“I want this,” I replied. “I want you.”
Chapter Five
Matteo
Fuck.
What was I doing?
I didn’t mean for any of this to happen... but one thing led to another, and another, and before I knew it, I was standing in Caitlin’s small bedroom, stripping the Tinkerbell t-shirt from her slender body. She chuckled when it caught on her messy bun, sliding her hands over mine to help me pull it off.
“Come here.” I tried to keep my eyes on hers, as I gently unraveled the ponytail holder and her dark red waves cascaded down her back and over her shoulders.
Fuck me.
She was stunning.
Heat flooded her cheeks as she watched me watch her. I couldn’t resist letting my eyes trace over her collarbone, following the hollow of her chest down between her two perfect tits. Jesus. My dick strained painfully against my jeans. She was every man’s wet dream come true, and I was the lucky sonofabitch who got to call her mine for the night.
And then what? A little voice whispered. I didn’t want to think what happened when the storm passed and the sun came up. Moments like this were rare and you had to grab them with both hands and make the most of them. Even if I never saw Caitlin again, if this was nothing but one amazing night, I would make sure it was one to remember.
She lowered her eyes and gazed up at me through dark, thick lashes. Her green eyes were mesmerizing, the color of the wet moss that grew on the banks of the Blackstone River.
“Christ, Tink,” I said. “Are you real?”
She gingerly took my hand, pressing it to her sternum. “Does this feel real to you?”
I swallowed hard, the flutter of her heartbeat thrumming beneath my fingers. Caitlin laughed softly. “Your turn,” she said, raising a brow.
I didn’t need asking twice.
Pulling my t-shirt off, I made quick work of unbuttoning my jeans and pushing them down my hips, stepping out of them. Her gaze dropped to my black boxer briefs, her lips forming an O.
“You got me worked up on the couch.” It was my turn to chuckle. She continued her perusal, reaching out to trace the tattoos covering my breastbone and wrapping around my shoulder. “They’re beautiful.”
“You’re beautiful.” Hooking an arm around her waist, I dragged her closer. Caitlin’s hand looped around my shoulders. She had to crane her neck to look at me since I was a good few inches taller than her. My hand stroked her hip, smoothing over the swell of her skin. She was all soft lines and toned muscle, the lingering shape of her dancer’s body evident.
“Do you still dance?” I asked.
I felt her tense. It was obviously a sore subject.
“Hey.” Brushing my nose over hers, I kissed her. “We don’t have to talk about it.”
“I think I’m done talking.” Caitlin stepped backward, pulling me with her. I watched through glazed eyes as she sat on the bed and elegantly moved up the mattress until she was laid out before me in nothing but a black, lacy pair of panties.
“Look at you,” I drawled, hardly able to believe this was happening.
She was perfect. Smooth long legs, dancer’s legs. I could imagine her gliding across a stage with sheer grace and beauty. Dropping one knee to the bed, I reached for her, wrapping my hand around her ankle, sweeping it up her leg.
Caitlin trembled, moaning softly at my touch. “Why does this feel so good?” She sounded blissed out already and I’d barely even gotten started.
“Eyes, Cait,” I said, and she locked her bright greens right on me. Watching with heated curiosity as I crawled between her legs, brushing my fingers along the soft flesh of her thighs.
“Can I?” My hand hovered at the elastic of her panties. She nodded, and I gently inched them off her hips, dropping back to pull them off.
The second I covered her body with mine, I knew this wasn’t just some random night with a stranger. I hooked her legs around my hip, grinding into her. I still had my boxer briefs on, but her heat felt incredible, her body desperately trying to pull me inside.
“God, Matteo, it feels...”
“Yeah, Tink, I know.” I dipped a hand between us, strumming her clit a couple of times before sinking a finger deep inside her.
“Oh God,” she moaned, clinging onto my shoulders. “That feels incredible.”
I chuckled against the hollow of her throat. “You haven’t felt anything yet.” I wanted her wet and ready, writhing beneath me. I wanted to feel her shatter and scream my name. And then I wanted to bury myself inside this beautiful red-haired angel.
She arched against me, riding my hand as I added another digit. My thumb went to work on her clit, rolling slow torturous circles that had Caitlin gasping for breath.
“More,” she cried as I licked and suckled her neck. “Yes, just like that.”
I rose above her, watching as she began to fall. Her hands were curled in the sheet, her body shaking, and her skin damp with sweat.
“Give me your eyes, Cait.” I worked her faster, hooking my fingers deep inside her and rubbing the spot I hoped would send her flying off the edge.
“Matteo!” My name echoed around the room as she tried to catch her breath. I leaned down, kissing her.
“Don’t move,” I instructed. Climbing off her, I discarded my boxers and grabbed a condom from my wallet.
“Are you always so prepared?” Caitlin watched me, her head resting on one fist, her red hair tumbling over her like a fiery waterfall.
