Page 203 of Untamed

My hand slides down the curve of her back, slow and possessive, securing her to me because I want her close...always fucking close.

“Don’t tempt me, mio cara,” I whisper, my mouth at her ear now. “The world could fall apart outside that door, and I still wouldn’t leave this bed, not if you’re in it.”

And I wouldn’t.

Because this,she, is the only thing in this life that doesn’t feel like ruin.

Her laugh is still warm against my throat when I turn her face to mine and kiss her, slow, deep, the kind of kiss that screamsI’m not ready to leave this bed, not now, not ever.

She melts into it, and when I roll on top of her, her arms wind around my neck, lips parting with a soft hum that makes my restraint hang by a fucking thread.

But eventually, I pull back, resting my forehead against hers.

“I should get up,” I mutter.

She groans and wraps her legs around my waist, locking me against her. “No, you shouldn’t.”

“I’ve got a meeting.”

“So, cancel it.”

I smirk. “You like testing me this early?”

Her fingers lazily trail over my beard, “Only because I know you like it.”

I lean in, kiss the corner of her mouth, then her jaw. “I’ll be gone a few hours, tops.”

“I really need to get up,” I murmur, though I don’t move.

She lets out a soft groan, burying her face in the crook of my neck. “No, you really don’t.”

I chuckle, low and lazy. “You planning on holding me hostage in my own bed?”

“I might,” she says, lips brushing against my skin. “You’re warm. And very comfortable.”

“You sound surprised.”

She smiles against my jaw, and I feel it more than see it. Her leg slides over mine, locking us together, and for a moment, I consider sayingfuck itand staying right here.

But I’ve got a meeting in an hour. One that can’t wait.

I shift slightly, untangling us just enough to glance at the clock on the bedside table.

She watches me, then sighs like I’ve already ruined everything. “You’re actually leaving?”

“Just for a few hours, bambina,” I say, brushing a hand through her hair. “I’ll be back before you can think about obsessing over me.”

She huffs, dramatic and adorable. “That’s optimistic of you.”

I lean down and kiss her again, then pull back just far enough to see her face. “What would you do if I stayed?”

Her eyes spark with mischief. “Keep you naked. Feed you croissants. Maybe handcuff you to the bed, just to make sure.”

I laugh, actually laugh, and kiss her again, because Christ, I never expected someone like her to exist in my world.

She huffs, dramatic and half-smiling, her nose scrunching in that way that kills me every time. “That’s a little optimistic, don’t you think?”

I grin, brushing my thumb along the curve of her jaw.

---