Page 4 of Hard Lessons

She curled her toes in her stilettoes and locked her knees. Luca’s fingers were firm around her throat, but it didn’t restrict her breathing; instead it served as a reminder of his strength and of his ownership of her. As her orgasm abated she relaxed further into his powerful hold, relished every millimeter of his body touching hers.

“Damn... this new life is going... to suit us.” He was breathless as he spoke against the back of her head. “I can tell.”

“Yes.” She pressed her hand over his, the one at her neck. “New life.Ournew life.”

She was glad to be away from Rome. Things had gotten sticky there. One too many paybacks, and brushes with the law were getting too close for comfort. She’d known what she’d signed up for when she’d started dating him. Luca Morretti was a friend of her cousin, their mutual involvement with Cosa Nostra—mafia—making him just her brand of bad boy.

Not that she was a saint herself. Her entire family was knee-deep in Mafiosi; she’d had no choice but to live the same life.

Hadn’t she?

Lately she’d wondered. And with the promise of a new city...

“You’re a goddamn angel to fuck,” Luca said, finally releasing her throat and straightening. He stayed lodged deep. “Everything about you is so perfect.” He traced the line of her spine, slowly, carefully tapping over each bone, then slipped through the cleft of her buttocks again. He paused at her anus. “And this perfect ass of yours, later I’m going to fuck it so good you’ll forget your damn name.”

Serena trembled and clenched her buttocks.

He chuckled. “And don’t try and say you’re not sure, because I know damn well this sweet little hole loves my cock.”

“Luca,” Serena said, her body still buzzing from her orgasm. “I just...”

“What?”

“I...” Her words caught in her throat and she wriggled within his hold.

The next thing she knew he’d pulled her upright and spun her around. He encased her in his wide arms and drew her close to his bare chest with her head tucked beneath his chin. “Shh, I’ve got you. I’ll always have you, Serena,mio amore. I love you.”

“I love you too.” She clung to him, inhaling the scent of fresh sweat lacing his skin. She closed her eyes and sagged closer still. His strength wrapped around her, held her upright. Luca seemed to instinctually know what she needed and when. And right now, she needed to be embraced.

He kissed the top of her head. “Catch your breath, I’ve got you, everything is okay. It will always be okay. I have you. I will care for you, protect you. Always.”

She didn’t need to answer. She just let the words wash over her and soothe her emotions like a balm.

He ran one hand to her right buttock and cupped it, the other he pressed into her lower back, keeping her held firm. His touches were always possessive and territorial. She was his, and he made sure she knew that.

“Luca,” she murmured, wanting his name on her lips.

“Serena. You will always be mine. I will always be yours. That can’t change now.” He paused. “What’s on your mind?”

She looked up at him, taking a moment to focus. His dark eyes were brimming with intensity, sincerity, and love.

“It’s just that maybe...” She glanced away.

“Maybe what?”

She didn’t know how to articulate her ideas. They’d barely formed in her own mind. But it had been a little seed, a kernel of a vision that had been germinated and now was growing, very slowly, struggling to peek through the earth, the dark corners of her mind, but still... it was trying.

It stemmed from a dream she’d had. She and Luca in a small house by the coast, rugged hills behind them and a garden complete with vegetable patch, chickens, and a children’s climbing frame.

“Tell me.” He hooked his finger beneath her chin. “I want to know everything that’s going on in that pretty head of yours.”

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Luca glared in the direction of the apartment door. “Who the fuck is that?”

“I don’t know.” Serena stepped away, suddenly acutely aware of her pants bunched around her ankles.

Luca swept his gaze over her. “Cover up.”

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