“Do you want to dance one last time before we leave, or are you ready to leave?”
“If you don’t mind, I’m ready to leave.”
Carlo nodded and stood from the table, taking her hand to lead her from the restaurant. The valet attendant took his ticket and reappeared with his car quickly. Carlo held the passenger door open for her, waiting for her to slide inside. A few moments later he was driving toward her apartment.
She leaned her head back against the headrest, wondering how she had gotten so lucky in getting another chance with Carlo. Never would she forget when she received a phone call from the hospital telling her what had happened with Carlo. She’d already been worried because it had been late when she tried to call him at work and on his mobile with no response. It was unlike Carlo, and her next step was to start calling his brothers. The phone rang before she could pick up to dial any of their numbers. Her heart had nearly stopped when they informed her of what happened to Carlo. She’d hung up the phone and called Amalía, who had rushed over right away. Her next call had been to her parents to inform them of what happened. There hadn’t been time for anything else because Amalía had arrived to drive them to the hospital.
They’d made it in record time. She’d been able to speak with Carlo briefly before they rushed him into surgery. Amalía had helped her call the rest of their friends and family until they all crowded into the waiting area. She had been so afraid, not knowing whether Carlo was going to pull through or not.
Daníella opened her eyes and looked over at him. He’d pulled through, and now he was sitting next to her looking as handsome as ever. Carlo pulled up in front of her apartment before getting out, coming around to help her out. He walked her up to the building then rode with her up the elevator. They made it to her floor, and she led the way to her apartment, unlocking the door quickly before turning to look at him.
“Would you like to come in?”
He shook his head. “No, that probably wouldn’t be a good idea tonight, tesoro mio.”
She hadn’t invited him into her apartment since the night he brought her dinner, the night he cornered her in her kitchen and aroused her until she was senseless before walking away. She could tell by his expression that he didn’t want to come in because he wouldn’t be able to hold himself back this time. If he came in tonight, he wouldn’t be walking away at least until it was morning time. Both of them were well aware of that, and she was more than prepared for it. She wanted to know Carlo’s touch again. As strange as it might sound, she craved his touch. Reaching out, she grabbed his hand, and a jolt traveled up her arm.
“I think it is a good idea, Carlo. I want you to come in.”
Carlo stared at her for a moment with long, intense gaze before conceding. “Okay. I’ll come in, but you do realize you don’t have to do this, right?”
She gave him a confident smile. “I know, but I really want to.”
She let Carlo’s hand go and turned to open the door. He followed her inside, closing and locking the door behind him. The sound traveled through the apartment, sending a tiny hint of panic. Actually it wasn’t panic. It was more nerves. Nerves Carlo picked up on.
“I meant it when I said you don’t have to do this.”
“I know, Carlo, but I really want to. I’m just a little nervous.”
She hadn’t been this nervous since she had first been intimate with Carlo. He had been her first and her last. Looking up at him, she knew why that was.
“If it makes you feel better, I’m nervous as well.”
She smiled. “That’s good to know. It makes it a lot easier for me to ask you if you want to come upstairs and see my new bed.”
The smile appeared on his face could only be described as sinfully wicked. “I think it sounds like a good idea.”
She turned to head up the stairs. The sounds of his footsteps behind her confirmed he was following her. They reached her room, and she walked in, studying her new bed. It was an oversized sleigh frame with a mattress so soft, she looked forward to crawling into it—with Carlo.
“So what do you think?”
She turned to look at him, waiting for his answer. He looked at her then back at the bed.
“I like it, but I think it will look better with us in it.”
Daníella laughed, and he pulled her into his arms. Her body molded itself against his in a way that left no doubt that their bodies were made for each other.
Carlo cut off her laughter by covering her mouth with his. His kiss was firm and passionate as usual. Her purse slipped from her hands as she slid her arms up and over his shoulders. The sensation of being in his arms once again was almost overpowering. She did one of his favorite moves, sliding her hands upward and cupping the back of his head. If she didn’t want his lips to leave hers, he’d obey her command.
His kiss became demanding, hers aggressive. Her hands found the buttons to his suit jacket before slipping it off of his shoulders. Carlo lifted his head slowly, and she made it difficult for him, her grip strong, with him having to fight the entire way.
“This is your last chance to walk away,” he whispered against her lips.
She shook her head. “Trust me, I’m right where I want to be.”
Nothing else needed to be said. It couldn’t be said. She let him guide her to the bed, deep down shouting with joy that he was here with her.
His hands came up, finding the zipper on her the back of her dress. Daníella smiled as his eyes automatically went to her bare breasts. He had a way of looking at her that made all of her feelings of being inadequate go away. Carlo had always loved her figure. His hands went to the buttons on his own shirt, slowly revealing the impressive chest she had occasionally clutched at the midst of passion. A small patch of hair was scattered across his chest, making a neat little trail into the waist of his pants. His stomach was flat, contracting under the light touch of her hand. She glanced at the belt still holding his pants up before looking into his eyes once more.
“Can I do the rest?”
