Page 136 of Lorenzo

I can't do it.

"Tell me you want me to go," he says quietly, pressing another kiss, this time to my neck.

I don't say anything.

"I'll go," he says. "Just say the word. Say you don't want this."

And I can't.

I can't say the words.

Because I do want it. I want him. Desperately.

He starts kissing my neck, and I tilt my head to the side, giving him better access.

His hands slide around my waist, pulling me back against him.

I can feel his erection pressing against my lower back, and it sends a fresh wave of desire through me.

One of his hands slides up my stomach to cup my breast through my sweater, his thumb rubbing my nipple, which is already hard, aching for him.

I reach back and bury my fingers in his hair, holding him to me.

He makes a low, satisfied, rumbling sound in his chest, like a predator who has just cornered its prey.

And I am the prey.

But for once, I don't mind.

"I want you, dolcezza," he murmurs against my skin, nipping and toying with me. "I've wanted you from the moment I saw you, but I knew nothing could happen until this job was done. I had to be professional."

The word is mocking on his tongue, and I can't help but smile, even as I'm melting against him.

I am so, so screwed.

"Now that the job is done," he continues, "I'm done pretending."

He turns me around to face him, his dark gaze intense.

He cups my face in his hands. "So, this is your last chance. Tell me you don't want this, and I'll go."

I look up into his eyes, and I see the desire there, but I also see respect. He meant what he said. If I tell him no, he'll go. No questions asked.

But that's the last thing I want.

"Don't go, Lorenzo," I whisper.

Chapter Seventeen

Lorenzo

"Don’t go, Lorenzo,” she whispers.

I study her face, giving her one final chance to change her mind. Her breathing is shallow. Her pupils are wide. She is still fighting herself, but she is no longer fighting me.

Her hands close around the front of my shirt.

“Stay.”