Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 86325 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86325 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 432(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 288(@300wpm)
"Do you want me to stop?" I whisper against her parted lips. "I'll stop now. Just say it."
"N-No." Vehemently, Nicoletta shakes her head and my heart fucking breaks for her. "Please don't stop. I need this. I need to feel better. I know you can't... I know we can't... I know we shouldn't..."
"Shh," I mutter, kissing her again and gently tasting her sweet little mouth. "It's okay. Just let me take care of you."
She melts into my embrace, allowing me to hold her and be her rock. I shouldn't let myself do this, shouldn't succumb to her innocence and the way she desperately needs me – or anyone, really – to care about her. But I can't help myself. Nicoletta Carlucci is fucking intoxicating and I don't think I'll ever get enough of her.
She doesn't say a word, merely sniffles as I hold her tightly against my chest. I breathe with her then, slowly measuring each breath and whispering in her ear that it's all going to be alright. She relaxes slowly but surely, allowing me to have more and more control of her body. I could do anything to Nicoletta right now. But in this moment, it would feel more wrong than ever.
"We should head back to the mansion," I finally say once she completely relaxes in my arms. "They'll be waiting for us with dinner, and it's going to get dark soon."
She nods, wiping her eyes and refusing to look at me. "The maid will be worried."
"Yes, that's the biggest of our worries right now." I get a chuckle out of her and kiss her forehead. "Be a good girl for me, principessa. I promise everything will get sorted out. I promise it will all work out for the best."
"Okay," she mutters defeatedly. Finally, I pull back and take her hand.
"Come on, we better get out of here."
I lead her out of the maze and let go of her hand at the very last moment, when we've come in view of her maid. She doesn't mention it and doesn't speak to me again.
Nicoletta was right – the maid's face is streaked with tears and she cries with relief when she sees us approaching. Saying a prayer over Nicoletta, she drags her back in the direction of the house after curtsying respectfully at me.
As they leave, the intoxicating blonde throws me one last look over her shoulder. I stare back, even though it's fucking hard to see the pain in her eyes. Nicoletta is just a puppet that her papa controls – and so am I. I force myself to get Nicoletta off my mind. I'm too preoccupied with her, and she's taking up too much space in my thoughts. There are other things I should think of, like finding a wife of my own, like being a worthy heir for my father. But none of that shit matters, not now.
* * *
We eat dinner together that night. Even Marzia is there, shooting jealous looks at Nicoletta as we dine. Adrian seems torn between the two women in his life. It must be the first time I genuinely fucking hate him. He has everything I want, and he isn't even fucking grateful.
I haven't had a talk with my brother in a long time, but something about the way he looks at the captive girl, Marzia, tells me he wants her more than his bride-to-be. Instead of making me feel better though, it only enrages me more.
Closely watching every interaction at the table, I make up my own mind about what's happening. During dessert though, I catch Father looking at me. He gives me a knowing smile and I return the gesture. He knows more than he lets on. If there ever was a time to bring up Nicoletta with Father, it's tonight.
I take deep breaths and gather my courage for the rest of the meal. I'm not afraid of Bruno Bernardi – he's an old man after all. But there's something about the man that inspires pure admiration from each one of his sons – his biological child, Santino, and all four of us who are adopted.
After dinner, I ignore Nicoletta's pleading looks and follow Father to his office. He seems to be expecting me, and nods, inviting me inside where I sit down in front of his desk, nervously tapping my fingers against my leg.
"Would you stop that," Father mutters. "It's driving me crazy. I know you have something to ask me, so why don't you just ask?"
I smile though I'm still nervous. Father does like to cut to the chase.
"I wanted to speak to you about Nicoletta," I finally manage to get out.
"I figured." He smirks. "You're not invisible, Ryder. I see you looking at her, and I see her looking at you. We both know what's going through your mind. I knew the last time we spoke, but I didn't want to speak of it then."