Finding Beauty in the Darkness - Nikki Ash Page 0,76
Rests his arms above my head, he cages me in and plants a kiss on the corner of my mouth. His lips move to my throat, then to my neck.
“What happened this morning?” I ask. “Was it because Weston touched me?”
Gio’s body freezes. His thumb and index finger go to my chin and he raises my face so I’m looking at him. “Ari, I can’t keep my hands off of you. Nothing he’s ever done to you could change how I feel about you. How much I want you. How much I love you.” His lips come down on mine for a kiss.
“Then what was it?” I murmur against his lips.
Gio lets out a sigh and backs up, taking his warmth with him. “I didn’t keep you safe.”
“You couldn’t have known Cecilia would work with him.”
“I should have been more on top of it. It happened under my roof. The life I live is dangerous. Cecilia has lived that life right alongside me. She’s watched people get killed, get beaten to death. She’s watched threats get made and those same threats be followed through.”
“I could get into an accident driving and be killed. You can’t predict the future.”
“No, but I can keep you from being put in harm’s way. My biggest fear is that by loving me, you’re signing your death wish.”
“So, what do we do?”
Gio’s head drops and he lets out a defeated sigh. “We keep living our life. We see where things go. I love you so much, but, Aria, if you’re ever put in harm’s way again because of me—”
“Don’t finish that sentence,” I plead, grabbing him around his neck and pulling him to me. “Don’t say that. Take me home, please. Take me home and make love to me. Nothing is going to happen to me.”
Gio doesn’t take us home. Instead, he takes us to his hotel. He checks us into a room, and once we get inside, he hands me a robe. “We don’t have any clothes here so put this on so you can be more comfortable.” He takes his shoes and socks off then strips out of his pants and shirt.
Taking the robe from him, I go to the bathroom to freshen up. I fix my makeup the best I can, using the soap on the sink to wipe the black smudges from under my eyes, and run my fingers through my hair. Then I remove my dress and heels. I debate whether I should leave my undergarments on and decide against it. Once I have the robe secure, I walk back into the room.
Gio isn’t there, but I see the slider open so I head out to the balcony. When I get out there, I notice each balcony has a privacy wall. Gio is sitting out there with a tray from room service. When he hears me approach, he turns around, grinning at me.
“I ordered some dessert. It’ll help absorb some of that tequila in your system.” He shoots me a wink, and I roll my eyes but go to the tray to see what he’s ordered. Under the lid is a large slice of chocolate cake drizzled with hot fudge. With my index finger, I swipe a bit of the fudge off the top and lick it off my finger until its clean. Gio groans, so I swipe up some more, this time making a production out of licking my finger.
Grasping the side of my robe, he pulls me to him so I’m straddling his lap. He grabs my finger, sticks it in his mouth, and sucks hard. When I try to pull my finger back, he bites down on it.
“Hey! You know I love my cake. Get your own.”
“This cake is for us to share.” He sits up higher and adjusts us, then he grabs the plate with the delicious cake on it along with a fork. When he breaks off a piece, I lean forward to take a bite, but he smirks and takes the bite himself.
“Not cool, Valentino.” I pout and he laughs, the sound sending butterflies to my belly. He takes another forkful and this time brings it to my mouth. I part my lips and he gives me the bite. The cake practically melts in my mouth and I can’t help the moan that slips out.
“I think I need another bite of this cake,” Gio murmurs, his gaze burning into mine. This time when he breaks off a forkful, he pulls down the top of my