Page 9 of Captured Innocence

Sophia

“Mine.”

I could still hear his harsh yet sensual whisper, the promise made that had created a flurry of butterflies. He and his family had left the restaurant soon after he’d returned to the table after my father had grilled him, our soldiers removing the perpetrators before the police had arrived. The horror of what I’d been through was terrible, but my mind had remained on Mattia and his promise. I’d been left in a silly blur of thoughts and desires. It was crazy but I’d turned the moment into the most intense fantasy possible.

How many times had my father harangued me about how Mattia had come to my rescue and if I’d promised him anything? My secret had kept me sane over the last year.

I took a deep breath, tingling from the way he was looking at me, the hunger he couldn’t hide. He’d shooed away two handsome men, the anger evident in his eyes. Mr. Possessive.

It was almost as if he was stalking me, even though this was his bar.

Oppressive.

The power in the room was stifling, so much so my throat threatened to close. I was used to being around dominating men who enjoyed lording it over women. They always wanted their women terrified of what they could do. That was the way my father had controlled his brooding roost and the men who served under him.

I had no intention of giving anyone in the club the satisfaction, especially Mattia.

Even if the thought of being owned by him was deliriously tempting. I tried to my best to ignore him, turning away and holding my breath.

Yet I felt him, his powerful aura sending electric charges through every muscle, his hard stare easily unraveling my resolve. How many nights over the past year had I lain awake thinking about him? Hungering for him? Wanting him to be my first?

How many times had I pleasured myself in the shower while images of him remained in the forefront of my mind? The sinful thoughts I had were appalling, something good Catholic girls shouldn’t have.

Bullshit.

There wasn’t a man in Paris who could compare to Mattia’s broad shoulders and sculpted arms, powerful legs and a face chiseled out of stone. He was even more gorgeous than I remembered, so much so I found it difficult to breathe. I dared allow a quick glance down his muscular legs, my nipples aching from the sight of the thick bulge between his legs. I could tell he was long and thick, so large I would be filled completely. How I wanted to wrap my lips around his wide girth, sucking until he erupted in my throat.

Yes, I was a very bad girl.

The way he’d been looking at me was captivating, not just undressing me with his eyes but telling me in no uncertain terms that he’d already captured a part of me.

However, my stomach was in knots, the butterflies I’d experienced walking in turning into a swarm. I was lightheaded, trying to keep my composure when I realized far too late that I had no idea what I was doing. He stood a few feet away, studying me as if trying to determine why I’d be so bold as to enter the lair of a beast.

“My God. He won’t take his eyes off you,” Celeste said from beside me. “Just wow.” She took the second shot, her body trembling. When she eased the glass to the bar, she whistled under her breath. “He is even more gorgeous up close.”

I dared snag another glance over my shoulder, tingling all over. “Yes. He’s perfect.” I’d told no one about what had occurred at the party a year before, including Celeste. I couldn’t risk the single secret I’d kept for myself to get out to anyone.

“For what?” When I didn’t answer, she huffed. “You aren’t serious.”

“Why not? I don’t want to remain a virgin any longer.”

“Girl, I know he’s handsome and all you’ve done is fantasize about him, but you can tell he’s deranged.”

“Deranged,” I repeated. “That makes him that much more forbidden.”

“What are you doing, Sophia, seriously trying to attract his attention?” She moved closer, glaring at me. “Cause it’s working.”

I slowly slanted my gaze, dragging my tongue across my lips. “Absolutely. I’m taunting him. I heard it’s hotter sex when you’re considered enemies.”

“Oh. My God.”

“What?” I challenged, tilting my head and enticing him even more by dragging my fingers down the side of my neck. Of course he was watching everything I did, which was exactly what I wanted.

The one time I’d mentioned how cute I thought Mattia was had landed me a black eye from my father. It had been the first time he’d hit me. If he knew I was here, he’d likely disown me but I didn’t care.

“Girl, that crush you have on him isn’t something your father is going to approve of.”

“Who says it matters to me any longer? I’m an adult.” I darted him a glance, purposely licking my bottom lip. I could tell he was watching my every move, trying to figure out what I was doing inside his precious club. I hadn’t told her about my father’s plans or mine for that matter.