Page 33 of The Mafia King's Reign
Slowly, reluctantly, the covers shift. She sits up, then swings her legs over the side of the bed and stands. The gown clings to her in the low light as she walks toward me, her chin lifted in defiance even as her pulse flutters at her throat.
“Good girl,” I murmur.
I step closer, until she can feel the heat of me, until the air tightens between us. My gaze drags over her, unhurriedly.
"Take it off." The command is quiet but absolute
“Take what off?” she asks, playing games.
I slowly drag my hand up her arms, to the neckline of her gown, softly pulling the slim strap downward.
I close the last inch between us, letting her feel my hard length pressed against her stomach.
She inhales sharply, breath hitching, but she doesn’t look up. Doesn’t yield.
“See what you do to me, Bella?” I murmur.
“This. Take off your clothes, Valentina.”
Her spine straightens instantly.
“No.”
“Valentina.”
“No,” she continues evenly. “You said after the wedding, I belong to you. I’m not your wife yet.”
A smile curves my mouth, slow and dangerous. “You were mine the day I saw your pretty face, Valentina,” I murmur. “Let me show you how much I want you.”
She doesn’t back away. Doesn’t soften.
“You have all the power,” she says coolly. “Do as you wish. But I will not be taking my clothes off for you, Salvatore.”
Her hands stay at her sides. Her no remains intact.
I hold there for one charged second longer, then I bend and press a slow kiss to her forehead.
“Very well.”.
Then I step back and turn to leave, taking my want with me.
I reach for the door handle.
“Valentina?"
She doesn't respond, but I feel her attention.
"Next time I ask you to take off your clothes, you'll do it. Not because I'm forcing you. Because you'll want to."
"That will never happen."
I smile. "We'll see."
I leave even more wanting than I came. Craving her in ways I didn’t even know was possible.
I should have pushed harder.
Should have taken what I wanted.
