Page 173 of Arturo's Temptation

With those seven words, I came undone in every way possible. Blood thundered in my ears and warmth spread through me at record speed. I bit into my lower lip, muffling my own sounds of pleasure, not wanting to be heard by anyone in the house.

“Ahh, Arturo.” I gasped, the pleasure coursing through my veins and sending me out of this damn world. He didn’t stopuntil he’d drained me of everything I had. Everything he wanted, he took.

He looked up at me over my growing bump with a boyish grin, his hair fell onto his forehead, and his eyes lit up with every ounce of happiness you could imagine.

“Whata good fuckin’ mornin’ that was.”

I propped myself up on my elbows, watching as his carefree face dropped suddenly.

“Are you good?” I asked.

“You know what, I will be. I’ve got you and our little one, that’s all I need.” His smile was back. “Now, us three are goin’ away next weekend.”

“What about your mother?” I asked, sitting up with a little more difficulty than usual.

“Lorenzo knows I plan to take you away, he said he will be here for my mother with Ana.”

“Okay, then we’re all yours.” I caressed my naked bump. “Where are we going?”

“That’s a surprise.” He winked, dragging himself from the bed. “I’m goin’ to take my mum out to get some clothes this mornin’, do you want to come?” He asked, hopefully.

“As nice as that would be, I think you need to do that just you and her. I’m going to start sorting our little one’s nursery today anyway.”

“I won’t be long and then I’ll help.” He was so scared he was going to miss something, but putting away clothes wasn’t something he needed to be around for.

“I know you want to help with every little thing and you’ve been incredible so far, but you need this time with, so please, go and enjoy it.”

Bending down toward me I could see how torn he was, fighting with what to believe in his head. His mother had beenthrough an ordeal but so had he, he’d been so alone up until recently, he’d gotten used to it. But why should he have to?

“Smile for me, my love, you know how much I love it.”

A smile brightened his face, and it was one of the many things I adored about that man. Even when I wanted to smash his face in, I still loved his smile. He scooped me into his arms, and headed towards the bathroom where he washed our morning antics away ready for the long day ahead.

56

Life can be weird sometimes.One day you’re waking up thinking nothing’s going to change, and then someone comes along and throws a spanner in the works. And in my case, I was so fucking grateful. I was the luckiest bastard. I had a woman who loved me, with everything she was, and now she was holding me together as my world came crashing down. It had only been yesterday when I caught Bella sitting by my mum’s bedside, stroking her hair. Her compassion floored me. Isabella Ricci was one in a million. I still couldn’t believe she was mine.

Stepping outside, I breathed in the fresh air, flicking a pen between my fingers.Damn I missed smoking.For the fourth time, I dialled the only British number I had saved, cursing when it yet again went straight to voicemail.

“Alright, it’s Ben. I ain’t here so either leave a message or piss off.”

Always the charmer.

“Ben, it’s A. I know it’s been a long time, mate, but there’s somethin’ I need to talk to you about. Call me when you get this, yeah? Cheers.”

Hanging up, I glanced up at the room I shared with Bella. We'd spent many nights looking over this lake while discussing baby names, how many kids we wanted and how we’d raise them.

“Buenos días, hijo mío,” my mum breathed, as she floated across the grass.

“Buenos días.”

“I saw Isabella this morning. She says you are taking me out.” She took my hand in her much smaller one, looking excited.

“Yeah, you know, to buy clothes and that.”

“Yes, Isabella let me wear these,” she gestured down to her t-shirt and jeans that were far too big for her. “She is a good girl, Arturo. You look happy… content.”

“Yeah, I feel content.” My lip quirked up as Bella appeared at the window, looking like a fucking goddess in black. “Listen, before I forget, I’m takin’ Bella away next weekend. Got somethin’ special planned. Will you be alright here?”

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