Heat bloomed into his eyes as he gave her a wicked grin. “Yes, you can, just promise not to get sidetracked.”
She let her gaze travel down his body then back up before licking her lips. His gaze heated up even more at the sexual overture.
“I’m not sure I can promise that,” she whispered.
He closed his eyes as she reached for his belt buckle, unfastening it before reaching for the button on his suit pants. She undid it with ease before being presented with the challenge of undoing the zipper. It was stretched way beyond the point it should be. By the time she had the zipper completely undone, they were both breathing heavily. He covered her hands with his as his eyes opened. The desire she read there was almost overwhelming.
“I need a minute, or this may be over a lot quicker than either of us wants it to be.”
She paused and watched him fight for control of his body briefly. It was the first time she’d felt his touch since before the accident. She wanted to take her time. Make this last.
Once he’d regained control, he slipped out of his shoes and socks before bringing her hands up to his waist. She knew what he wanted and had no problem completing the task. A small shove had his pants sliding over his hips down to his ankles. He wore blue briefs that struggled to contain his impressive erection. She went to reach for his briefs, but he stopped her.
“I think it is time for you to play catch-up.”
Daníella had no problem with that at all. One tug of his hands had her dress pooling around her ankles. She stepped out of the circle only dressed in her heels, garter belt, and stockings.
“You are so beautiful,” he breathed.
“Thank you,” she whispered as she slipped her feet out of her heels. The garter belt and stockings went next, leaving her clad in her underwear like him. Daníella looked him in the eyes, her desire matching his as it always had.
“Are we even now?”
Carlo nodded as he stepped toward her. “I t
hink so.”
Her eyes closed briefly as he stopped in front of her. When she reopened them, he was moving behind her. A gasp escaped her when he reached up and gently cupped her breasts. Her nipples hardened instantly, begging for his attention. She whimpered as he ran his thumbs over the sensitive tips. Daníella couldn’t stop herself from leaning back into him. It had been a long time since she felt his body against hers. Felt his touch. She wanted to savor it. Make this last as long as she could. Carlo wasn’t like any other man she had ever known. Standing here with him reminded her of that. It was the reason why she wanted him so badly right now. His lips brushed the side of her neck, causing her to shiver. He still remembered where she liked to be touched, at least by him.
No one else had elicited the sort of feelings rushing through her right now. No one else could. No one else would. Her eyes open widely at the thought. She was fighting a losing battle. Worse yet, she was fighting a battle she didn’t want to fight. Daníella knew she was a lucky woman. Now she planned on showing him how lucky he was. Reaching back, she slid her hand downward, brushing his erection. He inhaled sharply at her touch. When her hand encircled him, he moaned low in his throat, but it was loud enough for her to hear. A moment later he pulled away from her touch with her losing his in the process.
“We have to slow down, or I might take you on the floor.”
She looked him directly in the eyes. “I wouldn’t mind.”
His expression darkened even more with desire. “Maybe later, but right now I want you in bed.”
Carlo began to back her toward the bed before she could say anything else. When her knees hit the edge, he lowered her gently.
“Are you comfortable?”
Daníella scooted back until her head hit the pillows. He combined her efforts with his, removing her panties in the process.
“Let me have a pillow.”
She handed him one of the pillows she wasn’t using. He slid it under her hips, and her eyes widened knowing what he was preparing her for—not sure if she was ready for this devastation or not. Carlo sat back and watched what she knew was a plethora of emotions play over her face. This was one of the ways he had always given her ultimate pleasure—made her lose complete control.
Daníella shifted against his touch as he found the dewy curls nestled between her thighs. A moan escaped her as one of his fingers slipped between the curls. Her hips involuntarily pushed against his hand, and he slid deeper. She closed her eyes letting the sensation flow over her. Carlo continued to stroke her until her hips took over. When he added his mouth to the equation, she cried out and arched into his touch. She shattered so quickly, her scream of release surprised even her. He kept stroking her because they both knew she was capable of more. She didn’t disappoint. Daníella peaked again, his name ripped from her throat in response. He moved away from her quickly, causing her to smile as he struggled to get his briefs off. By the time her breathing returned to normal, he’d donned protection and was coming up over her.
They both moaned as he slid gently inside of her, but that was where the gentleness ended. It had been too long for both of them, and instinct took over. When her strong legs came up to encircle his waist, his body responded quickly. He pushed deeper inside of her, but it still wasn’t enough. She told him so. His hips pushed forward, and she moaned louder, but it still wasn’t enough. It had been too long. She wanted all of him.
A look of surprise appeared on her face when he lowered himself to her then rolled reversing their positions. Daníella cried out as she sat up, and he slid deeper within her. They stared at each other as she began to move, pushing both of them closer to the edge. It didn’t take long for this position to drive them mad with passion. It never had. So when she arched above him, crying out his name again in an explosive orgasm, he followed right behind her.
Daníella collapsed against his chest. She couldn’t help but wonder how she’d gotten this lucky. Her body had just performed in a way it hadn’t in a long time, and she was sated. There was no doubt in her mind Carlo felt any differently. His hold tightened on her slightly. He shifted before placing his mouth close to her ear.
