8. Evelyn
Chapter 8
Evelyn
“ E velyn!” Massimo thundered my name as he burst into the apartment, breaking up my pleasant conversation with Enzo.
My heart leapt into my throat, and I raced inside from the balcony to find out what was wrong; he sounded half-panicked.
His eyes glinted with a wild light, and his massive body was taut with strain. He closed the distance between us in three long strides and scooped me up into his powerful arms.
“I’ll see you both later.” Enzo excused himself, giving us privacy to discuss whatever had upset my dark savior.
“Are you okay?” I asked as he carried me into the bedroom— our bedroom.
I only had a moment to get a brief impression of the sumptuous, deep blue room before he laid me out on the four-poster bed and settled his hulking body over mine, as though he was shielding me from something.
His jaw was tight, but his thick fingers were achingly gentle as they trailed through my hair. The motion was meant to soothe me, but I sensed that it calmed him too.
I traced the harsh lines of his beautiful face. “Talk to me. What happened?”
He closed his eyes briefly and blew out a long breath. “I’m all right,” he promised. “And you’re all right. That’s what matters.”
“Of course I’m all right,” I reassured him. “I’ve just been safely at home, chatting with Enzo. Did something bad happen at your meeting?”
He shook his head slightly. “I don’t want to talk to you about my business, dolcezza. I think we will both prefer it that way.”
I kissed his taut jaw. “I want to talk about you . I care about how you’re feeling. You don’t have to tell me anything else.”
I’d made my peace with his criminal lifestyle when I’d chosen to come to Italy with him. We would find a balance that worked for us. His happiness mattered more to me than anything, and I didn’t want him to ever hide his emotions from me.
“I didn’t like being separated from you,” he admitted. “Something happened that made me worried for your safety, but I swear, I’ll never let anyone touch you. This is my home, and I’m powerful enough to protect you.”
I brushed a stray curl that fell over his eyes. “It’s our home now,” I reminded him. “And I know you’ll protect me. I trust you, Massimo.”
He crushed his lips to mine and claimed me with a savagery that bordered on desperation. I gave him everything he demanded of me, holding nothing back.