Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 90511 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90511 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 453(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
“Perfect fucking girl,” he snarls in my ear. “You drive me goddamn crazy. I need to feel you come. I need it, Charlie.”
I believe him. And I need it too. “Keep going,” I beg, and we fuck like animals, grinding and groaning as the pressure builds and builds, and I know how close I am, right on that perfect edge.
“Please,” I plead with him.
“Tell me this is all mine. Every inch of you is mine. Tell me this is everything, wife. Tell me you fucking need it.”
“Oh, god, I’m yours. I’m all yours. Just keep fucking me!”
He obeys, thrusting again and again, hips pounding into mine until I finally can’t take it anymore. I shatter on him, break like a wave on sand, the orgasm tearing me to pieces. I grind and bury my mouth on his, screaming between his teeth as I nearly black out from the pleasure. I feel him finish too, tipped over his own edge by my bliss.
We end up a tangled, sweaty mess when we’re finally done.
“I’m happy you came back,” I whisper, curling against him as his big arms wrap around me and hold me tight.
“I’m always happy to find you still in my life. I keep waiting for you to disappear.”
“We both know I can’t.”
“You can if you want. That’s your problem, Charlie. You think there are rules, but there aren’t.”
I let that play in my head a bit. He’s right, I could pick up and leave whenever. Even without an inheritance, I have enough money to live comfortably for the rest of my life. I could do anything and be anyone.
Instead, I stay here.
It was about my family at first. Now it’s about what’s happening to me the longer I stay with Stefano. The more I learn about him, the more I feel like I’m changing.
My priorities are shifting.
And that’s terrifying. Because I know how fucking terrible I’ve been lately. Guilt creeps up again, and I find myself pulling from his arms and getting dressed.
He watches from the couch, not even remotely self-conscious about his naked body. Not that he should be. The guy’s a specimen.
“Why’d you jump up?”
“Just got a cramp.”
“Alright.” He rolls onto his back with a sigh. “You want to go home?”
“We probably should.” I try not to look at him, but I can’t help it. I betrayed you. I did it for money and power. What’s that say about me? “I’m pretty tired.”
“Yeah, I’m pretty tired too.” He smiles slightly. “Not that tired though.”
“Rule’s back on.”
He barks a soft laugh. I really like that sound. “Understood.”
I drift over and drop to my knees. I lean forward and kiss him very softly. “Okay. Now it’s back on.”
As he gets up and dresses, I brush my fingers over the square plastic card I keep on me at all times. If he ever finds it, I’m totally screwed. My life will be over. All my lies will be obvious, and he’ll hate me.
It’s Giorgio’s keycard, stolen from him the day I got my tour.
But I don’t want it anymore. I hated myself the second I lifted it from Giorgio’s desk. I felt sick all day, and I feel even worse now. When this all started, I would’ve gladly handed it over to Grandfather, just to appease him.
Now I can’t wait to get home so I can destroy it.
Chapter 23
Charlie
I’m getting used to staying up late. It’s probably not a good thing.
I lie in bed and stare at the ceiling until my husband falls asleep. I hate doing this. All I want is to curl up beside him, feel his warmth, feel the slow movement of his breath, and pass the hell out. Instead, I’m waiting until I can go use the shredder in his office without being overly suspicious.
I wasn’t made for this spying stuff.
I’m too anxious. There are a million different thoughts running through my head. But most of all, I hate the idea of betraying him.
Grandfather hasn’t pushed yet. I have a feeling he’s been busy with other things, and it’s only a matter of time before he starts pressing me for information.
I have no clue what I’ll say.
Lying to Grandfather feels easier than lying to Stefano. At least the old man deserves it. Grandfather, not Stefano. But even if I start making up details or spinning excuses, eventually he’ll figure it out, and I’ll be in the exact same place as I am right now.
Which means I’m going to stay married to Stefano.
The idea should repulse me. When I first walked down the aisle and said my vows, I only managed to keep myself from freaking out because I knew there was a way out.
Now I’m willingly trapping myself.
That doesn’t scare me as much as it should.
Stefano’s not the man I expected. When we got married, I assumed he’d be some vicious meathead asshole. Instead, I’m finding new levels to him.