Chapter 12 Vittoria #2
Cesare's eyes roam over my body, taking in every inch of the sheer red lace. "Like it?" he growls. "I fucking love it."
In two quick strides, he's in front of me, pulling me flush against his body. His lips crash onto mine in a searing kiss that leaves me breathless. I melt into him, arms wrapping around his neck as I return the kiss with equal passion.
Cesare's hands roam my body, the thin fabric doing little to dull the sensation of his touch. I moan softly as his fingers brush my breast, nipple hardening instantly.
"God, Tori," Cesare groans, breaking the kiss to trail his lips down my neck. "Do you have any idea what you do to me?"
I gasp as he nips at my pulse point. "Show me," I whisper daringly.
With a growl, Cesare lifts me up, my legs instinctively wrapping around his waist as he carries me to the bed. He lays me down gently, eyes dark with desire as he looks down at me.
"You're sure?" he asks, always the gentleman even in moments like these. "You're fully healed?"
I nod, reaching up to cup his face. "I'm sure, Cesare. I want you. I need you."
That's all the encouragement he needs. Cesare quickly sheds his clothes before joining me on the bed. His hands and lips seem to be everywhere at once, leaving trails of fire on my skin.
I arch into his touch, my body responding eagerly. It's been so long since we've been together, I know it won't take much to set me off.
Cesare takes his time, slowly building tension between us. His fingers ghost over my skin, teasing and tantalizing. When he finally slips a finger inside me, I'm already embarrassingly wet.
"So responsive," he murmurs appreciatively, adding a second finger. "So perfect."
I whimper as he curls his fingers, hitting that spot that makes me see stars. "Cesare, please," I beg, not even sure what I'm asking for.
He seems to understand. With one smooth motion, he enters me, filling me completely. We both groan at the sensation.
"Fuck, Tori," Cesare grunts, forehead resting against mine as he gives me a moment to adjust. "Nothing's better than being inside you."
He thrusts into me harder than before, pulls back and repeats the movement. Every slam of his hips makes me cry out. I cling to his back, pulling him deeper, loving the low grunts he makes every time he hits that deep spot inside me.
"God, Cesare," I moan, nails digging into his back as he sets a steady rhythm. "Don't stop."
He captures my lips in a searing kiss, swallowing my moans as he picks up the pace. One hand finds its way between us, thumb circling my clit in time with his thrusts.
He twists his hips, thrusting harder and faster, thumb pressing against my clit. The dual stimulation is almost too much. I can feel my orgasm building rapidly, coiling tension in my lower belly.
"I'm close," I gasp against Cesare's lips.
"Let go, Tori," Cesare growls, hips snapping against mine with increased pace. "Come for me, baby."
His words, combined with a particularly well-aimed thrust, send me over the edge. I cry out his name as waves of pleasure crash over me, body trembling beneath him. I'm barely able to breathe.
God, this man is lethal.
Cesare follows soon after, groaning my name as he finds his own release. He collapses on top of me, careful not to crush me, as we both struggle to catch our breath.
After a moment, Cesare rolls to the side, pulling me with him so I'm draped across his chest. He presses a tender kiss to my forehead.
"Thank you for speaking with my daughters today," he tells me, voice softer than I've heard before. "I appreciate you doing that."
I close my eyes as my breathing returns to normal. "I don't want them to ever think I'm trying to replace their mother. I would never do that."
He brushes my hair from my eyes. "I know that. They know that. You are one of a kind, Tori. I never expected you."
"I never expected this. Any of this," I admit. "When we first got married, I thought..."
"I know," Cesare says, running his thumb along my cheek. "I didn't expect it either. But you've changed everything, Tori. You've made me want things I never thought I would again."
I take a deep breath and look into the beautiful brown eyes of my husband. The man I'm falling so hard for.
"I'm falling in love with you," I whisper.
His eyes widen as he watches me. "You are?" he questions, a hint of disbelief in his voice.
I nod. "I am."
He shakes his head. "I'm not worthy of love, Tori. I have done horrific things. I am a killer."
I cup Cesare's face gently, looking into his eyes. "You're not unworthy of love, Cesare. Yes, you've done terrible things, but you've also shown me kindness, protection, and care. You're a complex man, and I'm falling in love with all of you, the good and the bad."
