Page 95 of Taboo Flames
“Don’t try to tell me what I mean or don’t mean.” I glare at him. “You’re no longer the man you used to be, and that’s what matters.”
“Everything I have today is built on top of the bodies of innocent people whose lives I’ve brutally taken.”
“I love you,” I tell him again in a broken voice, feeling like I’m losing him.
He looks at me, and his gaze pierces mine, hard and intense. “Good. It’ll make spending the rest of your life with a monster easier on you.”
At his words, my heart immediately soars. “Y—you…oh God, G—Gio,” I finally stammer, words failing me.
“I love you, princess,” he says. “From the moment you stepped into my home and stared at me fearlessly, I knew. Deep inside, I knew there was no going back from you. I know I’ve done terrible things in the past, and I’m no saint, but there’s nobody on this planet who will come even a quarter as close to loving you the way I do.”
Tears fill my eyes, blurring my vision. “You love me?”
“I do. And if you’re willing to accept a broken man who’s too old for you, too jealous and possessive about you, and will do depraved things to your delectable body, then I’m yours.”
I let out a peal of joyous laughter, my tears flowing freely.
“Kiss me, Gio,” I say breathlessly.
His mouth is on mine a second later. It’s a different kiss from all the others we’ve shared in the past. This one is soft and slow, but its effect is just as disarming as ever.
His tongue swipes over the cut on my lip, and I wince. He immediately pulls back and stares down at my busted lip, his eyes turning hard and angry.
“Boss.” Fiore’s voice cuts into the moment, and we both turn to see him standing at the door. “I’m transporting the injured men to the clinic. Do you need a ride home?”
“It’s fine, Fiore,” Gio replies.
Fiore nods and leaves, which reminds me of someone else.
“Is Carlos alright? I hope he’s fine since it’s kinda my fault he got hurt.”
“He’s fine. Just don’t run off like that again. Promise?”
“I promise.”
“Good.” Then, he twines his fingers with mine, shooting me a mischievous smirk. “Let’s go home and flaunt our brand new relationship in Leo’s face.”
“You’re just itching to get beaten up, aren’t you?” I roll my eyes at him.
“I’d love to see him try.”
“You’re a fool if you think I’m going to be cheering you on. Sorry, baby, but family comes first.” I grin at him.
He pulls me to him and slants his mouth over mine for a hard kiss. When he pulls away a moment later, he gives me an intense look. “It’s a good thing you’re about to become a Lombardi then.”
“I don’t remember agreeing to marry you.”
He begins to pull me toward the stairs. “I don’t remember asking, princess.”
Christ Almighty, what the hell have I gotten myself into?
EPILOGUE
Aurora
Gio is still asleep when I wake up. The first traces of dawn are beginning to filter into the room, bathing it in soft, ethereal lights. I lean up on my elbow and stare at him, tracing the contours of his face and body with my eyes.
His lashes fan over his cheeks, and his expression is relaxed and peaceful. His chest rises up and down in his sleep. He’s the most beautiful thing on earth, and I can’t believe he’s all mine.