Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27953 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 140(@200wpm)___ 112(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27953 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 140(@200wpm)___ 112(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
“I’m fine. I even ate. Can we cancel the doctor?”
“No.” He says it with finality.
“But—”
“Please.”
“Okay,” I agree, and I wonder if Matteo has uttered that word before. He can be so intense at times, and at others I completely forget who he is, but there is always a reminder. “Matteo, where have you been?” I touch his shirt collar. He mutters a curse that I think might be Italian because I've never heard it before. “It’s blood.”
“Stay put,” he orders me. I roll my eyes at him. “Eat.”
I watch him walk into the closet, coming back out with a fresh pair of clothes to head into the bathroom with.
“You shouldn’t worry about those things,” Emma informs me. “Now, I’ve got a few tasks I need to handle, I've been told. I’ll bring the doctor up when they arrive.”
I take a few more bites of my toast and drink down my orange juice, so I don't have to hear it before I slip from the bed. Matteo is already coming out of the shower when I enter the bathroom.
“Oh.” I let out a burst of air, seeing him in all of his naked glory. This man has witnessed me naked numerous times, but I have never seen him in the same state. Even during our one sexual encounter, he remained dressed.
His body is dripping with water. Every inch of him is hard and defined. And I mean very hard. “Rabbit, hop your ass back into bed.” He wraps the towel around his waist.
“You don’t sleep with me,” I blurt out.
“I slept with you last night.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Bed, now,” he half-growls. I huff before going back to bed. Not because he told me to but because he still doesn’t answer the question. A few minutes later, Matteo comes strolling out of the bathroom in his normal slacks and buttoned-up shirt. Only this one is black. That will help to conceal the blood better.
“You ate.” A half smile pulls at his lips.
“You never answer my questions.”
“I don’t want to upset you.” He walks around the bed and sits next to me again. “There were things I needed to handle this morning.”
“I understand this life.”
"I don't know if you do, Mona. My family would never have done the things yours did.”
“What does that mean?” I sit up straighter. I get it. My father and brother suck, but it’s a constant reminder of who I am.
“We’re different.” He tries to cup my cheek. I lean away, but he’s quicker. His hand slips around, cupping the back of my neck. He pulls me partly to him, meeting me halfway. Matteo’s mouth takes mine. "When I get my mouth on you, you melt for me."
“You’re terrible to use my body against me.” I say it against his lips. He’s not wrong. The second he touches me, I melt for him. I don’t understand this. This connection, which I find difficult to explain, has been present from the beginning. Even when I want to smack him, there’s still this pull to him.
“I can’t help myself either.” He presses his forehead against mine. “Amore mio.” I think I hear him say it under his breath.
“Boss.” Sergio knocks on the open bedroom door. Matteo quickly stands. Is he embarrassed that he got caught showing me affection?
This is what I mean. My head is all over the place with this man, but I’m not sure he even understands how he feels. Let alone the real effect he’s having over me. Then we have the added hormones from the pregnancy, which are probably amplifying everything.
“You got her?” Matteo asks him. Sergio nods. “We should wait till after she sees the doctor.”
“Got who?” I poke into the conversation.
“I got you something. A little present.”
“You got me something?” He makes those warm and fuzzies come right back with a few words. It’s not that I need anything but that he thought to do so.
“You said you wanted to call your sister.”
“Oh, please let me do it now. Don’t make me wait.” I reach out and grab his hand. He threads his fingers between mine.
“It’s not a call. It's actually what I had to handle this morning.” My brows furrow together, not understanding what the heck he means.
“I don’t understand.”
“Good things come to those who wait. See the doctor, then you’ll get your surprise.”
I guess I have no choice but to see the doctor. Little does Matteo know, I’m not the only one that will be getting a surprise today.
11
MATTEO
“Can we have a few moments alone?”
“No,” I tell the doctor, not moving from my place at the end of the bed.
“Matteo.” Mona gives me a pleading expression. My eyes bounce between her and the doctor.
“Sergio?” I glance back at him.
"The only weapon in her bag is a needle."
“Che cavolo,” Dr. Mauti mutters, shaking her head. “I would never harm a Cattaneo.” I know I have offended her, but honestly, I don't care.