47
The morning light filtered through the sheer curtains of my bedroom, casting a soft glow on the woman curled up beside me. Lenora. My good girl. My everything.
She was still asleep, her delicate body tangled in the sheets, her bare back exposed, a faint reminder of last night's passion. A smug satisfaction settled deep in my chest. Every mark, every lingering ache she felt this morning would be a reminder that she was mine.
A slow smirk tugged at my lips as I ran my fingers gently over her spine, feeling the warmth of her skin. I wanted nothing more than to wake her up with my mouth between her legs, to remind her that there was no escaping the hold I had on her, but I resisted.
Instead, I brushed a strand of hair from her face, letting my thumb trace the curve of her cheek. She looked so peaceful, so innocent—yet she had been anything but last night. My sweet little angel with a sinful, deliciously corruptible side.
A soft whimper left her lips as she stirred, her legs shifting slightly before she winced. I chuckled lowly, rubbing soothing circles on her hip. "Sore, baby?" I murmured, pressing a kiss to her temple.
She let out a sleepy hum, her voice hoarse and barely above a whisper. "Mhm... you're evil."
I smirked. "You loved every second of it."
Her cheeks tinged pink, even with her eyes closed. I leaned closer, nipping at her earlobe before whispering, "And I'm not even done with you yet."
A shiver ran down her spine, but she groaned softly, nuzzling deeper into the pillow. "Too tired. Can't move."
I laughed, rolling onto my side and pulling her against me. "That's because you took me so well, sweet girl. But I'm not cruel. I'll take care of you."
I slid out of bed, tucking the covers around her. She whimpered in protest, and I arched a brow. "Stay put, kitten. I'll be back."
After slipping into a pair of sweatpants, I strode to the en-suite bathroom, turning on the shower to warm the water. Then, I moved to the kitchen, fixing her a simple breakfast—fresh fruit, croissants, and tea. She needed energy after last night.
When I returned, she was still in bed, blinking up at me with those wide, sleepy eyes that never failed to make my chest tighten. "You made me breakfast?"
"Of course. You need to eat, baby." I set the tray beside her, then sat on the edge of the bed, brushing my knuckles down her cheek. "But first, let's get you cleaned up."
Her pout was adorable as I lifted her effortlessly into my arms. She gasped, clinging to me. "Luca! I can walk!"
I gave her a pointed look. "Can you?"
Her mouth opened, then closed, and she huffed. "Still... you don't have to carry me."
"I do. Because you're mine, and I take care of what's mine."
I carried her into the bathroom, stepping into the walk-in shower, the steam already thick in the air. Setting her down, I turned her so her back pressed against my chest, my hands resting on her hips.
She let out a soft sigh as the warm water cascaded down her body. "This feels so good."
I smirked, reaching for the soap. "I know, baby."
I took my time washing her, my hands roaming over every inch of her body, massaging her sore muscles, lingering in places that made her gasp.
"Luca..."
"Hmm?" I murmured, dragging my lips along her shoulder.
"You're teasing me."
I chuckled, pressing my hardness against her back. "And?"
She shivered, her head tilting to the side, giving me better access to her neck. I kissed a path up to her ear, my voice a low growl. "You should know by now, sweetheart, I never get enough of you."
She whimpered, and I grinned. "But we'll save that for later. For now, I'm taking care of you."
After finishing our shower, I wrapped her in a thick towel, drying her gently before carrying her back to bed.
She sat up as I placed the breakfast tray on her lap, her gaze soft. "You're really taking this 'taking care of me' thing seriously, huh?"
I sat beside her, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I take care of what's mine, Lenora. Always."
Her cheeks flushed as she picked up a croissant, taking a small bite. I watched her, my jaw tightening.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked, her voice shy.
I reached out, swiping my thumb across her lips, catching a stray crumb. "Because I fucking love watching you."
Her breath hitched. "You're impossible."
I smirked. "And you're perfect. Now eat. You need your strength."
She blushed but obeyed. I loved that she never realized how naturally she submitted to me. How effortlessly she was my good girl.
Once she finished, I set the tray aside, pulling her into my lap. She curled into me, her small hands resting against my chest.
"I love this," she murmured. "Being with you like this."
My arms tightened around her. "Get used to it, sweetheart. You're not going anywhere."
She smiled against my skin, pressing a soft kiss to my collarbone. "Good. Because I don't want to."
My heart clenched, something deeper settling inside me. I tilted her chin up, claiming her lips in a slow, lingering kiss. "Mine," I murmured against her mouth.
She sighed. "Yours."
And just like that, I knew I'd do anything to keep her in my arms forever.
That evening sun cast a golden glow over the city as I adjusted my cufflinks, my mind preoccupied with the sight of Lenora getting ready in the adjacent room.
She had been in there for far too long, and the anticipation was killing me.
We were supposed to attend a business dinner at one of my client's estate, and while I wasn't very much pleased about going their tonight with Lenora still exhausted she was stubborn about 'making a presence. '
She had me perfectly wrapped around her littler finger.
