Scandal and the Runaway Bride (Heirs to an Empire 1)

“Mmm, me, too,” she answered, but subtly moved her hips, teasing, tempting. She wasn’t ready for it to be over, either, but there was something alluring about challenging his control.

“Minx,” he growled, and the next thing she knew he had pulled out and slid down her body, taking revenge. She could hardly breathe as he loved her with his mouth, and she cried out, saying his name as she climaxed.

She was still sensitive and pulsing when he slid into her again, and this time he didn’t hold back. Their skin grew slick in the heat, and she tasted salt under her tongue as she kissed his shoulder. A bead of sweat dropped from his forehead to her breast, and when he finally came, he growled out her full name—Gabriella—and held her gaze, making her heart tremble. It couldn’t be more clear that they hadn’t just made love but they’d made love to each other. It was more than sex and desire. To Gabi, it was as if all the missing pieces of her life clicked into place when she was in his arms.

And in a matter of hours he was walking away.

Will caught his breath, collapsing on the bed beside her. “Well, damn.”

She laughed. “I was thinking the same thing.”

“Give me a minute.” He got up and disappeared into her bathroom, then came back again, stark naked.

Gabi rested on an elbow, admired him as he walked back to the bed and said, “Now that’s a better view than the one from my balcony.”

“I’m glad you think so.”

“You’re making fun of me.”

“No, I’m just happy. Tonight I’m going to let myself be happy. Tomorrow is enough time to worry about...what I need to worry about.”

“Cleaning up messes?”

He chuckled, lying down beside her so they were face-to-face. “This time I get to clean up my own mess. This wasn’t supposed to happen.”

“I know. None of it was, Will. Maybe I should be sorry, but I’m not.”

“Me, either.”

“I wish...” She halted, wondering if it was right to put what she was feeling into words, but knowing if she didn’t she’d probably regret it. “I wish I had met you first. Your brother is angry with me right now, but I know he’s a good man underneath. We didn’t have this kind of connection, though.”

“I’m glad.” Will’s face darkened. “It’s selfish of me, I know. But I’m glad it wasn’t like this with him. And yet...” He sighed. “This still feels like a betrayal.”

“Because he’s your brother. And even if I didn’t break his heart, I hurt him just the same. And your loyalty is to family. I understand, you know. I do.”

“I’m glad, because I’m not sure I understand.”

She thought for a moment, then smiled softly. “I remember this American show I watched a few years ago, and they were talking about the ‘bro code.’ It was between best friends but I understood. There are just some things that you don’t do to a friend or brother. I’m pretty sure this would qualify. So I do understand. I’m just going to miss you.”

“I’m going to miss you, too.” He traced a fingertip over her arm. The room was still warm, the summer air caressing their skin, and Gabi had no desire to get under the covers. Right now her legs were twined with Will’s, her hand resting on his rib cage. There was nowhere else she would rather be.

He looked into her eyes. “Will you let me know how your father is?”

Why did he have to be so caring? Didn’t he have any flaws whatsoever? For a moment she hesitated, a cold thought settling in her stomach. What if he wasn’t this perfect? What if she was missing something?

“What is it?” he asked, frowning. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” she answered, pushing the thought away. “And of course I’ll let you know about Papa. It seems a little selfish that he’s in the hospital tonight and we’re here. Until this moment, I hadn’t given him a thought.”

“You’re allowed a little time to yourself, you know. You’ve been worrying about him constantly.”

“Would you mind if I checked my messages? He should be out of recovery by now.”

“Of course.”

She slid off the bed and grabbed a light robe from the back of her door before slipping into the kitchen and grabbing the phone off the counter. She pressed the button and it lit up in the dark. Sure enough, there was a text from her mother that she’d sent to both Gabi and Giulia.

Papa is awake and in his room. He is very groggy but doing well. Please get some sleep and we will see you tomorrow.