Page 85 of Arturo's Temptation

I didn’t know what demons my beautiful girl was hiding but something told me we’d maybe be able to manage them together.

“I don’t deserve you,” I whispered against her lips. “Part of me wants to hide it all and never let you see the darker side of me.”

“Arturo, I want to be with every version of you. I don’t give a shit how fucked up you think you are.” She ran her fingers over my stubble, touching every inch of my skin as though if she stopped I’d disappear. “You’re the only person I’ve ever wanted to let in, and I’m not letting you walk away, no matter how valid you think the reason might be.”

“I wanted to tell you, so many times, I just—” I froze, her lips claiming mine instantly, cutting off the words I struggled to say.

This kiss was gentle and kind, other than words it was her way of showing me she understood, her way of showing me she wanted to be with me despite everything.

“Bella, I’m so sorry,” I pulled away, her eyes searching mine. “I should have told you.”

“Stop. It’s in the past. And I’d rather we live in the here and now, and whatever or whoever’s after your blood can just wait.” My lips quirked up at this as she trailed her hands down my arms.

“Remind me to piss you off more in future,” I grinned as she slapped my chest.

She curled a hair behind her ear and gnawed at her lip. “Will you stay with me tonight?” she asked, her face hopeful.

“Hmm,” I replied, rising from the floor. The thrill of having her in my arms as she slept was too good to pass up. Containing my grin, I placed her gently on the bed before heading toward the door.

“Oh, I get it, too soon?” her voice cracked as I pulled the door open.

“Easy,mi princesa,” I crossed the room in a handful of strides and placed a soft kiss on her lips. “I’m not leavin’ you. I’m just goin’ to grab somethin’ to sleep in. I’ll be right back.”

I exited her room, closing the door quietly behind me. I felt as though a huge weight had been lifted, her kindness, and acceptance was second to none.

That won’t last… she’ll get sick of you.

You’re wrong.

Enjoy it while it lasts… murderer.

28

That wasthe complete opposite of what I expected. I suspected Arturo had issues but boy was I wrong. The poor guy suffered from more demons than Lucifer. And here was me thinking he really didn’t care… How wrong was I?

As I stood by the window overlooking the lake, my mind wandered to places it shouldn’t have.

Did I deserve him?

Why wouldn’t you, Bells? Give him a chance and let him in, let him love you.

That wasn’t the voice of a demon, that was the voice of someone I missed daily, someone I missed dearly.

“Lookin’ for me?” I was so lost in my own mind I hadn’t noticed Arturo return as I gazed out the window, half expecting him to be running endlessly around the lake like he usually did at this time.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure,” he said, walking over to stroke my hair.

“Why do you run?” I asked, unsure if I should. I held my breath as he stilled beside me.

“Usually when I can’t sleep, nothin’ major,” he wrapped his arms around me, enveloping me in his warm embrace. “Let’s go to bed,” he whispered, pushing my hair over my shoulder, allowing him access to my bare neck.

“Thank you.”

“For what?” he asked, an inquisitive look on his face.

“For telling me the truth. I know you must not share much, if anything,” I wrapped my arms around his waist, placing my chin on his naked torso as our eyes met.

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