The Mafia And His Angel: Part 1 (Tainted Hearts 1)

My fingers tightened around the fabric of his jacket as I held on, never wanting to let go. His warmth surrounded me, until the only thing I could smell, feel, and think was him.

We stayed like that for what felt like eternity. And when he started to pull away, I didn’t want to let go. So I didn’t. My fingers stayed wrapped around the fabric as I tilted my head up to stare at Alessio.

He blinked down at me and I saw him bring his hands up. His fingers feathered over my cheeks and I sighed in contentment.

Alessio’s gaze was soft and warm on mine, as he palmed my cheeks gently. He slightly bent down, his lips inches away from mine.

My heart did a flip at the thought of his lips on mine. My fingers tightened on his jacket and I instinctively moved even closer until our bodies were pressed together.

I didn’t feel repulsed. Instead, all I felt was…peace.

Alessio stared into my eyes and then moved his gaze to my lips. I saw him swallow hard and he looked back into my eyes again. I knew what he wanted.

So, I gave him a small nod.

His eyes flared in surprise but then his lips pressed ever so gently on mine.

I gasped against the fullness of his mouth and relaxed into his hold. He held me so gently, as if I was made of glass and he was scared of breaking me. His lips were soft on mine.

Alessio was exceedingly tender as he explored my mouth. His lips moved over mine, almost feather-light, and then he created the slightest pressure.

It was intoxicating. I felt a rush I’d never felt before, and I never wanted it to end. As he continued to kiss me, his tongue brushing lightly over my tender lips, I felt his fingers caress my cheeks and then he deepened the kiss just a little bit.

When I let out another sigh, he slightly pulled away, his lips only an inch away from mine. He was breathing hard, his chest heaving under my palm. I felt the exact same way.

Looking up at him, I found him staring at me with wide eyes, filled with emotions I couldn’t place.

When I brought a hand up and touched my tender lips, his eyes softened even further.

What he didn’t realize was this kiss…

This kiss was my first real kiss.

Chapter 38

Alessio

Ayla’s gaze was fixated at the beauty in front of her, while all I could see was her. The small yet sweet smile that stretched across her lips had lightened up her whole face. Her vivid green eyes were glistening with excitement and pure happiness. Her cheeks were slightly flushed and I couldn’t take my eyes off her.

All I could think was how beautiful she looked in that moment.

She tilted her head up at the sky and closed her eyes. I took a step closer and then stopped. Swallowing hard against the ball of emotions in my throat, I turned my gaze away from her and stared straight ahead.

We were both silent for some time. For some reason, I felt nervous. This place was sacred. After my mother’s death, I would come here almost every day, desperately trying to clear my mind.

It felt like I had given her everything that I had. Everything that I held close to my heart, it was hers now. And I didn’t know how to feel about that.

I was confused. The way my heart stuttered when I looked at her. And the way I always found myself lost in her. I didn’t understand those emotions. I wish I knew how to deal with them. They only got me frustrated.

Taking a deep breath, I looked down and then cleared my throat.

“We should go back. It’s almost lunch time,” I said softly. I felt Ayla shift beside me and I looked up just in time to see her turning toward me.

She seemed disappointed, losing her smile. “We can come back tomorrow,” I said.

And there it was. That beautiful smile again. She nodded and then looked back at the stream.

“C’mon,” I urged, taking a step away from her and turning back around toward the path that led to the creek.

But I came to a sudden stop when I felt a tug on the back of my suit. Frowning, I glanced back to see Ayla looking at me with panic in her eyes.

Turning around so that I could face her, Ayla slowly let go of my jacket. She brought her hand up and placed it over her chest. I could see her breathing harder than before, her face filled with uncertainty and nervousness.

“Ayla?” I questioned, worried.

She took a deep breath and then stepped closer. My eyes widened at her bold movement and I sucked in a shocked breath.

Ayla looked down and I waited, my heart beating wildly in my chest.