Stefano

“You can’t keep me a prisoner in here forever,” Corey protests from where I have her tied to the bed.

“Mmm, isn’t this how our relationship started?” I work the knot on the silk tie securing her open and scoop her up into my arms. I’ve kept her prisoner in our suite since she returned home from the hospital two days ago. The doctors said she needed to rest and let her wound recover fully before she begins any activity and she hasn’t received the green light yet.

“I am capable of walking,” she protests as I carry her into the living room and settle her on the couch.

“No more TV,” she groans. “I’m bored. You can’t leave me alone here any longer. I’m going nuts.”

“I’m not leaving you. Nico’s got things covered tonight. I’m staying in with you.”

Her stubborn expression melts away, and the softness and affection replacing it takes my breath. She’s been showing me glimpses of this side of her since the hospital, and every time, it humbles me to my core.

I drag an end table in front of her and get a chair for me. “How about a game of cards?” I suggest, shuffling the deck.

She scoffs. “Are you serious?”

“Mmm hmm. We’ll bet clothing. Or”—I shoot her a wicked look—“sexual acts.”

Her lips twist. “You won’t let me walk from the bedroom to the living room, but you think I’m ready to suck your dick?”

I wink. “I’m sure we can find something that works for you.”

She grins and takes the cards out of my hand. “You’re on, buddy. You know you’re the one who’s going to find himself on his knees, right?”

I’m counting on it, amore.

She shuffles the deck and deals the first hand, which I promptly lose.

“So you wanted me on my knees?” I slide out of my chair and drop to my knees in front of her, pushing her thighs open. She’s in nothing but a short silk robe and a pair of panties. I run my fingertips up her inner thighs and she shivers.

“Stefano.” Her voice wobbles when I nip her inner thigh with my teeth. “I really don’t know if I’m for it. “I mean, I want it, but I’m afraid I’ll get too excited and—”

“Well, there’s other things to do on my knees,” I rumble, reaching in my pocket.

She watches me with a quizzical look until I produce a small ring box and pop it open. She gasps and covers her mouth with her hand. “Stefano.”

“I know you don’t like to rush into things, but there’s no way in hell I’m going to let you take a bullet for me without putting a ring on that finger,” I say in the world’s stupidest proposal speech. I clear my throat. “What I mean is… stay, baby. Stay forever. I need you by my side, lighting up my world. I know we don’t have our future figured out, but I want to figure mine out with you. I want to be a part of yours.” Fuck. I don’t know where I’m going with this speech. Are there issues I need to address? Or do I just ask her to marry me?

“Yes.”

It’s like plunging into warm water. “Did you say yes?”

“Yes.” She laughs, tears glistening in her eyes. “I’m done playing small, playing safe. We don’t have time not to rush into this. We have our lives to start living—together.”

“Yeah?” I laugh. “You’re gonna wear my ring?”

She plucks the pink diamond from the box and slides it on her left ring finger. “I’m wearing it.” She holds her hand up to show me and I kiss her palm.

“Good. Now I’m going to assert my manly rights.” I kiss the inside of her leg.

Her fingers weave into my hair. “Stefano.”

“I’ll go easy on you just this once.” I wink before I shove her panties to the side and lick into her.

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