Chapter 12
Gina
I wake up in my bed the next morning and stretch like a content, lazy cat, complete with a smug smile like I just stole forbidden cream.
I mean, I would’ve loved to steal Tommaso’s forbidden cream last night, but he didn’t take his pleasure. He wouldn’t actually let me touch him below the waist—outside of him placing my hand over his erection when my self-doubt pushed in.
After he had given me that mind-shattering orgasm—one so much better than any I’ve given myself—I caught him taking my picture before we snuggled, talking quietly and listening to the ocean. He answered any question I dared to ask him, so in turn, I did the same.
I opened up about how dreadful going to Santa Elisabetta had been, how horrid most of the girls were, except for Alessia and Mia. How I secretly loved elegant clothing but hid it so I wouldn’t reinforce the image my parents were forcing on me.
He asked me about my desire for a future family. I openly admitted that I want the kind of close-knit, loving family I used to have as a young girl, that I’ve always dreamed of being a mother, and that I don’t want to wait long to start having children
He teasingly questioned me about my desire to see and experience the world, and how I would do that with a baby? I punched his arm with a smile and said, “Bugger off, this is my fantasy world I’m creating.”
He laughed, but his eyes held a look I couldn’t understand. Then he kissed me, and any thoughts of anything else other than his lips on mine and his hands on my body disappeared in the wind.
When we finally left the ruins, we drove back with our fingers interlaced in content silence.
He hadn’t driven me right to the front door because Davide had informed him that my father was home.
Tommaso didn’t even want to risk me being seen walking up the driveway to the house, so he took me to a door in the high stone wall, farther away from the driveway. I hadn’t even known it was there.
Davide stood apart from us, giving us as much privacy as possible, and Tommaso spoke to me, his voice quiet. “I won’t be able to see you for a few days.”
I didn’t question it. He’s Don and has more important things to do—like run an empire—than spend time with me. Regardless of what he said, I’m a nobody. A chill filled me at the thought that had nothing to do with the cool night air.
“Davide will watch over you until then,” Tommaso added before kissing me softly, making my toes curl in my shoes.
Breaking the kiss, he nodded to Davide to unlock the side door and commanded, “Give Gina a key so she can meet me freely next time.” Davide nodded without comment or question, reminding me that he, like all the guards, is Tommaso’s man.
Now that it’s the next morning and sunlight is bringing reality back, instead of feeling giddy and happy, replaying the evening at the ruins, I’m wondering what the hell I’m doing.
Tommaso promised he’d never break me, but how can he not? We’re of the same world, but not. I’m not in the same league as him.
Marriages for love, among the upper echelons of our world, are rare. Not completely unheard of, but still.
And what did I do?
I went and almost gave myself entirely to him.
I’m certain he already owns my heart, which I suspect will be shattered into a million pieces if I don’t try to take it back.
Giving him my body as well would only lead to my entire ruination.
Because then he’ll have me. He’ll have everything—heart, mind, body, and soul.
And a man like Tommaso with me?
As much as my foolish, na?ve heart wants to believe it, I know that’s not how this ends for a nobody like me.
But it doesn’t stop the hope from blooming, anyway.