Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 76222 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 381(@200wpm)___ 305(@250wpm)___ 254(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76222 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 381(@200wpm)___ 305(@250wpm)___ 254(@300wpm)
“You taste so damn good. So… mine, cara.”
And just like that, I came for him, digging my nails into his shoulders and riding the wave of ecstasy.
He grunted and renewed his efforts on my pussy until he drove my orgasm even higher. I was touching heaven right now and never wanted to come down.
When the pleasure faded, I sagged and exhaled roughly, my body shaking from the after-effects of my orgasm.
“My pretty girl,” he whispered. Reaching down to the floor, Gio picked up my panties, placing the silky fabric under his nose and inhaling, breathing deeply before spearing me with a possessive gaze.
Groaning a curse, he grudgingly helped me step into them, tugged my skirt down into place, and pulled me onto his lap.
For long seconds, he just held me, rubbing his hand over my thigh before moving it to my belly, and then rested his palm on my abdomen. I collapsed, my head on his shoulder, and closed my eyes, knowing I could have fallen asleep like this, with Gio holding me tightly and me knowing nothing and no one would hurt me as long as he was watching over me.
“I love you, Tatiana. I love you with everything in my cold, dark heart, and I never want to be without you.”
I felt a small smile curve my lips and then pressed them to the side of his neck. “I love you more.”
He held me tighter and whispered, “Not possible.”
We sat there so long that I started to drift off, with Gio’s palm still on my belly, the heat and weight of it causing my insides to flutter.
When he shifted slightly, it roused me. I saw him reach into his pocket. I rubbed the drowsiness from my eyes and saw him pull out a small, velvet box. My breath hitched because I knew what it was.
“I've never been a man who expressed his feelings or showed emotion, Tatiana.” Gio’s voice was low and rough. He always had this natural menace in his tone that sent a thrill down my spine. “You’re mine. You understand that, right?”
I nodded because there was no other reaction or answer I would ever give him.
“But that’s not enough. I want more. I want it all.” He opened it and showed me the diamond solitaire. “I want to make you my wife. I need to.”
I stared at the ring. It was so large and dazzling it caught the light coming through the window.
My heart was pounding in my chest.
“Marry me. I won’t take no for an answer.”
I could have laughed at how gruff his proposal was. There were no grand romantic gestures coupled with it, but I loved Gio’s rawness.
“I may be the devil from deep within the pits of hell, but you’re my queen, and that’ll never change.” He pulled the ring out and took my hand, slipping the diamond onto my ring finger. “Marry me,” Gio demanded, his tone leaving no room for argument. He spoke like a man who was used to getting what he wanted.
I stared down at my finger… speechless.
“I’ll protect you with my life. I’ll make sure you and our children never want for anything and are never afraid a day in your lives.”
I knew he spoke the truth.
“I’ll worship you, cara.”
I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the ring on my finger like the very promise that he’d move heaven and hell for me.
I was meant to be his, and there was no place I’d rather be.
“I'm not an easy man to love, but you’re in my heart, sweetheart. So this proposal isn’t a request. It’s a demand, and it’s a vow that I’ll never let you go.”
If any other man had told me that, I might have kneed him in the balls. But with it being Gio, I felt my heart swell and my belly flutter.
“I want to say I’d accept no for an answer, but that would be a fucking li—”
“Like I’d ever say no,” I whispered and cupped his face. The scruff on his cheeks and chin was rough under my palm, but it reminded me of how masculine he was. “Yes, Gio.” My voice trembled with all the emotion I felt for him. “I want you forever.”
I swore I saw a flicker of something pass across his ruggedly handsome face. Was it… relief? God, did this strong, powerful man actually think I’d ever deny him? I loved him more than I could ever put into words.
And then he groaned and crushed his lips against mine, as a sort of silent, brutal, and passionate promise between us. I loved that he was anything but gentle. Gio showed me how much he wanted me with every single touch.
And for the rest of the flight, he held me on his lap as he ran his hands up and down my arms and legs before rubbing small circles on my belly. He was petting me, I realized, as if he couldn’t help himself, couldn’t keep his hands off me.