“Are you okay?”
She lifted her head nodding in a drowsy fashion. “Next time I’ll make you scream my name.”
His body twitched in response to the promise in her voice.
“We’ll see,” he replied.
Daníella smiled as she moved to the side. Carlo gasped, giving her an amused look.
“Still warm-natured, I see.”
“Yes, I am.”
Rolling over to her side, she went up on one elbow, staring down at him. He still hadn’t moved, and she couldn’t blame him.
“The bathroom is over there if you need it.”
He looked in direction she pointed in before nodding.
“I do,” he confirmed.
Daníella watched him struggle to get his lax body to cooperate. She lay back as he made his way to the bathroom to clean up before coming back to bed. She lay there, inviting him back into the bed with her. He seemed more than happy to rejoin her. As soon as his back touched the bed, she was up and over him.
“Are you ready to scream?”
He gave her a confident smile as he slid his hands behind his head. “Do your worst.”
When she began sliding lower, his body automatically began to harden in anticipation. He arched a dark brow when Daníella reached over him and pulled a box out of the nightstand. When he saw it was protection, he smiled.
“What is that for?”
“Foreplay,” she whispered wickedly.
His body hardened even more.
She knew his memory was taking over. He was aware of exactly what she planned to do with the condom. His body relaxed slightly while she opened the packet and held it out before reaching for him with her free hand. Carlo groaned, closing his eyes as she began rolling the protection over his erection
She rolled and tugged the condom until it could go no further. His eyes remained closed while he tried to recover. It wasn’t in her plans to allow him to do that. When her warm breath travelled over his covered erection, he lost control. He was up and over her before either of them could blink. Daníella moaned as he entered her again. When he began to move, the bed creaked, and she knew she had pushed him to the point she wanted him at—insane with desire. Her legs came up again and gripped his hips. She felt him tremble against her with the motion. His hips tilted, and he came directly in contact with her, making her throw her head back and cry out in pleasure. She had to remember this time was for him. It was his turn to lose control. She was going to be sure he did so. Daníella tightened her legs around his waist, hindering his movements.
Carlo’s breath came out on a puff of laughter as she made him fight for every thrust. By the time she let him thrust as deeply as he wanted, he seemed almost insane with need. His hips like a piston as he thrust into her. A smile appeared on her face when he stilled for a second, making the small sound she’d always listened for. She angled her mouth closer to his ear.
“That’s it, Carlo,” she whispered. “Scream my name for me.”
He didn’t disappoint. Carlo shouted her name as he rode the release. It swept through him until she thought it would last forever. Daníella countered his release with small movements of her hips that had him gasping.
He finally collapsed against her, no longer able to support his own weight. His body trembled against hers as she ran her hands up and down his back in a soothing motion. Several moments later, Carlo was finally able to lift his head. There was a sated look within his heavy-lidded eyes.
“You were trying to kill me, weren’t you?”
She smiled. “No more than you were trying to kill me earlier.”
He pressed his face into the side of her neck and chuckled. “I guess you have a point there.”
After a few more shuddering breaths, he was finally able to move to the side. Eventually he was able to get out of the bed. She wat
ched him head for the bathroom on unsteady feet. A smile of satisfaction appeared on her face, knowing that she was responsible for it. When he returned from the bathroom, she was fighting sleep. She hoped he was going to stay the night. Everything had been perfect so far, and that would only make it better.
“Are you going to stay the night?”
Carlo sat down on the bed beside her and yawned. “I want to, but only if you are certain.”
She patted the empty space beside her. “I’m sure.”
He smiled before climbing into the bed with her. She let him maneuver them onto the bed until her back was to his front before relaxing and giving into the sleep that beckoned.
* * * *
As soon as Carlo’s eyes opened the next morning, he knew they’d slept late. Daníella must have sensed he was awake because she shifted against him. It almost seemed strange to be here with her now, to wake up this morning like he had so many times in the past. This was only one more thing to add to the list of things he’d missed sharing with Daníella. He looked down as she shifted in his arms. Her drowsy gaze peered up at him.
“Good morning, Carlo.”
“Good morning, tesoro mio.”
She blinked, rubbing her eyes. He smiled at the cute picture she made.
“I guess it is too late to make it to your parents’ for breakfast?”
He nodded. “Yes it is, but we could go downstairs and make ourselves something, or we can go to the hotel and have breakfast there.”
She stared at him for another moment before answering. “I think I would like to have breakfast here.”
“Sounds like a good plan to me.”
Daníella stretched slightly before slipping from the bed to grab her robe. When she turned back toward the bed, a gasp escaped her. Carlo stiffened, trying not to rush to cover up. He stood completely naked before Daníella, but he knew that wasn’t what made her gasp. This was the first time she seen him naked since the accident. He watched as she covered her mouth and made the way across the room to him slowly. The scars she was seeing for the first time were scars he’d memorized.
Morris, Stephanie - Unfinished Business [Indulgence 3] (BookStrand Publishing Romance) Page 8