Cesare's eyes search mine, looking for any hint of deception. Finding none, he pulls me closer, burying his face in my hair.
"Tori," he whispers, his voice thick with emotion. "I never thought... I didn't believe I could feel this way again."
I pull back slightly to look at him. "Feel what way?"
He takes a deep breath, and I can see vulnerability in his eyes—a side of Cesare I've rarely seen.
"I think I'm falling in love with you too," he admits softly. "And it terrifies me."
My heart soars at his words, even though I don't understand his fear. "Why does it terrify you?"
Cesare's hand traces patterns on my back as he speaks. "Love is a weakness in our world, Tori. It can be used against you. And the thought of anyone hurting you to get to me..." He trails off, arms tightening around me protectively.
I nod, understanding his concern. "But isn't it also a strength?" I counter. "Having someone you trust completely, someone who has your back no matter what?"
He considers this for a moment. "Perhaps," he concedes. "I've never felt this way before. With Beatrice, it was different. We cared for each other, but it wasn't love. This... this is new territory for me."
I lean in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "It's new for me too," I admit. "But I think it's worth exploring, don't you?"
A small smile tugs at Cesare's lips. "You make a compelling argument, Mrs. Mariano."
I grin, feeling happier than I have in years. "I'm glad you think so, Mr. Mariano."
Cesare rolls us over suddenly, pinning me beneath him. His eyes are dark with a mixture of desire and something I think is love.
"I may not be good at expressing my feelings, Tori," he says, voice low and intense. "But I promise you this: I will always protect you, always care for you, and I will do my best to be worthy of your love."
Tears prick at my eyes at the sincerity in his words. "That's all I ask."
As Cesare leans down to capture my lips in another passionate kiss, I feel a sense of rightness settle over me. This isn't the life I expected when I first married him, but I wouldn't change it for anything.
The next morning, I wake to find Cesare already gone, probably dealing with business. But there's a note on his pillow that makes me smile:
Good morning, beautiful. I had to leave early for meetings but couldn't resist watching you sleep for a while. You're even more gorgeous when you're dreaming. See you tonight. - C
I hold the note to my chest, feeling ridiculously happy about such a simple gesture. Six months ago, if someone had told me I'd be swooning over a note from Cesare Mariano, I'd have laughed in their face.
Now? I'm completely fucking gone for this man.
There's a soft knock at the door. "Come in," I call out, expecting Maria with breakfast.
Instead, Elisabetta peeks her head in, looking nervous. "Can I... can I talk to you?"
"Of course," I say, sitting up and patting the bed beside me. "What's on your mind?"
She comes in and sits carefully on the edge of the bed, hands twisting in her lap. "I wanted to thank you again. For what you said to Dad about delaying the marriages."
"You don't need to thank me, Elisabetta. I meant what I said, we're family now."
She nods, then takes a deep breath like she's gathering courage. "Can I ask you something? About the arranged marriage thing?"
"Anything."
"Were you... were you scared? When you married Dad?"
I consider how to answer honestly without frightening her more. "Terrified," I admit. "I didn't know your father at all, didn't know what to expect. I felt like I was walking into the unknown."
Elisabetta's eyes fill with tears. "That's exactly how I feel now."
I reach out, taking her hand. "But you know what? It turned out better than I ever imagined. Your father is a good man, Elisabetta. And the man you marry, if we can delay things like we talked about, you'll have time to get to know him first."
"You really think Dad will be able to convince them?"
"I think your father will move mountains for his children," I say firmly. "He loves all of you fiercely."
Elisabetta nods, some tension leaving her shoulders. "Thank you, Vittoria. For understanding. For caring."
As she gets up to leave, she pauses at the door. "I'm glad Dad married you," she says quietly. "I didn't think I'd ever say that, but... I am."
After she leaves, I sit back against the pillows, feeling like my heart might burst. This family that I was forced into is becoming something I never expected.
Something I'm actually grateful for.
My phone buzzes with a text from Cesare: How would you feel about dinner tonight? Just the two of us. I have something I want to discuss.
I smile as I type back: I'd love that. Should I be worried about this discussion?
Never with me, caramia. You're safe with me always.
As I put my phone down, I realize how true that is. For the first time in my life, I feel completely safe. Protected. Loved.
And I'm falling harder for my husband every single day.