Page 23 of Flawed

I close my eyes, not wanting to think about our reality and unable to stop this or my desire for him. Yet I know this isn't something I can continue after tonight.

He pushes, "Tell me you understand."

I reach behind me and dig my fingers into his thigh.

He nibbles my ear and slows his thrusts, demanding, "Tell me. Tell me you're mine."

"Harder. Please," I beg, my body on overdrive and not trusting my emotions to stay in line with what I know can't be between Luca and me. And I can't afford to go into some fantasy where we have a happy family and everything works out.

He's an Abruzzo.

My loyalties are with the Marinos.

He drags his teeth over the curve of my neck, keeping his steady pace of torment. He mumbles, "Two words. Now tell me."

I shouldn't give in to him, yet I want the world where Luca and I thrive together. I don't want us to be enemies. And right now, we aren't in his eyes as long as he doesn't know where my loyalties lie. So, I cave, telling myself it's just this one moment in time, assuring, "I'm yours."

Luca presses his lips against the back of my neck. "Good girl." He speeds up his thrusts and returns to speaking random Italian words.

A fierce orgasm sweeps through me, and it's like I'm floating above us. Luca's magnificent body hovers over mine, perfectly controlling every aspect of our union.

It only makes me want him like nothing I've ever wanted before. A vision of Luca, me, and our baby together appears so vividly that it makes me momentarily delusional.

Crazy thoughts enter my mind. No matter the situation, who he works for, or the risks, we'll figure out how to be together because I want every part of what Luca can give me.

He shouts something in Italian, pulling me back to reality, and his body detonates inside mine, releasing another onslaught of tremors throughout me.

In the aftermath, his sweat mingles with mine. His frame still cages over me, as if in protection. And he presses his forehead against the top of my spine.

When our breathing slows, I flip underneath him. His dark eyes twinkle in the dim light. I reach up and caress his chiseled cheekbones before he dips his lips, pressing them to mine once more.

I slide my arms around his neck, and he holds me as close as possible, kissing me with just as much enthusiasm as ever. It's all too real. Too perfect. Too much of everything I've wanted since before I even found out I was pregnant, even though I know he's bad for me and my unborn child.

My stomach growls, and Luca tears his lips off me. He grins, kisses me on the forehead, and jumps off the mattress.

"Where are you going?" I ask, suddenly afraid he's going to leave me again.

He bends over, puts his palms on both sides of my head, and pecks me on the lips. He asserts, "Time you ate something with substance."

I clear my throat. "I'm okay. It's late. Get back in bed."

His lips twitch. "You have a bossy streak, stellina, don't you?"

I bite on my smile and shrug, innocently questioning, "Do I?"

He kisses my nose and rises. "Yep. But it's cute. Okay, stay warm. I'll be back soon." Luca spins, grabs the towel off the floor, wraps it around his lower body, and leaves.

As soon as he's out of the room, I release a big breath of air and then bury my face into the pillow. The faint scent of weed and Luca's cologne infiltrates my lungs. I smile bigger, but then panic hits me. I groan.

What did I do?

This was such a bad idea. Why didn't I let him sleep on the lumpy, stinky couch?

Where is my self-control?

Go out to the kitchen and tell him to go. It's best to cut this off now.

I debate for a few more minutes then get out of bed. I toss on a robe and slippers and go into the kitchen. When I turn the corner, I freeze.

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