Shadow Warrior (Shadow Riders 4)

She nodded, her gaze fixed on his face. He liked that she was giving him her full attention when he needed her to.

“That being said, it doesn’t mean we won’t go there, only that we’ll discuss it more and we’ll take things slow until you get to a place you’re no longer afraid.”

“What happens if I don’t do something that you want me to do?”

“Then I would be very disappointed.”

Her lashes lifted and she looked directly back into his eyes. His heart lurched at what he saw there. She didn’t like the idea of him being disappointed. He had to find a way to make certain she would always look at him that way.

“So, no whips.”

“I would never, in any way, hurt you. My woman is the one I love and respect more than any other and I would never want to see her hurt.” He meant that, but didn’t agree that there wouldn’t be whips.

Vittorio wasn’t a man who would ever enjoy seeing tears in his woman’s eyes—Grace’s eyes. He had already passed being interested in her or falling for her, he was there. He’d been in her company for nearly six weeks now and he knew he wanted to spend a lifetime with her. He was giving her an out while he could, and it wasn’t easy. Listening to himself talk about his needs made him feel selfish, and he was afraid the things important to him would drive her away, especially since he couldn’t explain why he needed precise obedience and complete control in his home to keep him sane.

“That’s a good thing.” She finished off her wine and put the glass down, once more picking up her fork to shove her salad around.

Clearly the tempeh wasn’t her favorite and he made a mental note to tell Merry not to serve it to her again.

“Having said I’m not into giving my woman pain, that doesn’t necessary mean there won’t be whips.” He poured a teasing note into his voice but watched her closely.

She sat up straighter. “Vittorio, I’m not into pain at all.”

“That’s a good thing. I just told you I’m not into inflicting it on my woman. I want to bring you pleasure, not hurt you. Sometimes, gattina, playing can be very sexy.”

She was silent for a moment and then she visibly relaxed. “I’ll have to trust you on that.”

He was very pleased with her answer. He took a sip of his wine, wondering what he’d done right for the universe to send him such a gift.

“What about you, Grace? I’d like you to tell me the things that you feel you need in a relationship.”

“I want to feel loved,” she said without hesitation. “I want to know that my man loves me and isn’t looking at other women when I’m not with him. You’re extremely wealthy and used to women throwing themselves at you. You’ve dated gorgeous women and had any number of them. I’m not so certain I can measure up. I’m not exactly experienced.”

He sat back in his chair and studied her face. She was nervous about having sex with him and yet she’d still dressed the way he’d asked and when he’d made a very sexual demand of her, one most women might hesitate to do, she had been courageous enough to do it. She had really given thought to his deliberate mention of whips in the bedroom, and then put trust in him. He wanted to frame her beautiful face between his palms and kiss her senseless as a reward.

“You’re so naturally sensual, bella, you never have to worry about inexperience. Haven’t you heard the things I’m telling you about me? I want things my way in the bedroom. That means inexperience on your part is a plus. It allows me to teach you what I like and want. I can promise you that at the end of the day, I can give you everything you could ever want.”

She rubbed at the sling holding her arm, something she did when she was growing tired of the weight on her sore shoulder.

“Do you want dessert? Merry made her famous raspberry-lemon tart just for you.” He was tempting her on purpose, even though she was growing tired. He wanted her to get stronger and heal faster. The doctor had said she would need additional calories in order to not lose any more weight with the rigorous demands of physical therapy.

She nodded. “And coffee?”

He shook his head. “That would keep you up all night. You need to sleep.”

She ducked her head. “I haven’t slept much since I asked you not to stay in my room.”

He waited, deliberately not answering her. He had known she wasn’t sleeping. Even the doctor had commented on it, worried that she was wearing herself out. There was a short silence and finally she lifted her head.