23. I Am No Gentleman

Valerie didn’t know what possessed her to walk into Antonio’s room at this ungodly hour. Maybe she’d finally lost her marbles, but here she was, face-to-face with him…or rather, nose-to-nose since she was currently half sprawled on top of him. “Let go of me,” she said, struggling against his grip. The words tumbled weakly from her lips as she felt his hand gently caress her back. A tingling warmth spread through her body, radiating from where his fingers touched her. Their faces were dangerously close, their breath mingling in the small space between them. Her heart thrummed against her chest, matching the intensity of the moment. “Are you sure you want me to let you go, amore mio?” he rumbled, brushing his lips on top of hers. Valerie could feel his warm breath on her face, sending shivers down her spine. His gaze was intense, holding her captive in the moment. Her mind raced, trying to make sense of what was happening. “Let go of me,” she repeated, trying to sound more confident this