Page 102 of Tainted Obsession 1

Home.She’s talking about Italy. Naples is my home now.

I lean into him, conveying my trust and acceptance. I will never make him feel ashamed of who he is. Life has been cruel to him, and he’s done what’s necessary to survive.

I’m not a good man.The memory of his anguished words in the wake of his nightmare makes my heart squeeze. Massimo leads a dangerous life, but he isn’t evil. I’ll remind him of that every day.

“I’ll leave you two alone to make plans for your trip,” Carmen announces, the matter handled. “I can arrange an overnight flight for you tonight. Will you be ready by then?”

“Yes,” Massimo replies. “Thank you, Carmen. I owe you a debt.”

She gives an imperious wave of her hand again. “We’re friends, Massimo. You don’t owe me anything.”

She sounds like she means it. Stefano is cold and calculating, but his wife is softer, if no less formidable.

“Take care, Evelyn.” She offers me a warm smile. “Massimo will give you my number, and you can reach out to me at any time.”

“Thank you.” My throat is strangely tight.

Friends are a rarity in my life. I’ve always kept myself emotionally isolated because social situations are safer that way; I can’t be hurt by anyone’s indifference if I don’t allow myself to become attached to them.

A whole new world is opening up before me, and it’s all because of Massimo. He stormed into my life and showed me that I can be vulnerable.

Carmen says her goodbye to Massimo, too, and then she gives us privacy.

“Pick out what clothes you want to take with you,” Massimo encourages, guiding me toward the bedroom. “We can buy more when you get to Naples. I’ll take you shopping.”

“You’d go shopping with me?”

His lips curve in a wicked smirk. “I insist. I want to see you try everything on. I like buying pretty things for you.”

My cheeks heat, and I barely manage to shrug off my budding lust.

“What you’ve bought for me while we’ve been staying here in Mexico City is more than enough. I’ll just pack it all.”

His dark brows draw together in warning. “I thought we agreed that you will let me spoil you.”

“I love the beautiful clothes that you’ve bought for me, and I’m grateful for them, but I don’t need more. I’m usually very reserved in my style choices, Massimo. This isn’t me.”

“Why not?” he challenges. “Why can’t it be you? Silks and jewels suit you. My woman deserves the finer things in life. Nothing is out of reach for us.”

Us.My heart tugs toward his, as though we’re connected by an invisible tether.

I bracket his beautiful face with both hands. “Thank you.”

“There’s nothing to thank me for. I’m keeping you because I’m a selfish bastard, and I refuse to let you go. If I were a good man, I’d send you back to America. But it’s too late for that now. There’s no going back.”

He says it like it’s something ominous, but I’m not afraid.

“You’remygood man,” I purr, going up onto my toes to press a tender kiss against the grim slash of his lips. “I can’t wait to start our lives together in Naples.”

I’ve been searching for a sense of home ever since my dad walked out on me, and my simple childhood sense of security was shattered. I certainly didn’t feel at home in my stepfather’s house, and I’d only known further, more insidious torment during my years with George.

I’ve never been to Italy, and I barely know the language, but I’m sure that as long as I’m with Massimo, I’ll find a home. We’ll make one together.

Chapter 39

Evelyn

Ilean into Massimo with a happy sigh, content despite the fact that I’m entering the unknown.