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My feelings were too complicated to puzzle out what to say next, and I didn’t want to hurt Massimo. So instead of continuing to argue about morality, I gently pressed my lips to his in a soft kiss. It was an apology and a peace offering.
I didn’t like his mafia lifestyle, but I did care about him. He was a good man, and I told him that with every stroke of my tongue against his.
I didn’t know what my future held, but I did know that in this moment, all I wanted was to be right here, in his arms.
Chapter 7
Evelyn
“Ihave something for you, dolcezza.” Even as Massimo’s deep voice made me shiver with desire, unease stirred.
I turned to face him, tugging the fluffy white robe more tightly around myself like armor. The mansion where we were staying in the small town on the Colombia-Ecuador border was overwhelmingly ostentatious, especially in contrast to the impoverished neighborhoods we’d passed during the short drive from the landing strip in the jungle.
Massimo had boasted about his wealth many times, possibly trying to impress me. But money had only ever been a weapon in my experience, a tool for control. Already, my life had spun out of my control. I couldn’t bear to slip even farther into chaos.
“You didn’t have to get me anything,” I said quickly, squaring my shoulders in a show of personal strength. I might be physically weaker than Massimo, but I knew how to provide for myself, to pay my own way. As an adult, I’d always been careful not to take more than I could contribute.
He gave me a lazy, self-satisfied smile. “I know I didn’t have to. I don’t have to do anything. I can afford to do anything I want, and I want to spoil you.”
My stomach twisted, and I straightened my spine. I summoned up my willpower and focused on his stunning eyes, which were glittering with anticipation. They were gorgeous enough to entrance me, so I managed to avoid staring at his bare, sculpted chest. I studiously ignored the fine dusting of dark hair that trailed down his abs to disappear beneath a plush white towel that was slung low over his hips, accentuating the defined V that drew my attention to his…
I swallowed hard and stopped thinking about sex. I lost control entirely when his masterful hands caressed my body, bringing me transcendent pleasure. While that sweet bliss provided ecstatic release—a sense of freedom and connection I’d never known before—financial control was another matter entirely. The prospect soured my budding lust.
His cocky smile remained fixed in place. “I bought it for you to wear tonight. And every night. My mark on your neck will fade, but I want everyone to know you’re mine.”
I took a small step back. Whatever it was, it would be a sign of ownership. Of control. Not just for others to see, but for me as well. I would never be able to repay him for the expensive clothes he’d already purchased for me. Now, I’d be further indebted to him.
Before I could summon up another protest, he picked up a large jewelry box covered in black velvet. I’d been so obsessed with studying his masculine perfection that I hadn’t noticed it resting on the nightstand.
“Massimo…” I trailed off when he snapped open the velvet-covered lid.
The way the light refracted off the diamonds was sharp enough to cut, the glittering gems seeming to pierce my chest with every shimmering ray. A massive teardrop diamond was nestled in the center of the box, cushioned by cream silk. In place of the golden links of a chain, dozens of smaller round diamonds curved in elegant lines from the clasp that would sit at the nape of my neck. Each of them was twice as large as my engagement ring had been.
“Do you like it?” he prompted when I didn’t say anything; I was too stunned by the beauty and exquisite pain of the gems to fully process my emotions.
“It’s too much.” I managed to breathe.
He cocked his head at me, a furrow between his dark brows. “Nothing is too much for you, farfallina.”
I shook my head, staring at the diamonds as though they’d entranced me with their awful beauty.
“I don’t want to owe you anything.”
A small frown tugged at his full lips. “You’ve said that before. I don’t expect anything in return for this. I want you to wear it for me. I want everyone to see how I provide for my woman. I know your value, and they will all see how I treasure you. They will know to keep their fucking distance. You’re mine.”
I shook my head again, and his expression darkened.
“You are mine, Evelyn. You said it yourself. There’s no going back.”
I licked my dry lips. “It’s not that.”
“Then what is wrong?” he demanded. “You think I’m giving you this because I want you to owe me something? Is that the kind of man you think I am?”
“No!” My reply was immediate and vehement, drawn from my soul before I could mull it over. “It’s just… I have a hard time accepting these gifts from you. They make me uncomfortable.”
Some of the darkness ebbed from his eyes, and he placed the jewelry box back on the nightstand without closing it. The diamonds continued to wink at me, taunting me. I kept my attention on him.
He stepped toward me, closing the small distance I’d created between us. His big hand cupped my cheek, his thumb hooking beneath my jaw to capture my face in his gentle grip.
