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Page 84 of Queen of Misfortune (Shadows of Redemption)

Donovan's eyes are hard. He doesn’t want to accept Luca’s help. But he’s also smart and practical. “All right. I’m sure Niko will appreciate any help you can offer.”

Luca shifts, studying me. “And when the threat is gone, what will you do, Lucia?”

I swallow because I know the answer is to stay with Elena until the twins are born and then likely return to Italy.

“One thing at a time, Luca,” Donovan says, looking at me with that expression I can’t decipher.

“Just remember, you have a home in Italy.”

“Thank you.” I smile, but deep down, I know my home is here.

28

DONOVAN

Luca makes his exit, and it’s not a moment too soon. All I can see is him with his arms around Lucy. Is that why he’s pissed? Because I married her instead of him? Doesn’t he see how creepy it is to want his stepmother? Or maybe it’s not desire. Perhaps it’s duty. He did take a long look at Aria. God, if Niko were here, we’d be figuring out how to dispose of Luca’s body.

“You keep forgetting you don’t own me.” Lucy pulls me from my tangled thoughts.

“You keep forgetting that I do until your father is dead. Then if you want to go to Luca, you can.” My chest is caving in at that idea. I can hardly breathe.

She lets out an exasperated breath. “I want to stay… with Elena.”

With Elena. Right. Not with me. Not with the man she calls a toady. It reminds me of what a fool I was to think her question about having babies was code for she wanted them with me. “Then you have to live by the rules. You know that.”

I hate how her eyes dim. “I do. I guess I should thank you.”

“Why? You wouldn’t mean it.” I’d come to find her today needing to see her. Why is this conversation devolving into a pissing contest?

She looks down. “I do mean it. I know I’m only here because of you.”

I study her, wishing I could read her mind. “I meant what I said to Luca. As long as you need or want me, I’m here.” Protecting her isn't just a duty anymore. It's a need that’s as important as breath.

She looks at me, and I really wish I knew what was going on in that stubborn head of hers. For long moments, we stand like that. Slowly, the air between us charges and my irritation morphs into desire.

I reach out my hand. Relief washes through me when she takes it. I tug her close and look into those dark eyes that I want to lose myself in. “Are you all right? I don’t mean about Luca. I mean about your mother.”

She nods. “Surprisingly so. I should feel guilt or?—”

“Why? You may not have died, but she killed you, parts of you, most of your life.”

Lucy looks at me in a way that makes me feel like I’m her hero, which is odd because she’s clear she doesn’t need one. I dip my head and kiss her. It’s fifty-fifty whether she’ll allow it. Her fingers clutch my shirt as she opens for me, letting me take the kiss deeper.

When I pull back, I take her hand and lead her to my room, shutting and locking the door behind us.

“I know you hate this, but whatever it takes, I’m here. With you.” It’s as close as I can get to telling her the feelings that are overflowing my heart. “For as long as you want.”

"Donovan, I?—"

"Shh." I stop her because I don’t want to hear her protests or to be reminded that this will all be over as soon as her fatheris dead. I kiss her to stop any further attempt to talk. My hands undress her, taking in the smooth silkiness of her skin, her sweet, spicy scent.

Heat sears through my veins as need explodes. Her hands find their way into my hair, tugging me closer as if she could pull me inside her soul. If only she would. I'd willingly go.

There's nothing tame about the way she kisses back, nothing hesitant. Not anymore. Now, she’s all fire and need, matching my own desperation.

I shift, wrapping an arm around her waist to draw her flush against me, feeling the rapid beat of her heart against my chest. It syncs with mine, and it drives me crazy that we’re so perfect and yet can’t ever be. Not in the long run, anyway. But I push those thoughts aside. She’s here now, and so now, I’ll savor the moment.

A low moan rises from deep within her, fueling my hunger. The tether on my control loosens. Need drives me mad as I push her back on the bed and frantically remove our clothes. I’m not gentle. I’m not tender. I’m a man who desperately wants to claim this woman. I want to make sure she never forgets me.


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