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

Her next words were my undoing.

“Can you please hold me?” she asked softly, her voice barely a whisper.

I never expected her to utter those words. When I brought Ayla here, all I wanted was to give her this small peace. But I never expected anything in return.

I didn’t realize how badly I actually wanted to hold her in my arms. Not until she said those words.

With my heart in my throat, I took a step toward Ayla, until we were only an inch apart. We were so close; I could feel her warmth. She was still looking down, purposely avoiding my gaze. But I wanted those beautiful green eyes on me.

Bringing my hand up, I placed a finger under her chin and tilted her head up until her warm eyes met mine. “Are you sure?” I asked, wanting her confirmation. I was scared. Scared that she would take it back, leaving me hopeless again.

But then she nodded. And that was all the answer I needed. Without wasting any time, I wrapped my arms around Ayla’s tiny waist, gently pulling her into my body until I had her firmly enveloped in my arms.

She felt so small against me. So fragile. And I felt intensely protective. My arms slightly tightened around her as she rested her head on my chest, right over my racing heart. Ayla placed a hand over my chest and she curled into my body, making herself comfortable.

I closed my eyes, letting her warmth and sweet smell fill my senses. When was the last time I held someone in my arms?

Never.

When was the last time I felt like this? So peaceful. And lively.

It was as if Ayla had breathed life into me.

With her wrapped in my arms, I didn’t want to move. I didn’t want this moment to end.

I didn’t know how long we stayed like that, lost in each other. Lost in this perfect moment. But I knew it had to end.

Slowly pulling away, I looked down at Ayla. Her fingers were still wrapped around my suit, refusing to let go. She tilted her head back, staring up at me. I blinked down, completely mesmerized by her.

Every time I tried to get myself under control, she made me lose it. Ayla didn’t even have to do anything. One look and I was completely lost in her.

Without thinking, I brought a hand up and ran a finger down her soft cheek, my touch almost feather light. She sighed in contentment and a small smile played across her face, bringing my attention to her lips.

I could feel myself losing the small control I had left. Palming her cheeks gently, I bent my head toward hers until our lips were only inches apart. But I stopped.

Ayla moved closer to me, until our bodies were plastered together. My heart fluttered but still I didn’t touch my lips to hers. I looked into her eyes and waited.

I had promised Ayla that I wouldn’t touch her until she asked me. Until I had her permission. And this moment, I wanted it to be her choice.

I wanted her to choose. I wanted her acceptance.

Ayla’s gaze softened and she gave me a small nod. I didn’t give her a chance for second thoughts, instead as soon as I saw her nod, my head was already descending toward hers until my lips were pressed gently on hers.

I waited for Ayla to pull away, but when she sighed against my lips and melted in my arms, my heart stuttered at her reaction. I held her gently, as if she was a precious jewel. My lips explored hers at a slow pace. I kissed her as if we had all the time in the world.

My lips moved tenderly over hers, taking my sweet time. When I put the slightest pressure, deepening the kiss just a little bit, I felt her fingers tighten around the fabric of my suit.

I didn’t push for more.

It was just a kiss. A small, sweet kiss.

That was it. Nothing more. Yet it felt more.

When Ayla let another sigh, I pulled away. We were both breathing hard. I could feel how fast her heart was beating. It matched the same rhythm as mine.

Ayla’s cheeks were flushed, her lips a little swollen and red from my kiss. She blinked up at me, and the look in her eyes…it took my breath away.

Her eyes were warm and soft. But that wasn’t it. It was the look of pure adoration there that took my breath away.

In that moment, I realized that was the first time I had given her a kiss.

We kissed before. Twice to be exact. But those kisses…I took them. Without considering her feelings. All I cared about was me. What I wanted.

But this kiss…I gave it to her, wholeheartedly. The look in her eyes, I gave this to her.