“Oh, I’m a real Boy Scout.” I smirked as I tore open the wrapper. Stroking myself a couple times, I rolled on the latex and sat on the side of the bed. “Do you trust me?”
She bit down on her bottom lip, nodding.
“Come here.” I curled a finger and Caitlin followed, sliding over my lap.
“You’re full of surprises, Mr. Bellatoni.”
But I was too focused on her body, the way her perfect tits brushed up against my chest. Curving a hand over her hip, I helped Caitlin line up. “Ready?”
She didn’t wait, sinking down on me without warning. “Fuuuuck,” I groaned. She felt incredible. Intense pleasure shot down my spine as she gripped my dick.
“It feels so deep.”
“You good?” I gathered her hair off her shoulder and wrapped it around my hand, clutching the base of her neck. She gave me a reassuring nod and I ground out, “Ride me, Tink.”
She started moving, sliding up and down my length like she was born to do it. It was so fucking erotic watching her, eyes glazed, and lips parted. Those small little moans that kept falling from her pink kissable lips.
“Wrap your legs around me.” I needed her closer, tighter.
I needed more.
Caitlin made easy work of it. She was so fucking flexible, my mind started going to all the positions I could have her in. But I couldn’t move right now. I couldn’t think about anything but the intense sensations as she gripped and released me, over and over.
Letting go of her hair, I let my hands go to her hips, giving myself leverage to thrust up as she rolled down, until we were rocking in perfect harmony.
“Oh my god,” she cried, “I’m almost there.”
Yeah, me too. I tried to focus, to tell myself to slow down. I wanted to savor this, to imprint this moment to memory. But it felt too good.
She felt too fucking good.
“Go faster, baby,” I murmured against her lips, delving my tongue into her mouth.
Caitlin picked up the pace, and her body began to shudder, her walls rippling around my dick.
“Oh yeah,” I choked out. “Fuck, baby. I’m gonna... Fuck.”
Blinding white pleasure crashed over me, Caitlin’s spent body melting against me. I dropped onto the mattress, taking her with me, covering her face with kisses. “That was...”
“Tell me about it,” she chuckled. “I can’t believe we just did that.”
“Believe it,” I replied. “And get ready for round two in about fifteen minutes. I just nee
d to catch my breath first.”
“Again?” Her eyes went wide.
“Hell yeah,” I glanced over at the window. “The storm hasn’t passed yet.” And I hadn’t had my fill of her yet.
I wondered if I ever would.
“Until the storm passes?” Her eyes danced with mischief and the promise of dirty, dirty things.
Pulling her face down to mine, I grinned. “Until the storm passes."
Sunlight hit my eyes as I opened them. “Whoa.” I went to pull an arm over my face, but realized there was a very naked, very beautiful girl in my arms.
Sweet Jesus, last night had been real.
Somewhere this morning, during my pleasure ridden dreams, I’d felt sure Caitlin was nothing more than a figment of my imagination. Nothing on Earth could feel that good. But there she was, asleep in the curve of my arm, a faint smile tracing her lips. I hoped she was dreaming of me. Remembering how intense it had been between us, how fucking real.
I’d never felt anything like it. After the first time, our bodies didn’t need any assistance. They came together like two pieces of the same puzzle. Her stamina was impressive, and she’d let me love her long into the early hours of the morning, until my muscles ached, and her eyes were heavy with sleep.
“Hey, Tink,” I said gently. “I kind of need my arm back.”
“Huh?” She murmured. “Oh, hey.”
“Good morning.” I dropped a kiss on her head. “I need to...” My eyes flicked to the door.
“You need to go?” She bolted up. “Oh God, I’m sorry.”
“Relax.” I frowned. “I just need to use your bathroom.”
“Oh.” She blushed. It reminded me of all the ways I’d made her blush last night. I already wanted to it again.
But we’d agreed one night.
One perfect storm.
“I’ll be back,” I said, my voice thick with regret. I already knew I didn’t want this to be over.
I wanted more.
More kisses.
More silly card games.
Just more of her.
Grabbing my boxers, I slipped them on, pretending not to notice Caitlin watching me. Her eyes followed as I slipped out of the room and across the hall into her small bathroom. Everything about the apartment was small. But it was neat and tidy and had that feeling of being cared for.
It suited her.
After washing up, I found some toothpaste and gave my teeth a quick finger brush. The bedroom was quiet when I peeked my head around the door, and sure enough Caitlin was sleeping soundly.
With a smile, I tiptoed down the hall to the kitchenette and checked the refrigerator. She’d been right last night—there wasn’t much. But there was bread on the counter and a few eggs left in the carton.
Caitlin had given me an amazing night last night; the least I could do was make her breakfast in bed.
Chapter Six
Caitlin
The next time I opened my eyes, it was to the smell of coffee and the crackle of fried eggs. Smiling to myself, I sat up and yawned. My body ached, but in the most delicious way.
