I growl and run a hand through my hair.

Kimbra spreads her fingers out over my chest, that simple touch bringing me back from the brink of rage.

“I’m so sorry for the things I said, Kimbra. What you overheard on the phone call was callous. I’m not used to caring for another person or taking their opinions and lives into consideration when working on Family business. But that changes right now.”

Our eyes meet, and I hope she can see my truth. I’ve never meant anything more. She’s my priority, and I’ll never put Kimbra or her family at risk again.

“Your father will remain the Las Vegas Police Lieutenant for as long as he wants. He has the backing and protectionof the Caparellis, which will empower him to remove the few remaining cops of the inner circle.”

“Thank you,” she whispers.

“Don’t thank me. I fucked up. I mistreated you and caused you harm and–”

“And then you admitted your mistakes and saved me. That’s all I can ask from a partner.” I’m humbled by her response. Kimbra’s eyes grow wide, and she averts her gaze. “I mean… not likepartnerpartner. I’m not saying you’re my boyfriend or whatever.”

“I am.” Her eyes snap back to mine. “I hope to be so much more than your boyfriend, but I can live with that title for now. As long as you know I love you.”

Kimbra gasps, her gaze growing wide in disbelief. “Really?” Tears glisten in her gorgeous eyes. They break me and heal me at the same time.

“Really. I love you in a way I don’t understand and certainly don’t deserve, but I belong to you now. If you’ll still have me, of course.”

Kimbra nods and throws her arms around my neck. I haul her onto my lap and press her body against mine, needing this closeness with her. I’ll never take it for granted again.

My girl leans back slightly, her gaze flitting between my eyes and my lips. I know what she wants. I want it, too. Need it. Need the connection I’ve only ever experienced with her.

A low growl rumbles up from my chest as Kimbra bites her bottom lip, her eyes growing dark with lust.

My fingers weave into her silky black locks, pulling her close so I can kiss the fuck out of her soft, pliant lips. Kimbra rocks her hips, grinding her sweet little pussy down on my lap and making me instantly hard.

“Need something from me, princess?”

She moans when I suck the sensitive spot beneath her ear, then grips my shirt as I rub my thick, hard cock against her warm center. Lifting her into my arms, I make my way to the bedroom and quickly strip her down before getting rid of my clothes.

I lay Kimbra down in the bed gently and begin kissing every inch of her beautiful body. When I get to her breasts, I take extra time to lick all around her nipples until they’re stiff peaks beneath my tongue. I suck one deep into my mouth and nearly come when she moans loudly and bucks her hips. I nestle my dick between her folds, only allowing the tip of my dick to push inside.

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