Page 15 of Irreplaceable

He pushed off the wall and stepped closer, pressing his palm to the mattress. His face inches from mine. “I can assure you, I am all man.”

I rolled my eyes, though I couldn’t ignore the way my skin prickled from his words. His proximity. He was right. He was so undeniably masculine and virile that sexuality oozed from his pores.

I could practically hear Lauren’s voice in my head, egging me on. Urging me to seize what the sex gods were offering and just sleep with Enzo. But then I yawned, effectively ruining the moment.

“You are tired. I will let you rest.” He turned for the door.

As exhausted as I was, I wanted to soak in the large tub, or at the very least, take a shower. Wash the dirt from my skin. There was no way I’d climb into the pristine sheets in my current state. I stood and winced the moment I placed any weight on my foot.

“What are you doing?” The command in his voice was evident, the power. So much so, I shivered.

“Going to take a bath. Brush my teeth.” I didn’t want him to watch me hobble toward the bathroom.

“No. No. No.” He crossed the room in a few strides.

“Enzo.” I placed my hands on my hips, trying to project strength despite my current state. I hoped my ankle would heal quickly because I hated being stuck in one place. I hated having to rely on someone. “I’m fine. You can’t do everything for me.”

“Col cavolo!”

To hell with that!

I wanted to laugh, but he was so serious. His brows furrowed, forming a crease between them. His expression stern and unrelenting.

“Though, perhaps you are right. I will confirm that the staff will have crutches and ice for you in the morning.”

“Thank you,” I said, surprised by how quickly he’d relented. “Are you going somewhere?”

“I have…business.”

“But how will I shower all by myself?” I teased, wanting to ask him more about this mysterious “business” he had.

His slow, mischievous grin made my core tighten in anticipation. Then he spoke, his voice deeper. “I would be happy to assist you.”

“I’ll be fine on my own.” My tone was breezy, nothing like the fire I felt from his gaze.

“That may be true. But it would be much more fun together.”

“Maybe.”

“Definitely.” He stepped closer.

My own body was thrumming with need. He tucked my hair behind my ear, tracing my jawline before trailing his thumb over my lower lip. I opened ever so slightly—an invitation. And he pushed his digit inside, entranced by my mouth.

“Uccellina, I’m used to getting what I want,” he rasped. “And right now, I want you.”

We stared at each other as if transfixed, and then he trailed his thumb down my chin. Lower still, until he was tugging gently against the center of my tank top, tracing down my sternum.

I sucked in a jagged breath, my nipples hardening to tight points beneath my shirt. And then I glanced away, straightening. “I can’t.”

“You have a…boyfriend?” he asked in a harsh tone. “Husband?”

“No.” I shook my head, crossing my arms over my chest. “I have standards. Rules.”

“What kinds of rules?”

“I don’t sleep with someone I just met,” I said. Then added under my breath, “No matter how badly I might want to.”

He put some space between us, heading for the door. “I shouldn’t have pushed you. I won’t let it happen again.”