Total pages in book: 32
Estimated words: 30264 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 151(@200wpm)___ 121(@250wpm)___ 101(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 30264 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 151(@200wpm)___ 121(@250wpm)___ 101(@300wpm)
The truth is my mind and heart are still reeling from what happened. The way he protected me. Then again, what would people think if Antonio had been unable to protect his own wife? To have me die while I was under his protection. He wouldn’t want that. Men and their egos. I often think those mean more to them than anything else.
“Let’s take you up to our room.”
I stiffen. I knew this would come, but what I didn’t expect was the world of emotions I’m having over it now. I told myself I’d grin and bear it. But that was before Antonio kissed me. He woke up something inside me that I didn’t even know existed. Not only that, he said I could hit him if that turned me on. He cared if I desired him? I’d seen the heat in his eyes when he asked if I was wet. I had been. How, I have no clue. We’d almost died, and I was getting turned on while we still made our escape with a husband I’m supposed to hate.
“I’m hungry,” I blurt out.
“Have something brought up,” he says to one of the random men in all black. He grabs my hand and starts to pull me toward the circle staircase.
“Antonio.” I pull back on his hand, but he scoops me into his arms. He makes sure to not hit my bruised side.
“Yes, my little hellion?”
I narrow my eyes at him, trying to stay strong. In reality, my bravado is starting to waver. The rush of everything begins to fully hit me.
“You said you wouldn’t hurt me.” I try to keep the quiver out of my voice.
“Have I hurt you?”
I shake my head no.
“I don’t know if I can…” My face starts to warm. I can throw a fit and curse like a sailor, but for some reason, talk of sex makes me blush.
He arches a brow. “I don’t force myself on women.”
Oh, right. He’ll go get himself one that is perfectly willing. Probably more experienced too. A sourness takes over my stomach. I focus on that, remembering what I am to Antonio. It’s always the same in the relationships within these families. They all talk about loyalty and honor, but none of that applies when it comes to their wives. Antonio might not harm me physically, but there are other ways he could if I let him. I won’t.
“Right.” I turn my head to look away from him as he carries me down the long hallway. He wouldn’t have to even try to find a woman. I’m sure they throw themselves at him wherever he goes.
“Angel, relax,” he says as we enter a giant bedroom.
Ever so gently, he sits me down on an oversized bench at the end of the massive bed. The thing could hold a football team—or a harem, I suppose. I bet he’s had a few of those. I wonder if it bothers him that he now has a wife and he’ll have to be discreet about such things.
He turns, walking away. I try to take in my surroundings. It’s something I’ve learned to be aware of growing up with my unpredictable father. But I can’t keep my eyes off Antonio. I watch as he enters the bathroom, and a few seconds later, I hear the water come on. Not long after, Antonio returns. He pulls me back to my feet, his hands going for my dress.
“What are you doing?”
He pulls the dress free from my body, leaving me standing there in only my strapless bra and panties. His eyes rake up and down my body, lingering on the bruise at my side. I can see the rage in in them. I try to step back but bump into the bench.
“Don’t fear me, angel.”
“You ripped my dress off,” I point out.
“I did. It was covered in another man's blood.” He leads me toward the bathroom.
“I can shower myself.”
“You’re trembling. Is it the shock or are you scared of me?”
“Not scared of you.” I raise my chin.
“Good.” He leans down and pulls my panties down my legs. His face is right in front of my sex. I hear him suck in a deep breath. I bite the inside of my cheek so that I don’t whimper. Why is that so hot? He wants to breathe me in?
“Step out,” he orders, his voice gruff. I do as I’m told while reaching around and letting my bra fall free. I watch as he strips off his own clothes until he is in nothing but his boxer briefs. I stare at his broad, hard chest. There is one long scar on his side that I’m guessing is from a knife and another on his thigh. That one is smaller. If I had to guess, I would say it's from a bullet. What I can’t possibly miss is the hard outline of his cock.