Chapter 17
DIANGELO
Present
The lights go out in my bedroom, but I’m still wide awake.
It’s hard to sleep after what happened today.
I didn’t want to scare Terina more than necessary, but that snake was a serious message.
There’s no telling what the Russians will do if they’re hell-bent on revenge. Her life is in grave danger.
I’m relieved she came to my place willingly. I feel better with her here. That fact alone should help me sleep, but I can tell that’s not happening anytime soon. Especially not when an insidious thought slithers its way into my consciousness and takes root.
I wonder if Terina chose to sleep on my side of the bed.
It’s not hard to tell which side I prefer. What would it mean if she chose the same side? That she sleeps on that side in her own bed? That she isn’t bothered by sheets slept in by someone else? Or maybe sleeping near my scent makes her feel safe.
Maybe I have my head up my ass and need to stop thinking about things that don’t matter.
What is wrong with me? Am I seriously daydreaming about Renzo’s little sister?
She’s ten damn years younger than me … and she’s his sister.
Have I lost my goddamn mind? Her life is at risk, and I’m overthinking her sleeping preferences.
That’s exactly why allowing emotions into the mix is a horrible idea. I need to be focused. Practical.
I need to keep Terina safe. Full stop.
If that’s the case, it might be a good idea to check on her. She had a traumatic day, after all.
True. I hated to hear how upset she was when she called me. And I wasn’t lying when I said she scared the shit out of me. I was so damn worried, I couldn’t get there fast enough.
Exactly, and while you check on her, you can settle that little curiosity. Put it to bed, if you will.
Fuck me. I think my inner voice may have it in for me.
He’s certainly not helping matters, though he does have a point. If I check on Rina, see that she’s sleeping peacefully, and confirm she’s not on my side of the bed, then maybe I can get some damn sleep.
I silently rise from the sofa, wearing only the boxer briefs I went to bed in, and quietly pad toward my bedroom. The blackout shades are drawn beneath the shears, but there’s still enough ambient light to see. From my stance in the doorway, I can make out her form in the darkness.
Jesus, she’s on my side.
Why does that realization send a jolt of lust straight to my dick?
I don’t get a chance to adequately chasten myself because Terina’s breathing catches in a way that has me worried she’s crying. I don’t want her in here, upset, all by herself.
I take two steps forward, bringing me close enough to see a tiny bit better, and I realize she’s on her back with her legs butterflied open at the knees. I watch more carefully and see the sheet flutter near her center.
My entire body turns to rock-hard stone.
Jesus fucking Christ, she’s getting herself off in my bed.
I should walk away. I should go back to bed and cauterize this from my memories. The only problem is, my marbleized legs refuse to budge.
For the second time in a week, I perve on Terina while she touches herself. It’s so fucking messed up, yet I can’t stop myself. The sounds she’s making—tiny panting breaths—and the subtle writhing of her body—it’s too much. Too intoxicating.
I think I might come in my fucking boxers. I can’t tear myself away from her.
Even worse?
My hand has found its way to my aching cock, squeezing the damn thing through my boxer briefs as though my life depends upon it.
I begin to stroke myself.
Her eyes flit open and lock with mine.
I still, fully expecting her to freak the fuck out. Except that’s not what happens. Instead, her parted lips widen a fraction more, and her movement beneath the sheet intensifies.
My heart thuds all the way to the bottom of my balls.
Terina sucks in a lungful of air before her entire body contracts.
I squeeze my dick so hard that I spontaneously combust like a goddamn teenager.
Her eyes never … leave … mine.
It’s the hottest fucking thing I’ve ever seen.
You need to get your ass out of here, now.
I don’t even recognize myself. I’ve never been so damn undisciplined in my life.
I take one step, then a second, but not toward the open door.
I inch closer to Rina.
I’m desperate to smell her again. The scent was too faint last time—there but not entirely. I want the unfiltered, unadulterated version.
I don’t just want it.
I need it.