Ruthless Savior - Julia Sykes Page 0,74

one who’d ever seen it, but I knew his soul.

Worry for my loved ones lingered, but the painful truth was that I’d left them behind. They wouldn’t be at risk because of my relationship with Raúl, because I no longer had any ties to them.

A wrenching pain twisted my gut at my final acceptance of the loss. I could never go back, could never see them again. But they would be safe, and that was what mattered. It was why I’d risked everything and fled from our home.

The hole in my heart would never fully heal, but Raúl’s strong arms would always offer his comforting embrace, soothing me and softening my grief.

When I closed the fridge, his hand closed around my wrist, calling my attention to him. Automatically, I leaned into his solid frame, lacing my fingers together behind his neck.

His thumb traced my lips with reverence, but his eyes were serious on my face.

“Stefano just called me. Isabel admitted that she acted alone when she decided to make the blog post. She confirmed that you only told her your story in an attempt to defend me.” Calm seemed to settle over his shoulders, relaxing his muscles. “I already believed you, after last night. But it’s good to have confirmation that Isabel has testified to your innocence, for the sake of the cartel. It focuses the blame solely on Isabel. No one will blame you for it. No one will threaten you.”

I turned my cheek into his palm, expressing my gratitude for his trust in me and his protectiveness.

“Will Isabel be okay?” I asked softly. “She was only trying to help me. I couldn’t bear it if she was hurt because of this.”

His lips firmed to a thin line, but his fingers were gentle when he trailed them along my jaw.

“Her family controls too many resources for Stefano to openly rebuke her. He’s made an arrangement to have her closely guarded in order to ensure she doesn’t try anything like this again. She’ll be okay.”

I blew out a sigh of relief. “I’m glad.” My fingers firmed around the back of his neck, commanding his full attention. “I’m sorry this happened, Raúl. I don’t want to leave you. Please, never doubt that again. I want to be with you.”

The lump in my throat blocked my next confession: I love you.

Before I could get the words out, Raúl spoke reassurances of his own. “That makes me very happy, corderita. All I want is for you to be here with me, safe and content.”

My lips spread in a broad smile. “I feel safe with you. And I’m more than content. You are an excellent provider, Raúl.”

His chest swelled against mine, expanding with pride. I knew it meant so much to him that I understood this aspect of his soul. And I suspected that I was the only person he’d ever let close enough to provide for them. Before he’d brought me into his home, there was no one for him to take care of.

I pressed my cheek directly against his heart, lulled by the strong, steady beat.

His long sigh held a hum of pleasure, and his thick fingers stroked my hair, cradling me against him. We were both fully satisfied to simply remain in the embrace, indulging in the sweet, intimate contact.

“I got something else delivered for you.” He dropped a kiss on my forehead before stepping back. He immediately captured my hand and led me toward the bedroom.

I followed eagerly, practically bouncing along beside him. The fizzy thrill incited by his constant surprises had become addictive, and I felt no shame that I was greedy for more. Lavishing me with gifts made Raúl happy, so why should I feel guilty for enjoying them?

When we reached the bedroom, he flicked his fingers imperiously at the massive bed. “Bend over.”

The throb at my core was edged with pain, but I complied without hesitation. My soreness from yesterday’s rough fucking paled in comparison to my hunger for him. Wet heat dampened my panties, and my nipples pebbled. The inside of my bra was exquisitely abrasive against the abused buds. The reminder of his cruel, ruthless seduction only added a dark, delicious layer to my lust.

I bent over the bed, bracing my forearms against the mattress. My back arched, and I spread my legs wide.

His low growl in response to my wanton invitation awoke a fluttering in my belly like dozens of butterflies. I watched him over my shoulder, my breaths quickening in anticipation as he