After, we sat on the love seat, and I sipped the wine Stefano poured us, reveling in the moment.
“Will the bar reopen tomorrow?”
I shook my head. “Ziggy thinks Thursday.”
“So you have time off.”
“What it means is that I have no income this week,” I muttered, mentally going through my bank accounts and expenses. My emergency account was going to be drained quickly.
“Charly is exhausted,” he announced.
I glanced over at him, realizing I had zoned out for a few moments. “Sorry?”
“She was dragging her ass everywhere today. She fell asleep at her desk twice. Maxx carried her home and tucked her into bed, refusing to let her come back.” He held up his phone. “I just texted him and told him you were free. He wants you at the garage. So there’s your wages looked after.”
“Oh. That’s awesome!”
He shifted closer to me, running a finger down my cheek. “What else can I do?”
I stared at him in wonder. “Um, nothing? I think you’ve done enough for me.”
He smiled, his dark eyes dancing. “Come on, Tesoro, give me a challenge. There must be something you need.” He slid closer. “Something you’re desperate for,” he whispered into my ear. “Theo is asleep. It’s early. I’m here. Surely there is something I can do to you.” He grinned. “I mean, for you.”
I tried to look stern and failed. Stefano grinned, hauling me onto his lap. His lips covered mine, and he kissed me deeply, his passion evident. I whimpered into his mouth as he caressed the skin of my back, sliding his hand down to my ass and cupping the cheeks.
“Anything come to mind?” he murmured, tugging on my earlobe. “Anything at all?”
He twisted me, shifting until I straddled him. His erection was prominent, and he yanked me down on it, grinding against me. I gasped at the feel of him, hard and unyielding. Solid and filled with promise. He slid his hands under the loose sweatshirt I had changed into, stroking my tight nipples as he kissed up and down my neck. “Maybe now?” he breathed against my neck as I rocked into him.
“Please,” I begged.
“There is something you want?”
“Yes,” I gasped as his fingers slid against me. “You, inside me.”
“Here?” He pressed, his fingers finding my clit.
“Oh God, yes.”
“Right now?”
“Yes,” I panted. “Now.”
“You’ll have to be quiet.”
I fisted his shirt. “You’ll have to be fast.”
He grinned. “We’re both going to get what we want, then.”
In seconds, he was inside me, hot and thick. He gripped my hips, pulling me up and down, groaning low in his throat, kissing me hard to cover my moans. It was fast and hard. Dangerous, knowing Theo could wake up any second. Sexy, because I knew it was wrong. Perfect, because it was Stefano, and he would make sure it was all okay.
I shuddered as my orgasm rushed through me, my body shaking with the effect of it. Stefano dropped his head to my shoulder, encasing me in his arms as he shuddered and came. His breath was heavy on my skin, his arms a cage I didn’t want to escape. Seconds passed as we clung to each other, then he straightened, meeting my eyes.
“Ti amo,” he whispered. “Ti amo.”
I guessed at what most of his Italian words meant. Some were dirty, others were praise, and always, they were affectionate. But I knew what those words meant. I felt my eyes widen in alarm, but he smiled and touched my mouth.
“You’re not ready, I know. But I wanted you to know how I was feeling. I’m here for you. With you. I’m not going anywhere, Tesoro. Whatever you need, whatever I can do, I’m here.” He smiled, his eyes soft, his voice dripping with love. “You’re not alone anymore. You never will be again.”
He gathered me against him, pressing my head to his chest. Under my ear was the loud beat of his heart. Like the rest of him, it was strong, comforting. Steady. I closed my eyes and let it center me. His words were an echo in my head.
He loved me.
Stefano loved me. He asked for nothing in return but gave me his love freely.
I wanted to say it back. To tell him all the feelings I had about him. How safe he made me feel. How special. How much I adored the way he was with my son. How incredible he was.
But I was scared. Worried. He still didn’t know about my past. The danger it could be to him, even though it seemed a lifetime ago. I lifted my head and met his eyes. They were gentle, understanding.
“Stefano—”
He shook his head, cutting me off. “I don’t expect you to say it, Gabby. I just want you to know you’re not alone. I’m here.”
I felt tears spring to my eyes. He stood, holding me and trying to pull up his pants, cursing low in his throat. I began to chuckle, and he dropped a kiss to my head.