Russo: His Untold Story (Blacklisted #3) by Maria Delaurentis Page B

apartment quietly as the time passed. She barely made a sound, and after an hour had gone by I began to worry. I headed back to the bathroom and knocked, walking in once she okay’d it.
    "You've been in here a while—let me help you get out," I offered, not wanting to force her if she wasn’t ready. She didn’t answer so I pulled her from the tub and wrapped a towel around her. I hoisted her into my arms and reveled in the way she felt against my frame. When we reached her room I dried her with extra care. She didn’t argue, she didn’t tell me not to touch her—she simply relied on me. Once I got her nightgown onto her I lied down and pulled her into my arms. Again, she didn’t fight. My beautiful, strong and wonderful girl cried. She cried until her voice was raw, her face red, and her skin puffy.
    “If you let me, I’ll never leave your side, cara mia,” I promised her, while my fingers ghosted over her skin. Once she seemed settled, and content I kissed her with every ounce of love that I had accumulated for her—and she returned it. There was need, and frustration, and love all mixed into one and I took it all.
    I would take everything she had to give me.

nine
     
    When she woke up I turned her to me, speaking quietly as I let my fingers trace her skin. She was playful today, and I was grateful to see this side of her again. It wasn’t long before the worry started to etch into her face—unemployed again; I suppose I couldn’t blame her.
    "You could always come work at the new restaurant. I'd be honored to have you by my side—you're a wonderful cook and they could learn from you. Besides if they get outta place, you'll just give 'em your right hook. I think you'd be an amazing addition.” I arched a brow, hoping she’d take the bait.
    "I'd be willing to consider it. But perhaps you should show me the building first?" Thank the fucking stars, we were in business. This girl was going to be mine. I agreed but then remembered I had something else to take care of. I thought back to the way she was last night. The thought of her being so crushed, so vulnerable—Mrs. Genovese was high on my shit list, and she wasn’t getting away with this shit for a second time. I didn’t snap out of it until Gabriella’s body was pressing against mine. Was she on top of me? Madonn, the fuckin’ girl was feeling playful alright.
    I twisted my fingers in her long locks of hair, while I teased her mouth with my tongue. She always tasted sweet, and the taste alone was enough to drive me crazy. She sat up and her hands began to slide down my body, past my stomach and suddenly cloud nine was making another reprieve.
    The things this girl did to me—fuck, if there was anything else like it in the world someone would have to show me fucking proof. When she finished bringing me to the stars and back she teasingly licked her fingers, her eyes blurry with lust.
    “Fuckin’ Christ, cara mia. What are you tryna do to me, huh?” I watched her with lazy eyes, my body fighting the urge to fall back asleep. I wanted to show her a good time, and I knew exactly what would work. I needed to show her just how dedicated I was to this—I need to take her to my family.
    "How about we spend the day together? Let me treat you the way I should have from the beginning," I murmured.
    "I might agree to that. As long as you tell me I can trust you. I'm not up for any more surprises from you, capisce?" Fuck, I loved when she got like this. That was the beautiful, fiery girl that never let me fuck with her.
    "My hand to god. Nothing but a beautiful day with a beautiful girl.”
    "Maybe you should go clean up?"
    "Only if you're coming with me!" I smirked and tossed her over my shoulder, running towards the bathroom.
    "Michael put me down!" I ignored her and brought her into the bathroom. I turned the water on and  quickly undressed us. I picked her back up and carried her in with me, holding her body tightly to mine.
    My eyes found hers and I