Page 56 of Bellini Born

Gingerly, I sat up, spreading my legs beneath the blankets so Bianca could settle between them while I did her hair in the style she’d requested. Ever since the first time I gave her braids, she’d become obsessed with watching video tutorials showcasing all kinds of elaborate designs. When I came across one that featured pigtails that twisted the hair to cap them off with the cutest little bows, I suggested it to Bianca as the perfect Christmas hairstyle.

Did I imagine doing them before dawn? No, but living with kids was teaching me that you had to roll with the punches.

“I’ll leave you ladies to it.” Matteo punctuated his departure with a knock on the doorframe.

“Don’t go down without us, Papa!” Bianca cried out to his retreating form.

He turned around and used his free hand to draw an X over his chest. “Cross my heart,principessa.”

Seemingly satisfied, the little girl stopped wiggling and let me tend to the many knots she’d acquired in her dark tresses overnight.

The rhythmic motion of the brush combing through her hair was calming, but it wasn’t enough to quiet the thoughts plaguing my mind.

Last night had changed everything. Only time would tell if that meant for the better or for the worse.

Sending Bianca in search of her dad gave me a few minutes to get dressed. Slipping out of bed, I rushed to the closet. But when my fingers gripped the hem of what was undoubtedly Matteo’s shirt, I couldn’t force myself to remove it. So I elected to throw on a sweatshirt to conceal it from his view while still allowing myself the comfort of his scent, before pulling on a pair of leggings.

Then, I was practically dragged down the main staircase by an overly excited four-year-old, trying not to wince with every step.

Her squeal when we rounded the corner to the family room brought a smile to my face.

I’d enlisted the help of the rest of the staff to collect enough large boxes to build what looked like a train, each car overflowing with presents. The hours spent constructing it last night were well worth it as I witnessed the wonder in Bianca’s eyes. These girls wouldn’t stay little forever, and I had zero regrets over going all out.

My heart nearly leapt out of my chest when an arm curled around my waist. Then came the hot words in my ear. “I don’t like being lied to,dolcezza.”

“Huh?” When did I lie?

“You’re in pain and trying to hide it.”

Oh, that.

I mean, what did he want me to say? The man practically destroyed my pussywith a gunno less than four hours ago. Of course I was in pain. It would be a damn miracle if my insides weren’t ripped to shreds as a result. Not that I had any interest in poking around down there to find out.

Swallowing, I kept my eyes on Bianca, who was sorting the packages labeled for her and her sister. Voice low, I replied to Matteo. “Would you rather I be screaming in agony?”

His resulting chuckle had my toes curling into the carpet. “The only thing I’m interested in hearing you scream is my name.”

Well, I certainly did plenty of that last night.

“Not sure that’s appropriate in front of your daughters.”

“Probably not,” he agreed, his lips brushing my skin with every word. “But I’ll be counting down the seconds until the next time I get to hear my new favorite sound.”

Suddenly, I was in danger of overheating.

The hand on my waist traveled south until it gripped a fistful of my spandex-covered ass before giving it a firm tap. “On the couch. Feet up.”

Turning my head, I dared to look at him, and it was a wonder I didn’t burst into flames, because that man had aimed the full force of his smolder in my direction. Damn, he was gorgeous.

“Not sure if anyone told you, but I’m off the clock today, Mr. Bellini.”

He let out a low warning growl before his fingers gripped my chin roughly. “That wasn’t me giving orders as your boss, Summer. That was me taking care of what’smine.”

My brain short-circuited. How the hell did you argue with that?

At a loss for words, with my mouth hanging open, I managed an “uh-huh” before my feet moved automatically toward the couch, and once I sat down, I tucked them underneath me as instructed.

Eyes blazing, Matteo mouthed,Good girl.