Page 126 of Forged

I nod against his skin, “A little. Gabriel, there’s so much you don’t know about me, and I’m scared if I tell you that you’ll run.”

I inhale a shaky breath, and he pulls back, his hands cupping my jaw, his eyes intense.

“Lars, I don’t want you to ever hold anything back from me. I promise you, I don’t scare easily.”

I search his eyes and say the words that could destroy everything.

“I haven’t been honest about my work. Fuck, Gabriel, I’m part of a Mafia Syndicate.”

I expect his hands to leave my skin. I expect him to back away. But instead, he places a gentle kiss on my lips.

“I don’t care what you do, Lars. All I care about is how you make me feel, how you and Neomi make me feel. And goddamn it, I feel so much for the two of you.”

I shake my head. “I don’t think you understand. I’m second in command of the Marchetti Syndicate. My world is dangerous. I’ve done terrible things.”

His thumb glides over my cheek. “Baby, we’ve all done terrible things. We’ve all sinned and called it by a different name.”

I feel the burn of tears. “I’m sorry I lied. I just don’t trust easily and didn’t want you to think less of me. Please don’t leave us.”

He pulls me to his chest and runs his hand over my back. “I’m not going anywhere, Lars. I promise.”

I take a deep breath to calm myself. His words are reassuring, and his touch is soothing. He places his thumb under my chin to guide me to look into his eyes.

“I’m in this no matter what. I know the person you really are, Lars. Your profession doesn’t change that for me.”

“Are you sure?” I ask, my eyes searching his.

“Yes, so sure.” He runs the back of his fingers down my cheek. “I really want to kiss you.”

I lean into him, his lips meeting mine. What starts as gentle, quickly becomes heated and rushed. His hands grip my waist, my hand in his hair. Our breaths are quick and sharp, and when he slips his tongue into my mouth to meet mine, I melt. I can’t get close enough to him.

“Up on the counter.” My voice is rough and deep.

He sits on the counter, and I spread his legs to step between them. He holds the back of my neck with his hand, drawing me into a kiss so deep and raw it makes me feel stripped bare. He’s consuming me, taking every breath, every moan from me.

His hips rock and I can feel his erection against my stomach. I’m lost in him, submitting to the heady undertow that’s sucking me in deeper.

For a moment, I pull back, my forehead against his.

“I can’t fuck you without Neomi here,” I whisper.

He runs his thumb along my bottom lip, tugging at the skin. “Wouldn’t dream of it. And I love that, standing up for our girl.”

I place my hand on his chest and search his eyes. “Be honest, Gabriel. Please tell me if my work affects anything between us.”

“I couldn’t care less, Lars.” He pauses. “I just worry if I’ll fit into your world.”

I smile. “Actually, I’ve told my family about you already. They want to meet you.”

His eyes go wide. “Really?”

I nod. “Yeah. I’ll have Neomi give you a little insight into what you’re in for.”

His eyes flare with amusement. “Should I be scared?”

I grin. “Only a little.”

Three days later,I’m walking through the side door of the estate with Neomi and Gabriel behind me.