Page 89 of Little Deer
Once it’s finally down to mildly damp, I look at myself one more time. My skin is flushed and warm from the shower, glowing from the moisturizer, and my hair is falling down my back in soft, thick curls. The thick towel is wrapped around me, only my shoulders and collarbone visible, with it stopping just at my knees.
I don’t think I look like the picture of seduction, but Massimo said no clothes, and while I would love to say I have the confidence to walk out there in absolutely nothing, I’m not there. Yet. Maybe someday. Right now, this will have to be okay.
The nerves jump a little more as I slowly approach the door. I know what’s going to happen tonight, and I want it to happen, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to go smoothly. I just have to be okay with that. I have to trust Massimo won’t hurt me or push me too far.
The images of me on my knees earlier instantly flash in my head, the power I felt, and the way Massimo looked. On the verge of losing control, of the desire and pleasure. I want it again, and I want it with him.
Fuck Joey and anything he might have made me doubt or feel before. He’s dead. Harsh as it might be, but he’s not here, and I’m not going to let him ruin anything else.
I open the bathroom door, but when I walk out, I stop, my heart swelling at the sight in front of me.
Massimo is lying on the bed, having changed into a pair of sleep pants and nothing else, scrolling on his phone while Soren lies dozing on his chest; a hand protectively braced on his butt to keep him in place and protected.
Fuck, I’m going to fall hopelessly in love with this man. If I haven’t already.
Massimo looks up, sensing me, and his eyes dilate with pleasure as he takes me in. “Cerbiatta,” he says quietly, watching me. Anticipation thrums between us. A quiet knowledge ofwhat’s going to come. I also don’t miss the pleasure that flashes in his eyes when he sees I’ve followed his instructions, and the submissive part of me fills with pleasure.
“More bonding time for you two?” I manage to ask as I move to the bed. My steps are slow, careful, afraid to shatter the moment.
Massimo smiles. “That’s right. We had all the talks that a man should have with a son.” He winks at me. “Including the very important chat that he has to share you with me, and I would appreciate it if he slept while I spent some time with you. I think we’ve come to an agreement.”
More arousal pools, but I try to stay focused. Not exactly easy considering the man is lying here, showing off all those delicious tattoos and muscles, while also protecting and caring for my son.
I don’t think my ovaries have gotten the message that I just had a baby and am not ready for another one. At least not for a little bit.
“I think he’s already started living up to his end,” I rasp out, voice throaty and husky.
Massimo’s eyes darken, his jaw ticking as he watches me. “Then I guess it’s time I live up to mine, yes?” His voice is low and pure seduction.
Is it possible to melt? Seriously, I feel hotter now than I did in my shower.
He eases out of the bed, balancing Soren carefully, and then he moves over to the sitting area where he’s moved Soren’s bassinet. Still close enough we can get to him, but far enough away that we don’t have to worry about scarring him for life.
Soren barely stirs when Massimo lays him down. Massimo brushes his hand gently over Soren’s head, then turns back to me and the sensitive man is gone in an instant.
My knees shake as his hazel eyes move to mine. He’s gone from dad to daddy in two seconds flat, and a wild part of mybrain reminds me that this is exactly what all those book scenes I’ve read have been describing.
I bite back a whimper as he prowls forward. There is no other way to describe it. His steps are slow, deliberate, and I feel just like the deer he keeps describing me as. And he’s the predator ready to eat me alive.
I force myself to stay still and not retreat, even as every instinct is screaming at me to run. If he wants me, he has to catch me.
No, this is not one of your books, Lucy. But maybe some day…
“I believe I told you no clothes,cerbiatta,” Massimo purrs. “Are you looking for some spankings already?”
Spankings? Fuck, I missed those. Well, mostly. Joey used to…
No! No. Joey has no place in this. Get him out of your fucking head. Now.
“Did you expect me just to walk out naked and traumatize Soren?” I ask him instead, watching him, keeping my tone calm, even a tad bit sassy.
“I expected you to follow orders.” His eyes flash with anticipation. “Lose the towel, Lucy. Now.”
Oh, there it is. That tone. The one that has me immediately reaching for the towel and letting it drop to the floor. Some of the excitement dims knowing that I’m exposing all my flaws to him, but I force myself to keep my gaze steady, to try to project some confidence that I don’t completely feel.
His eyes drop as he takes me in, stretch marks, extra pounds and all. I tremble. What is he thinking?
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