Page 200 of Mario

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"It is baffling to me that you do not know this."

"Because I'm wearing expensive lingerie."

"You think I'm attracted to swatches of fabric?"

"You bought a lot of them."

"I bought a lot of them because I could imagine you in all of them. But they are nothing without you."

She swallows.

"You, however, are beautiful without them."

She shakes her head, and I tighten my grip on her chin.

"Do not disagree with me," I say. "You are not allowed to."

"Mario—"

"I mean it. You are not allowed to insult yourself."

Her brows lift.

"I am serious. When you insult yourself, I will punish you."

She shivers.

"Not that way," I add.

"You are not giving me a choice."

"No, cara, I'm not."

She holds my gaze.

"Tell me I am wrong. Tell me you think poorly of yourself. Do it and see what happens."

She presses her lips together.

"Good girl."

"Mario," she whispers, her thighs pressing together.

"You like it when I call you that, huh? Mia brava ragazza."

"It's not fair."

"What isn't?"

"When you speak Italian."

"Why?"

"It's... hot."

"Would you like me to continue speaking Italian?"

"You are teasing me."

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