Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 76545 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 383(@200wpm)___ 306(@250wpm)___ 255(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76545 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 383(@200wpm)___ 306(@250wpm)___ 255(@300wpm)
He shrugged. “Could be anything. Your Papa pulled another asshole move, someone was a jerk to you at school, Romeo got heavy-handed and domineering, Mama yelled at you for not getting good enough grades.” He shrugged. “Or, I guess it could be something like you gained two pounds or the bag you wanted to buy on clearance was all sold out.”
“You make me sound so shallow.”
I felt him shaking his head behind me. “No, Rosa. You aren’t shallow. Jesus, girl, you’re the least shallow person I know.”
I looked up at him over my shoulder. “You’re just saying that to get laid.”
A glimmer of a smile crossed his lips before he shook his head. “Nah, babe. I’m smarter than that. Remember what Orlando did to the douche who assaulted Marialena at that party?”
I winced. “Beat him thoroughly, then castrated him and left him to bleed out on the bridge.”
But he wouldn’t assault me. That was a bird of another color. Not my Santo.
He grimaced. “Yeah, so there will be no gettin’ laid here, thankyouverymuch.”
I released a sigh. “Bummer.”
“Bummer?” When he tickled me I giggled and squirmed but kept it quiet. I still didn’t trust anyone. “The boy whose name means saint couldn’t be more of a devil, could he?” I asked with a smile.
I felt him shake his head again.
“No, Rosa. And don’t you forget that.”
I looked up over my shoulder at him again.
The moment froze in my memory like a vignette, a little glimpse into the past that made me the woman I am today.
I knew he’d kiss me before he did.
I knew it would be a kiss I’d never forget…
I fall asleep, darkness pulling me under the warmth of the blanket.
I wake to the sound of a key turning in the lock. It could be minutes or hours later, I have no idea.
I open one eye, still groggy, as I hear Santo locking every door and fastening the deadbolts.
He opens the door to my room.
“Are you asleep because you’re asleep, or are you pretending to be asleep because you touched yourself and you don’t want to go over my lap? Hmmmm,” he finishes thoughtfully before he makes it to me.
I murmur and roll over and open both eyes.
“Sleepy. You know I love going over your lap.”
He gives me a grim smile. “Not for punishment you don’t.”
I close my eyes. Lie. Especially for punishment. But I’m tired. So damn tired.
I feel his weight on the bed next to me as he sits, his heft making the bed sag.
“Sleep, Rosa,” he says softly. He bends his mouth to my ear. “And tell me the truth before I find it out for myself.”
“Mmm. Got it.”
“Rosa,” he warns.
I yawn and fall closer to sleep. I’m so damn tired.
I hear him strip and climb into bed next to me. He settles his hand up to his flank and throws an arm around me.
Oh damn does it feel good to be so close to him. So good.
I nestle my butt in his crotch, which earns me several hard, rapid smacks to my ass.
“Don’t start,” he growls.
“Can’t help myself,” I retaliate.
“Sleep, Rosa,” he whispers. “Sleep. Tomorrow will be the day I punish you for disobeying.”
“What? I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He shakes his head. “I stood on the other side of that door and listened to you.”
“You heard me?” I manage to squeak out. “You were downstairs.”
“I did. Told them I was checking on you, which was totally true. And it was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard. Also, it’ll be the most painful punishment I’ve ever given you.”
His cock twitches. He’s turned on at the thought of punishing me, of course.
Uh oh.
I close my eyes and shake my head to myself.
I feel the weight of his arm on me.
“Are you sleeping here with me?” A little thrill of excitement washes through me. We’ve never shared a bed before, ever. We’ve held each other and kissed, but we’ve never snuggled in bed.
And God, but it feels nice to be held by him.
“Can’t,” he says with a sigh. “It’s too risky. I don’t want to be left in a position that could kill us.”
I nod.
“But I’ll hold you ’til you fall asleep, baby.”
Ah, Santo. Don’t let anyone ever tell you don’t feel.
I keep myself awake as long as I can, so I can keep him here with me. It’s like reaching for the edges of a dream when you wake, how the consciousness drives the safety of the memory away. I’m half asleep, forcing myself to stay awake so I can feel him next to me.
I love you, Santo, I think in my mind. And it’s on that thought that I fall into a deep, deep sleep.
I wake the next morning to the sound of the other shower running.
In my sleepy mind, it’s the nanny and I don’t think much of it. God but she takes the longest shower.