Sweet Temptation(37)

I pressed my palm to her lower back and nudged her toward the staircase. “Let’s get you to bed.”

“I’m not a child, Cassio.”

The dog followed us as Giulia stepped onto the stairs. I barred its way. “Why isn’t it locked in its room? It isn’t allowed upstairs.”

“It won’t stay in that room anymore.”

My eyebrows rose. Giulia stood on the first step so she was almost eye level with me. “I didn’t realize I made that decision.”

“You didn’t, but I did.”

I grabbed her hip. “I’m the master of the house.” God, that sweet strawberry scent was driving me insane.

“Do you expect me to ask you for permission for every little thing? I can handle Loulou, so let me handle her.”

“It won’t go upstairs,” I said firmly.

She nodded and gave the dog an order. To my surprise, Loulou trotted back into the living room. “She’s got her basket in there. It’s supposed to be her safe haven.”

Shaking my head, I walked up the stairs. I was too exhausted for this nonsense. Giulia followed quietly, but I could practically feel her need to talk. We stepped into the bedroom and I closed the door. “How did things go with my children?”

“Good. I went shopping with them. We’re getting to know each other. I’m trying to become their friend—”

“They don’t need a friend. They need a mother figure. They need guidance and someone who leads the way.”

“If that was all they needed, you wouldn’t need me since you are so good at leading,” she said.

I paused at her insolence. Most people showed me respect without me having to do anything, but Giulia kept defying me in the most infuriating way possible. “I’m taking a shower. Go to bed and try to sleep.” I didn’t wait for her response and disappeared into the bathroom. I took my time getting ready for bed, hoping Giulia would be asleep by then. She wanted to get to know me. I wasn’t sure if I wanted her to.

When I emerged, Giulia stood in front of the window. I stifled a sigh. “Why aren’t you in bed?”

She let out a small, disbelieving laugh. “Because I think we need to talk. We are married.”

“I don’t see what we need to talk about.”

She stomped toward me, stopping so close that the strawberry scent flooded my nose again. “A lot. I want this marriage to work, but that won’t happen if we don’t spend time together. Do you usually come home this late?”

“Yes, frequently. I’m Underboss, Giulia.”

“My father’s Underboss and so are many of my uncles, and trust me, they have more than enough time to waste on golf courses or on top of their mistresses.”

A laugh wedged itself in my throat, but I suppressed it. “My work ethic is very different from theirs.”

“As your wife I have a right to make demands so this marriage can work, and I’m asking you to be home for dinner so the kids and I can spend time with you.”

My anger rose again, even as a small part of me was pleased that she wanted to spend time with me. “This marriage is one of convenience.”

Giulia’s eyes flashed. “I suppose it’s very convenient for you to have me as your nanny and for your personal pleasure without the burden of having to talk to me.”

She was infuriating. I pulled her against me, my mouth so close to hers, for a moment I almost forgot myself. “We’ve had sex once, girl, so the pleasure factor in our marriage has been very limited, and as far as your nanny qualities go, I’m not convinced.”

Her nose tilted up. “Then give me back to my parents, if I’m not satisfactory. Didn’t you stipulate some kind of return in the deal?”

“Over my dead body,” I growled and jerked her against me. I kissed her harshly, losing myself in that godforsaken sweetness that robbed me of my senses. I couldn’t control myself around her. I didn’t want to.

Remembering my promise, I ripped away from her and staggered a few steps back. I wouldn’t force her. “This wasn’t meant to happen.”

Giulia’s face was flushed. “Why not?”

Her question threw me off. “I told you I won’t sleep with you until you want me to.”

Giulia swallowed then smiled bashfully. And I knew what she’d say from the look of desire in her eyes before she uttered the words. “What if I want you to?” Her voice was low and hesitant.

My pulse throbbed in my temple from our altercation. It had excited me more than a little, but her words blasted the last shreds of my composure.

Despite the truth in her words, I couldn’t believe them. My muscles tensed. When I’d exited the bathroom, I felt exhausted wariness. Now, any tiredness was replaced by eagerness, but my suspicion remained. “You want me to?”

My voice was low, drenched with desire and warning. I took a step closer. Giulia shivered and her nipples puckered. Was she aroused or scared? Probably both.

She nodded. “I want you to.”

Another step closer. Blood pooled in my cock at her words. Still, my doubt remained. “Why? Last time was painful for you.”

“Not everything,” she admitted, blushing. “Not your mouth.”

My eyes darted to the apex of her thighs, hidden by her nightgown, remembering her taste, her scent. “Fuck.”