Page 85 of Sins of the Orchid

“I promised you,” I told her. “The only thing I’m unsure of is whether I’ll make it until June.”

Her lips tugged into a smile. “I can wait.”

I groaned. “You realize that is two months away.”

“I’m not opposed to you coming early. At. All,” she gushed and then added, with a mischievous gleam twinkling in her eyes. “But the internet is reliable, and I heard phone sex can be hot.”

“Jesus, Amore,” I muttered. “Where have you heard that?”

“A porn site.” I narrowed my eyes on her, trying to figure out whether she was joking or not. Then she grinned. “I’m joking. Girls talk, you know. And your brother has shared more information than I care to admit.”

Without thinking, I grabbed her hand, and we both stopped. She cocked one eyebrow in surprise.

“Has he touched you?” I growled darkly. My voice was possessive. When it came to her, all my emotions were amplified. It was hard to keep a clear mind. The wordminewas seared into my chest, and I wanted to demand the same of her. I’d behers. Was it rational? Fuck no, but who gave two fucks about that.

I knew she hadn't slept with my brother, but it didn’t mean they didn’t fool around. Just the thought of it had me burning with rage. I was never much for sharing what was mine, and I certainly wouldn’t be sharing her. “Has he ever kissed you?”

She didn’t pull away as she tilted her head and answered without a trace of deceit. “No, Santi. Adriano never touched me the way you do. He has kissed me on my cheek and my mouth, but only as a friend.” She shook her head and stepped closer to me. “Gosh, Santi,” she said in a soft voice, her hand covering mine. “Don’t you know I’ve had a crush on you since I was thirteen?”

The jealous beast inside me eased with her words.Jesus Christ!I was losing my mind. Sharing has never been my thing, but neither has jealousy. I’d have to control it around her.

“Miss Bennetti,” a voice interrupted and both of us turned our heads. It was the pilot, along with her uncle. Her uncle narrowed his eyes on us, then glared at her hand on me. “May I take your bag?”

Her hand faltered, and she was back in her reserved mode.

“Thank you so much.” She handed him her luggage and the pilot walked away while her uncle remained.

“Everything okay?” Vincent asked, a narrowed look in his eyes. He glanced at my hand around Amore’s wrist, but fuck if I would let it go. Let him try and shoot me. I was a better shot than him.

Besides, she was mine. I’d keep her for myself, to protect and own.

“Yes, Zio.” She offered her reserved smile.

“I should have come and got you,” he grumbled. “But your dad said Russo was bringing you. I assumed it was Adriano.”

“Well, it’s done now. Are we ready?” she answered him, smiling and lifting her sunglasses to the top of her head, giving me another glimpse of her emerald gaze.

“I’ll walk you to the plane,” I told her, unwilling to let her go just yet.

Her uncle turned around, and we followed. Amore slid her wrist from my grip and took my hand. We were playing with fire, but I was confident that in a few days, we could do whatever we wanted.

I brushed my thumb over her soft skin. Then as her uncle came to a stop, she quickly slid her hand out of mine.

“Thanks for the ride, Santi,” she murmured softly, her eyes twinkling with double meaning. She would be the death of me. At this rate, I’d be flying to Italy tomorrow just to get inside her. And that sexy voice of hers? I couldn’t wait to hear her moan my name over FaceTime.

“Anytime,” I retorted, smirking, then added in a lower voice. “I know how you like fast and hard rides.”

A choked gasp sounded from her lips and her cheeks flushed bright red.

“You coming, Amore?” Her uncle sounded agitated, probably sensing something going on but couldn’t quite put his finger on it.

She answered him, her eyes locked on me with a cute little smirk on her face.

“Yes, coming.” Her voice was throaty, and instantly I was fucking hard. Oh, I’ll get that little minx for that one!

“Well, I…” Her voice trailed off, while remaining in place as she hesitated in taking the first step towards her uncle. She didn’t want to go anymore then I wanted her to go.

“Soon,” I promised in a low voice. On an exhale, she dipped her head, then started to climb the stairs. Before entering the cabin, she cast another look over her shoulder. I was still there, waiting for her to enter the safety of her cabin. A shared glance, another nod, and she disappeared from my view.