Page 78 of Ruins
His lips move over mine with a heat that slows my desperation, turning it into something deeper, devastatingly controlled. His fingers trace over my bare skin in gentle but unyielding caresses, soothing me, grounding me.
But then he pulls away.
Releases me.
Takes a step back.
“What was that?” His voice is low, unreadable, but there’s a furrow in his brow.
I cross my arms over my chest, suddenly feeling exposed, embarrassed. I gesture toward the bed with a shaky hand, words slipping out before I can stop them.
“We have to… consummate.”
The moment the word leaves my lips, I regret it.
Santo’s gaze darkens before his expression smooths into something carefully controlled.
“We don’t have to do anything.” His voice is calm, but there’s a quiet edge of finality beneath it. “I was just telling you—this is your room. You can run a bath if you’d like. All your things are here, including what Cassandra ordered.”
He gestures toward a large door on the left. “In the closet.”
I blink.
“Myroom?”
A different kind of heat floods my face—disappointment, humiliation, shame.
Santo nods. “Yes. I have the room next door.”
I scramble for my wedding dress, trying to cover myself, as if it can shield me from the sharp ache of rejection.
Santo steps forward. He cups my cheek in his strong, warm hand, tilting my face toward him. His touch sends a shiver straight to my core, melting my resistance, unraveling me.
His lips brush close—his breath warm as he murmurs, “When I take you, I want it to be with your full desire and willingness. I want you wet, desperate, dripping, and begging for an insatiable release.”
The words stroke something deep, something dangerous inside me.
“Itwon’tbe to fulfill a duty.”
I tremble. His eyes, intense, dark, searing into mine, hold me captive. “Do you understand,Mia Dea?”
My breath hitches. I nod, licking my lips without thinking.
Santo’s gaze flickers just slightly before he exhales, controlled as ever. “I have work to attend to. You go unwind and get some rest. We’ll see each other in the morning.”
He presses a soft kiss to my forehead, releases me and leaves.
The weight of his words, his touch, his promise—lingers.
Chapter 17
Santo
Ineedtogetawayfrom her.
Away from her scent. Away from soft, supple skin and the sheer, agonizing temptation of her.
I didn’t expect her to let the dress fall. And when it did—fuck.My cock begged for escape.
