Chapter 26

Carlos Her breathing hitches as she stares at me in anticipation. I can hear how wildly her heart is beating right now, but I can't help it, I wanna taste those lips. I know she's not ready, but I am not a patient man either. She's the only person I have been thinking of lately, and it's driving my mind crazy. Whatever this is, I'm so deep in it, and I don't think I can deny it anymore. I'm really fucked up. I lift my hand and gently release the lip between her teeth. "Don't do that," I whisper, tracing her lower lip with my thumb. She doesn't even know how tempting she is, and I never knew I had this much self-control until now. The girl I have been dreaming of is sitting on the table in my closet topless, with a very short skirt, while I stand between her legs holding myself from doing anything that might upset her. Not even a kiss, if this is not torture. "What?" she murmurs, looking at me curiously. She's so innocent, and I wanted her to remain that way; that's why I don't want that bitch near her. She's a bad influence, and I'm not ready to share what's mine. Theo is enough friend for her. "Biting your lip like that," I look into her big blue eyes, and they are staring right back at me as if she doesn't understand what I'm saying. I can't believe Santino did that. That man has always treated her like an egg, and he can't just wake up and decide to hurt her. Something is wrong, and I am going to find out. Her stomach growls, and she looks away, embarrassed, earning a chuckle from me. "You are hungry, right?" I say, and she nods, biting back her lip. I have realized she does that when she's embarrassed or nervous. The side of her I alone get to see. If I make her nervous, it must be a good sign, right? I grab the t-shirt I had chosen and help her put it on. I still can't believe she likes men's shirts; it's a good thing I have plenty of them. " Let's take this off," I motion to the skirt because my shirt is too big on her, it won't leave anything for the wandering eyes. She allows me to take it off for her, and I am proud she trusts me this much. I will never want to ruin that. "Leave them," she quickly grabs my arm when I'm about to undo her holster, always prepared. She's everything I want in my woman: beauty, brains, and skills. She's badass and she knows her dignity. "Let's get you food then," I carry Kay like before, and I can tell she likes it because she doesn't protest. I can't wait for the day she becomes fully free with me. I want her to pester me and talk my ears out. I want her to ask me questions and tell me everything she wants. But I know it's going to take time and more patience. Baby steps, I suppose. We descend the stairs to find the boys in the living room, fair enough, it's only those she's acquainted with. Theo is sleeping on Sam's lap while he runs his fingers through his hair. I never knew how good that felt until today. Ed is busy stuffing his face with the pizza on the table, and Marcello is talking like he always does. I never understand half of his made-up stories. "Yo princess, I thought you left," Marcello shouts when he notices us, causing all eyes to turn to us. Sam gives me a knowing smirk, and I internally groan. I used to taunt him about being whipped. Look at my life now. "No, I didn't," she politely tells him. I sit opposite Sam's couch with her on my lap. She's beautiful. I like how her soft hair flows perfectly down her waist. "If he does anything to upset you," Marcello says, pointing at me, just tell me, I'm the only one who can beat his ass around here," he says proudly, and everyone bursts out laughing. "Trust me, babe, he got nothing on me." I softly squeeze her waist, and she slightly smiles. That's progress. I'm getting that beautiful smile back. "Oh, please, remember that day when we were little, I....." he doesn't get to finish the sentence because I pull my gun on him. " I dare you to finish that sentence, Marcello," he was about to tell her the embarrassing stuff I did when we were kids. "No, I want to know," Her soft voice protests as she looks at me mischievously. "I'm sorry, princess, but I'm too cute to die?" Marcello says, and I tuck my gun away, smirking at him. Kids do some stupid shit, but the fucker won't let it go. "Here," Sam hands her an unopened box of pizza, and she grabs it thankfully. We rarely cook around here; the boys are too lazy for that, so we just prefer takeout. "Are you hungry?" she whispers, her blue eyes staring innocently at me. Those eyes can easily deceive someone who doesn't know her. Just a little poke and they're not innocent anymore. "Yes, baby, but I'm too lazy. Feed me, please." I use my luck. She's so good at concealing her emotions that you wouldn't even guess what is going through her mind. She quietly grabs a piece from the box and takes a bite before bringing it to my lips. Marcello clears his throat exaggeratedly while the others watch in wonder. These fuckers can't even pretend for her sake. They'll fucking scare her, and we haven't even taken a step yet. " Damn, man, I want someone to feed me too," Ed says, and she only rolls her eyes and continues doing her thing. "So, Kay, how is the woman from yesterday?" Marcello inquires, taking a sip from his wine. "I will check on her tomorrow," she clears her throat before answering. "I will come with you, I'm so tired of sitting my ass at home every day," Theo mumbles, finally sitting up. "You are not going anywhere," Sam snaps in a serious tone. "Please, babe," Theo whispers, doing that thing they always do with their eyes, and Ed groans. " Not again, I'm going to bed," he says, grabbing the unfinished box and heading upstairs. "Well, I'm not missing out on anything." Marcello leans back in the chair and shamelessly stares at the couple. "Fuck you, Marcello, come on," Sam grumbles, taking Theo's hand. "Good night, princess," Theo tells Kay while Sam ruffles her hair as they leave the room. Now it's just us and the creep of a cousin; he's not going anywhere until he's left alone. "Everyone just doesn't like me" he mumbles to himself. My baby has been feeding the both of us and I can tell she's tired from frequent yawning. "Are you okay now?" I ask when she puts the box back on the table, and she nods, wiping her hands on the paper towel. "Let's go," she whispers, locking her hands behind my neck. Someone is getting used to being carried around, isn't she? "Good night, Marcello," Kay looks at the guy who is amusedly grinning at her. Fucking creep. "Just remember, I know all of his dirty secrets. My room is four doors from yours," he smiles, wiggling his brows at her suggestively. He will never mature. "Do you need anything else?" I ask gazing into her tired eyes. "No, I'm sleepy," she whispers, yawning again. Positioning her on the bed, I undo the holster, putting her gun and knives away, and she doesn't protest. I saunter to the bathroom for a quick shower before changing into comfortable attire for the night. I get in the soft sheets where my beauty is waiting and for the first time, she gently lays her head on my chest and sighs softly. Progress. I hold her close to myself, gently caressing her hair.