I leaned against the doorway of her bedroom, arms crossed as I watched her adjust the straps of her dress in front of the mirror. The moment she turned, my breath hitched.
She looked fucking divine.
The dress was elegant yet sinful, hugging every curve I claimed as mine. The deep neckline, the way the silk draped over her frame, the slit revealing just enough of her thigh—it was pure torture. My jaw ticked, and my fists clenched.
"You're trying to kill me, aren't you?" My voice came out dark, filled with restrained desire.
She grinned, stepping closer, deliberately slow. "I don't know what you mean, Mr. Maroni," she teased, batting her lashes.
I grabbed her waist, pulling her against me. "Careful, baby girl. You're already testing my patience." My fingers trailed down her spine, stopping just above the curve of her ass. "If I had it my way, we wouldn't even be leaving this room."
Lenora giggled, pressing a kiss to my jaw. "Then it's a good thing you don't always get your way."
I growled, gripping her chin, forcing her to look at me. "That's where you're wrong."
We both knew I let her get away with it now.
During the car ride she crossed her legs deliberately, knowing damn well what she was doing to me.
"Stop squirming, Lenora," I warned, gripping the steering wheel tighter. "Or I swear to God, I'll pull over and remind you who you belong to."
She turned to me, lips curling in amusement. "Possessive much?"
I glanced at her, eyes dark. "I don't share, especially not you."
She hummed, enjoying my frustration. "I love it when you get all growly and territorial."
I exhaled sharply, shaking my head. "Keep teasing me and see what happens."
Her laugh was light, innocent—a dangerous contrast to the effect she had on me.
By the time we reached the estate, my patience was hanging by a thread.
The gathering was exactly what I expected—boring conversation and pretentious smiles. I kept Lenora close, my hand resting on her lower back, warning any man in the room to keep their distance.
Everything was fine until he showed up.
Fredrick Sterling's son, Oliver—a spoiled, entitled bastard who had a reputation for charming women into his bed. The moment he laid eyes on Lenora, I saw the interest spark in his gaze.
My grip tightened on my glass.
Lenora, oblivious, was being her usual polite self. But he was standing too damn close, leaning in as he spoke to her, his gaze lingering a second too long on her lips.
Fucking prick.
I took a slow breath, trying to control the rising fury in my veins. I was seconds away from snapping when I noticed Lenora stiffening.
Her expression changed—subtle, but noticeable to me. The way she shifted, discomfort evident in her eyes as her hands started shivering, Oliver's presence became overbearing. He was too close, his voice dropping in a way that sent a wave of protectiveness crashing over me.
He was making her uncomfortable.
And that was the last fucking straw.
Before she could react, I was already there. I grabbed Oliver's shoulder and slammed him back against the wall. Gasps erupted around the room.
I was fucking livid.
"You got a problem, Maroni?" Leo sneered, but I could see the flicker of fear in his eyes.
"You like making women uncomfortable?" My voice was low, dangerous. "That's funny because I like making men like you bleed."
"Luca," Lenora's small voice pulled me back. She was pale, her hands trembling as she clutched her arms.
Shit.
Her breathing was shallow, panic flickering in her eyes. The memories of her past trauma were resurfacing, and I hadn't realized my reaction had triggered her fear.
My rage shifted instantly.
I let go of Oliver and turned to Lenora, ignoring everyone else. Gently, I cupped her face. "Hey, baby girl, look at me." My voice softened, my thumbs stroking her cheeks. "You're safe. I've got you."
She gasped, sucking in a shaky breath. Her body trembled, and I pulled her against my chest. "Breathe with me," I whispered, guiding her through the moment, keeping my own fury at bay for her sake.
Her fingers gripped my suit, grounding herself in me.
I shot a glare at Leo. "If you ever come near her again, I'll fucking end you."
He paled, but I wasn't done.
"Mr.Maroni.." Fredrick's voice rand as I stopped, my rage seeming to only increase.
He walked towards us, his expression tensed and hurry,
"I apologize on behalf of Oliver he's just-"
"Thinking with his dick." I cut him off with a hard glare, my arms around Lenora as she stayed quiet.
"Mr Maroni we shou-"
I cut him off again with a glare, I wasn't bout to ignore what happened now and continue having conversations about the latest stock levels.
"Try to keep your son in line before considering business Mr. Sterling."
With that I turned towards the exit ignoring the helpless apologies of Fredrick.
As I placed her in the car, I cupped her face, forcing her to look at me. "You're safe with me, Lenora. Always."
Her eyes glistened, but she only nodded, leaning into my touch.
I wasn't done with Oliver. Not by a long shot. But right now, Lenora needed me more.
And I would burn the world down before I let anything happen to her again.
Pulling Lenora close, I led her out of the estate, not caring for the whispers behind us. The only thing that mattered was her.
She was silent, still shaken. I reached over, lacing my fingers with hers. "You're safe, always."
I'd burn the whole damn world down before I let anyone hurt her again.