Page 100 of War Within
I chuckled, turning her to face me. “I have a feeling I do. After all, you didn't give up on seeing my hair down in Hawaii.”
“I adore your little curls.”
“Or my body playing cards.” I smirked.
Her breath hitched. “Yeah.”
For the next two hours, we drank while taking turns asking one another questions. She was the sweetest person I had ever spoken to. Since I met her, I had not been with another woman.
I did not miss any of the others. While I was never one to deny if I had been with them, I also never jumped into a relationship with anyone. Getting to know Lily was the most organic friendship I had ever formed with the opposite sex.
It was clear we were both beyond tipsy. The bartender came over, tapping his finger between us. We snapped our heads toward him.
“We’re closing.”
I glanced down at my watch. “Oh shit.” I gasped, turning to Lily. “It’s almost two.”
“Oh no.” She giggled.
I rapidly closed out the tab and we stood simultaneously. Our gaze met. We were both way too drunk to drive, and the reality hit the moment we were on our feet.
“I’ll have a driver come get us and get my car picked up in a few to take it back to the house.”
Lily tripped on the threshold as we snuck into the back door. Instantly, I extended my arms, catching her just before she hit the floor. She started to crack up as I stood her up.
“Are you okay?”
“Yesss.” She hissed and giggled, placing a finger over her lips. “Shhh!”
I nodded. “We can't wake anyone.”
She led the way to the stairs. Unconsciously, I cupped her rear as I steered her up the steps, not thinking twice about where my hands had landed. She never told me to stop or recoiled at my touch. When she got to the top, she stopped, glancing back and forth.
I took her hand in mine, guiding her to her bedroom. We came to a stop in the center. I tried my best to sober up so I could politely leave.
“I had fun.” I smiled.
I did too.” She suddenly became shy. “Thank you. You really know how to distract me, I’ll give you that.” She snickered, rolling her eyes.
Taking her hand in mine, I circled her delicate skin with my thumb. “Goodnight.” I could not let go. The spell she had placed me under was mesmerizing me, and it was not the alcohol. I was frozen, gazing down into her alluring, shimmering orbs. Inching closer, I tugged her into my body gently.
She pressed herself against me, wrapping her arms around my neck, standing on her toes. Leaning forward cautiously, I closed my eyes, placing a small peck on her lips. I pulled away slightly. My eyes opened. She had not moved, but her eyelids fluttered open.
“Carmine.” She whispered. “I want this.”
Our lips crashed together. I breathed in her scent, instantly paralyzed with an indescribable hunger. Neither of us could break the kiss. I gripped her hips, closing any gap between us. She moaned in my mouth. Finally able to pull away for a moment, I panted.
“Lily we shouldn't be—”
“I know. Giovanni is going to be so mad.”
“He’ll be fine, I promise. I’m more concerned about us being drunk.” I rested my forehead on hers. “I don't want you to think I'm taking advantage of you.”
She pinned her bottom lip between her teeth, lust flashing in her eyes. “Be a gentleman outside the bedroom.” Cupping her palm on my cheek, she tilted her head. “For now, I want the animal I know you’re concealing better than your gun.”
That was all it took to unleash the side of me a few witnessed. I would give her exactly what her body demanded. Grabbing her jacket, I ripped it open. A muffled tearing sound could be heard as I yanked it from her body.
Lifting her petite frame, I held her against my body, crashing my lips into hers once again. She wrapped her thighs around my waist. I forced her back against the wall, pinning her in the air.
