Page 118 of Irreplaceable

I craved that connection with him. I needed to feel like myself again. I needed to feel unstoppable. And Enzo always knew how to make me feel powerful. Invincible.

“He was tired,” Enzo said, returning to the kitchen. He came up behind me, wrapping his arms around me and dropping his chin to my shoulder. “I missed you.”

I leaned my head back, setting the towel on the counter. “I missed you too.”

“I may have found us a house.”

“Did you buy it?” I teased.

The movement was barely perceptible, but he flinched. “Enzo?” I chided, turning to face him. “What did you do?”

“I did not buy it. I know better than to make such a big decision without you.”

I smiled and smoothed my hands over his shoulders. When he winced, I frowned. “What’s wrong? Are you hurt?”

“I have a surprise for you.”

I furrowed my brow as he took a step back. What the heck was he talking about?

“I know you don’t like surprises that are permanent—” He reached back and pulled his shirt over his head before dropping it on the counter. “But I hoped you’d make an exception.”

I was speechless at the sight of his naked skin, then he turned, and I saw it. I stilled, my fingers trembling over his body as I took in all the new ink. The skin was still red around the edges

The most beautiful wings cascaded over his shoulders and down the backs of his arms. They were so detailed and delicate, yet also somehow masculine. I coasted my fingertips over the design, feeling as if they’d always been there. Or were meant to be.

“When did you get these?”

“Last week, but I’ve wanted to get them since Aiden was born. Since he’s my angel, and you’re my uccellina, wings seemed appropriate.”

I smiled, pressing my lips to his shoulders. His back. I couldn’t believe he’d branded his skin with a reminder of us.

He shivered from my touch, and my body ached for him. I slid my hands around to his front, gliding them down the muscles of his abdomen. Lower still, until I was fumbling with his belt and pants. Releasing his cock. Pressing my front to his back as I teased him.

“Do you want to do some yoga?” I asked, using our code word for sex.

“Really? Are you sure you’re up for it?” he asked.

“Yes. I need you.” I continued touching him.

“Fuck yes. That feels amazing,” he rasped. “I want to touch you. I need to touch you.”

“What are you waiting for?” I asked, smiling when he spun so that I was in his arms. Trapped against the counter.

He cupped my face with his hands, his eyes intent on mine before he smashed his mouth against mine. It was a claiming and a homecoming, and I’d never felt so much passion from one kiss.

And then his lips were on my neck, his breath warm against the delicate skin. He palmed my breasts, and I arched my back, seeking more. “God, you’re sexy. You’re going to have to tell me what you feel up to. I don’t want to hurt you.”

I gripped the edge of the counter, tilting my head back as he slid a hand up my thigh. Goose bumps rose along my skin, my sex dripping with desire. He’d filled the hole in my heart with his words, and now I needed him to fill me. To complete me.

“I want you. I need you. All of you.” I grappled with his pants, eager to remove them.

“You have me.” He pulled my underwear aside, teasing my clit with his finger. And when he tugged my dress down, laving my nipple with his tongue, I nearly fell over. I would’ve, if he hadn’t been there to catch me. “Always.”

And I knew it was true. Regardless of what anyone else said about us or what challenges were thrown our way, nothing would ever come between Enzo and me again. Because we were a family.