Page 61 of Secret Baby for the Mafia Don

My heart thumps hard. My chest fills with sensations that terrify me.

It jolts me back to reality.

This is exactly what I can't afford.

Not when I can’t give her the promises she deserves.

I drop my hand and step back, the spell broken.

"Goodnight, Gabriella.”

Disappointment flashes across her face before she masks it with indifference. "Goodnight, Don Calabresi."

I wait until she's inside, the door firmly closed between us, before releasing the breath I've been holding.

Then I turn and walk away.

I should have done that a year ago in the library.

But even as I think that, I’m glad I didn’t.

Yes, it torments me.

But at least for one moment, I felt something I’d never felt before or since.

Love.

GABRIELLA

The door clicks shut behind Marco, and I blow out my breath.

The snap, crackle, pop between us is stronger than ever.

Good lord, I nearly kissed him.

And if I had, I would have probably dragged him into this room and had my way with him.

Amped up on arousal, I decide to take a warm bath to settle my nerves before going to bed.

I run the bath as hot as I can stand it, pouring in scented oils I found in the bathroom cabinet.

I can’t imagine Marco ordering bath oils, so it must be something his staff takes care of.

Sinking into the water, I close my eyes as heat seeps into my muscles, releasing tension from the day.

What a crazy day it’s been.

For so long, I’ve been waging a war against Marco, convinced he was plotting against my father.

I've gathered evidence, stalked his businesses, even entertained an FBI agent's proposition.

Not once did I second-guess myself.

Not until this week.

Not until tonight.