Protecting Her: A Romance Bundle

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I cried in Heather’s arms for hours, until I tired myself out. I must have fallen asleep, because it was getting dark when I opened my eyes. My mouth tasted like stale snot, and my sinuses were still clogged from crying so hard earlier.

“Heather?” I called. “You here?”

I yawned, then climbed off the couch and flicked on a light. There was a note from Heather, saying that she was out shopping for groceries and that she’d be back soon. I frowned – I wasn’t exactly looking forward to facing her after my little crying jag, but I still wished that I wasn’t alone.

The buzzer sounded, making me jump. I frowned and walked over to the buzzer.

“Hey, Heather, did you forget your key?”

There was a pause.

“Beth, it’s Alessio,” Alessio said. “I want to take you to dinner. Please get dressed and meet me downstairs in ten minutes.”

My heart leapt but my brain said no. “I don’t know…” I trailed off. “I don’t know if this is a good idea, Alessio.”

Alessio’s voice snickered into the intercom. “Co

me on, Beth,” he said. “You’ll like it – I promise.”

I sighed. My stomach did feel empty, even though I knew accepting a date with Alessio was like accepting a deal with the devil.

“Okay,” I said. “I’ll be down soon.”

An hour later, Alessio and I were seated in the dining room of the Russian Tea Room. Despite all my time in New York City that I’d spent hanging out with rich people, I’d never been before. Alessio seemed pleased when I told him, and he wasted no time ordering a lavish spread that included a delicious cold duck appetizer and a full caviar service. He hadn’t even let me look at the menu, but instead ordered almost everything.

“So you can choose,” Alessio said grandly. His dark eyes shone in his handsome olive face.

I spooned some caviar and cream onto a blini before folding the delicate pancake and eating the whole thing in one bite.

“This is incredible,” I said honestly. And it was incredible. I’d never tasted food like this before. Despite his insane fortune, Michael had never developed a taste for dining out. He liked cheap fast food, like Five Guys, but that was about as gourmet as he got. And whenever I’d asked to spend money on a fancy dinner, Michael had always made me feel like a gold-digging criminal.

Alessio smiled darkly. The look on his face sent a shiver down my spine – even when he looked happy, he was still intense and almost scary. When I felt his hand inching up my bare leg under the table, I had to bite my lip to keep from moaning.

“I’m enjoying myself, too,” Alessio said. His voice was hoarse with lust. His dark eyes focused on my breasts and I blushed, suddenly glad that I’d chosen such a revealing dress to wear.

I licked my lips. “So,” I said casually. “You’re volunteering with the homeless now.”

Alessio smiled ironically. “I have to prove that I’m a changed man,” he said. He raised one eyebrow and I blushed hotly. “And I believe it’s working.”

“Not a chance,” I lied. “It just seems like such an obvious attempt, Alessio. You’re going to have to work a lot harder if you want to impress me.”

“Oh, the lady isn’t so easily impressed,” Alessio said. He snickered, making me feel like a little kid. “Well, be assured, Beth, I’m capable of working very hard.” His hand gripped my thigh and I whimpered softly as his fingers inched towards the crotch of my panties. My pussy was soaked and desperate for Alessio’s touch and my clit was throbbing. I closed my eyes and moaned softly as Alessio stroked his thumb over my pussy, rubbing me gently through the material of my panties.

“Alessio,” I moaned softly. “We’re in public!”

“I know,” Alessio said. He smirked. “It isn’t my fault if you can’t help responding to my touch.” He slid a finger inside my panties and into my waiting pussy. It felt so good that my eyes rolled back in my head and I moaned softly, spreading my legs and thrusting my hips forward in my seat.

The waiter breezed past the table and I jumped in my chair. I cried out and wriggled away from Alessio’s fingers. He licked his lips and watched me, seemingly aware that his dark stare made me both lustful and shy.

Alessio brought his fingers to his mouth. He sniffed them, then closed his eyes and leisurely sucked the finger he’d slid inside of me. Watching him enjoy the scent of my pussy musk sent a hot thrill through my body and I shivered.

“Does the lady feel like dessert?” Alessio raised his eyebrow. He looked down at the dessert menu.

I shook my head. “Get the check,” I whispered. “I need to be alone with you.”

Alessio’s eyes flashed with dark passion. “Yes ma’am,” he said slowly. “I believe I can do that.”