in front of the table. “After everything I’ve shared with you the past week, you think a relationship with me is a good idea?”
“I think it’s a better idea than kissing you and not knowing when I’ll get to kiss you again.” I eye her sternly because it’s a truth that I hate. As resistant as Tilly has been towards me since she came back, I don’t trust that she won’t kiss and run. She’s run before.
Tilly’s steps falter because she knows what I’m saying is true.
I soften my tone. “I’m not looking for hookups anymore. And I’d rather have you and know you’re mine than have you and worry that you could be someone else’s.”
Her eyes widen. “You can’t be serious.”
“I’m dead serious.”
“Sonny.”
“Trouble…”
She inhales deeply. “I’m not sure this is a good idea.”
“Why?” I reach out and touch her hip, halting her motion. “Look at us, Tilly. Our attraction is still here. Stronger than ever. Our bodies are like two magnets, finding each other all day long. Do you know how hard it was not to grab you any time you came near me today? I would have just fucking done it if it wasn’t for the fact that my nonna would have beat me over the head with her disgusting sauce stick.” I comb my fingers through hers, enjoying the smile at the edge of her lips. “Trust this. Trust us. Believe that we’ve both changed. That we can handle more now because we’ve changed. Doesn’t it sound exciting for us to get to know each other now? With clear intentions?”
“Jesus,” she huffs nervously, and I can see her resolve weakening.
I cup her cheek and dip my lips towards hers. “Just say yes. Say you’ll be mine.”
“What are you, a bloody valentine?” she huffs with a hyenic laugh.
I smile, biting my lip as the urge to kiss her becomes so intense, I don’t know if I’ll be able to hold out much longer. Her scent, her body, her blue eyes…they’ve haunted me all week, and I want her to say yes to this. To giving us a chance.
“Come on, Trouble. Giving us a replay will be a challenge for us both, and I know you love a challenge.”
“Yes.”
Three little letters.
Very big results.
Results being Santino’s lips crashing down on mine.
It takes me a few staggered breaths to realise what’s happening. But as soon as I do, my hands grab onto his neck to meet the demanding pressure of his kiss. In one swift motion, our lips break as he grips my waist and hoists me up onto his dining table. We’re eye level with one another now, and the wicked look in his dark eyes causes my heart rate to ratchet up to a whole new level.
He steps toward me and commands my lips again. I wrap my legs around him, relishing in the hardness of his body. Our tongues thrust greedily against each other as his hand grips my hair in a masterful hold that causes a swell of pressure between my legs.
Who knew making sauce would be such epic foreplay?
Not this Scottish lass. Not at all.
But watching Santino interact with his family, seeing this gentler side to him, a side where he pulled out the chair for his nonna and silently poured both of us fizzy drinks while everyone else drank red wine…he lost that dark and dangerous vibe to him that I was always scared of. He’s somehow transformed into this sexy, domestic God-like creature that I instinctually crave.
Well, when we’re not making out at least.
His hands rove over my body, and I lose myself to the sensation, my centre throbbing with an ache that has not been satisfied in quite some time. I arch into him, grab his hand, and place it on my breast. I need his touch; I need his roughness. Santino always had that perfect mix of commanding gentleness. And feeling him now, stone-cold sober with no haziness of alcohol or drugs…it’s all even better than I remember. My body is a live wire ready to ignite at just the hard squeeze his fingers apply over my shirt-covered nipple.
Holy shit, I’m going to come.
Fuck.
No.
Not yet.
It’s too soon.
This is all too soon.
“Santino.” I pull my lips away from him and suck in a big gulp of air as my eyelids fight a heaviness.
“Yes?” he murmurs, trailing kisses down my neck. The whiskers from his jaw send tingles all over my body as he grabs my ear and bites gently. “What is it, Trouble?