Santino pulled out slowly and sat back on his haunches. The condom he was wearing had blood on it, which made me feel self-conscious. For some reason, I still felt as if I had to prove myself to Santino.
He removed the condom and got up. Without a word, he left the room then I heard the sound of the bin opening and clapping shut again.
I wasn’t sure what to do now. Should I get up and go to my room? We’d had sex, but did that mean I’d stay the night? Or would that make things too personal?
On the other hand, we’d had sex. Could it get any more personal than that? On a physical level, no, but emotionally, most definitely. And that was something both Santino and I didn’t want… or couldn’t risk. My emotions were definitely all over the place right now, but I was fairly sure Santino could handle sex without emotional detachment very well, proven by his past adventures with married women.
When Santino returned with a bottle of water, I was still perching on the edge of the bed, torn between leaving and staying.
Santino frowned. “Are you already leaving?”
I couldn’t read the emotions on his face, which only added to my uncertainty. I hated this sensation. I shrugged.
Santino sank down beside me. We didn’t touch. He held out the bottle. “You should fuel up on liquid.”
“Why? Have you planned any athletic activities I’m not aware of?” I joked and grabbed the bottle from him before I took a deep gulp.
Santino smirked. “I had more activities planned for the night, yes.” His expression didn’t leave any room for guesses. Santino was still horny and ready for another round.
I cursed my sore body. I lowered the bottle slowly, considering pretending my pussy didn’t feel as if it had gotten a thrashing. Eventually, I shook my head. I needed to accept my body’s boundaries, even if it meant I’d have to return to my room and not enjoy this moment of closeness with Santino anymore. It was for the better anyway.
“I don’t think my body can go again. I need a break.”
I could feel my cheeks heat at my admittance. Annoyance at my body’s betrayal rushed through me. I gave a small shrug as if it didn’t matter. I pushed to my feet.
“What are you doing?” Santino asked, his brows snapping together.
“I thought…” My face heated even more. I wanted to roar in frustration. I motioned at the door. “I can return in the morning when my body’s recovered.”
Santino’s expression said I was completely out of my mind. “You sure as fuck won’t go to your room now. You’ll spend the night in my bed.”
“Really?” I asked, surprised, glad I could mask my relief. “Do you always have sleepovers with your affairs even if they can’t go another round?”
Santino glowered and scooted back until he was propped up on his pillow. “This is different. Now get the fuck back into bed.”
Different how? I wanted to ask but I kept my mouth shut. I crept back into bed and curled up on my side, watching Santino warily. He pulled me against him and I immediately snuggled into him. I didn’t understand what was happening or how long it would last but I relished in the feel of Santino against me. Santino traced his palm down my spine, taking me off guard.
He could be an asshole, but right now he wasn’t. Not that I didn’t like his asshole self but this… this considerate version was kind of nice too.
“Is this because you took my V-card?”
“That term is complete bullshit. It makes it sound as if I’d been granted access to a VIP club.”
“It is a very exclusive club, Santino,” I said. “So far you are the only guest.”
“And that’s how it’s going to stay,” Santino snarled, completely stunning me.
“Oh?” I tilted my head.
Santino’s lips tightened and a muscle in his throat tautened. “I won’t share you. If you want to be with others, then that’s your decision, but I’ll have to leave then. I can’t stand by and watch.”
I swallowed hard. “Santino,” I said quietly. Had he forgotten about Clifford? Or did he think I’d cancel my engagement only because I’d slept with him? I couldn’t, even if part of me might consider it.
“I’m not talking about your engagement. I know you’ll marry in a few years. But right now you aren’t bound to him. And while you aren’t, I want you to be mine.”
I blinked. “You want us to be exclusive?” I hated how my heart thundered wildly at his suggestions, how butterflies danced in my belly.
“Exclusive,” Santino repeated with a laugh. “Maybe I’m old-fashioned but it used to be called faithful.”
“I thought faithful was for when people were in a real relationship with deep emotional feelings, not for what we have.”