Matteo has been insatiable. He was such a skilled lover. It was a surprise given how gentlemanly he’d been up to getting me in the bedroom.
I smothered a grin. I still couldn’t believe I’d done that. Dared him to kiss me. Asked him for more.
What had I been thinking?
I didn’t regret it though. I couldn’t. It had been perfect.
He was perfect.
The perfect distraction.
I pulled on a clean nightshirt and some clean panties and padded into the hallway. Matteo was busy at the stove, humming a tune while he poked and prodded the eggs.
“What did those eggs ever do to you?” I said around a smile.
He looked good in my kitchenette, standing there shirtless, cooking for me.
A little too good.
“Well, I was going to surprise you with breakfast in bed.” He glanced over his shoulder, his muscles rippling. Matteo’s body was a sculpted work of art.
“You didn’t have to do that.”
His eyes flashed to mine, dark and searching. “I know I didn’t have to. I wanted to. Sit and I’ll get your coffee.”
“Wow, a girl could get used to this.” The words rolled off my lips before I could stop them.
Thankfully, Matteo ignored my little slip, saving us both the awkward conversation about what happened after he left to return to Verona County, and I went on with my life here in Providence.
He served me coffee before pushing a plate toward me. “Something tells me you’ll be hungry this morning.” His eyes twinkled.
“Oh, I see how it is. The storm passes and the real Matteo Bellatoni comes out.” We shared a secretive smile. A smile full of stolen touches and sighs of pleasure. “I hope no one back home missed you last night.”
“They know I’m safe. I do need to get back soon though.” Regret washed over him.
“That’s okay. I’m so grateful for... everything.” The words almost got stuck, and Matteo smothered a rumble of laughter.
“It was some night, huh?”
“It was.” God, he gave me that smile again, and I felt myself melt.
I worried it was branded on me.
That he was branded on me.
But our time together was finite, and all good things had to come to an end.
“This is really good,” I said as I tucked into my breakfast.
“You sound surprised.”
“Not surprised. More like... impressed.”
“I can cook. It’s in my blood.”
“It must be nice, having a big family.”
“It’s the best.” He smiled, cleaning off his plate. “But having so many cousins and aunts and uncles means there isn’t much privacy. Everyone’s always all up in your business, wanting to know everything.”
“At least they care.” Pain coiled around my heart.
“Shit, I’m sorry. I didn’t—”
“No, not at all. You should never feel ashamed for having a family that loves you. You’re incredibly lucky.”
Something passed over his face, but before I could ask what was on his mind, his cell phone vibrated. Matteo quickly read the message, letting out a frustrated breath. “I hate to cut this short, but I need make tracks. Family emergency.”
“Oh no. I hope everything’s okay?”
“It will be, but I need to get home.” He stood and sadness snaked through me.
I didn’t want to say goodbye. I didn’t want to let him go. Because I knew once he walked out the door, all I would have were hazy memories and lingering touches. And eventually, time would take them.
“Thank you,” I said as we reached the door. “Last night was unexpected in the best kind of way.”
“Shit, Cait.” His hand brushed my cheek. “I’m not ready to say goodbye.”
“We both agreed until the storm passes.”
“Yeah, but it can be more. Maybe it can—”
“Matteo.” I pressed my hands against his chest, leaning up to kiss the corner of his mouth. “Moments like this, what we shared last night, are rare. Like shooting stars. They burn bright, but don’t last. Yet, if you are ever lucky enough to see one, you can bet you’ll never forget it.”
He buried his hand in my hair, pulling my face to his. Our lips met in an earth-shattering kiss. It wasn’t just goodbye; it was Matteo’s attempt on branding himself on my soul.
What he didn’t realize was, he already had.
“Let me have your number?” he said, touching his head to mine.
“Matteo...”
“Please.” The desperation in his voice squeezed at my heart.
“Do you believe in fate?” I asked him.
“I like to think there’s a higher purpose, sure.”
“Well I believe that sometimes people come into your life when you need them most. I needed you last night, Matteo. You prevented something terrible from happening to me and y
ou gave me something so beautiful in return. And I’ll never forget it.”
I’ll never forget you.
“So that’s it? You’re going to break my heart?” He gave me a playful smile, but there was something hauntingly sincere about his words.
“Who knows?” I said over the lump in my throat. “Maybe our paths will meet again one day.”
“Until the next storm?” A spark of hope glittered in his eyes.
“Until the next storm.”
I watched him leave my building and climb into his truck. He glanced up, but I knew he couldn’t see me.
And it was for the best.
A guy like Matteo would soon move on. He had options. He had the whole world at his feet. Eventually, he would meet a beautiful girl who could be everything he needed, and he would forget about his night with me.
But I would never forget.
I would remember the guy who made me feel worthy.
The guy who showed me how good it could be.
I would forever remember how brightly we’d burned.
Thank you for reading Angel of Tears.
If you want to find out more about Matteo and his friends, check out Prince of Hearts, available now
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