Page 84 of The Bonventi War

His expression hardens, and his grip tightens just enough to let me know he's serious. "If I find out you're taking them, I'll be furious, Raven."

I'm not sure what to think in this moment. Part of me is completely aroused by his dominance, by the idea of being so thoroughly possessed by this man that he wants to claim me in the most primal way possible. But another part of me is thinking,Girl, take those pills.

Whatever. I can always get a Plan B tomorrow. Right now, Gio looks too good naked, and the way he's looking at me makes me feel like I'm floating.

Putting me first is my new motto, and in this moment—I want more of him.

"Okay. Well then." I reach down and stroke his cock. "Round two?"

34

RAVEN

My body aches pleasantly as I shift against Gio. Four days of being thoroughly claimed by this man have left their marks on me, both visible and invisible. The bruises from my kidnapping are fading to yellowish-green smudges, but they've been joined by fresh ones—fingerprints on my hips, a small love bite on my neck and shoulders.

Over these last few days, I've learned that I like one of his tattoos the most. It's the Bonventi family crest, he told me, and I always seem to trace it with my fingertips while resting my head on his chest, just like I'm doing now. I think I like the way it curves over his pec muscles.

I've never really been a fan of tattoos, not that I had anything against them, really, but sometimes, when we're making love, I find myself getting lost in them, tracing them with my tongue, at least until he growls and flips me over.

"What are you thinking about?" His voice, rough with sleep, startles me. His eyes remain closed, but he smiles.

"Shit, you scared me," I say giggling. "How did you know I was awake?"

He cracks one eye open. "You were doing that tracing thing again."

I rest my chin on his chest. "Well, just admiring the view."

His hand slides up my bare back, along my spine in a way that sends little shivers through me. Even after everything we've done, my body responds instantly to his touch.

My stomach grumbles loudly, and Gio raises an eyebrow.

"Hungry, are we? Did you get enough dinner?"

"Maybe. I guess," I say with a smile, "you have been working me pretty hard." I sit up, letting the sheet fall away to reveal my bare breasts. His eyes darken predictably. "Besides, I think I worked up an appetite with that last round."

He reaches up to cup my breast, his thumb brushing over my nipple. "We could order more food."

"No," I say firmly, placing my hand over his. "You promised me we could go out tomorrow. I need fresh air, Gio. As much as I've enjoyed being your prisoner?—"

"Not my prisoner," he interrupts, his voice suddenly hard. "Never that."

I soften. "Your willing companion, then. But seriously, I need to get out of here. See the sun. Walk on actual pavement. I'm good. Even the doctor you had come said so."

"Fine." He sits up, bringing our faces level. "But my men will be with us the entire time. And you don't leave my sight. Not for a second."

I roll my eyes and give him a mock salute, "Yes, sir."

I lean forward and kiss him softly. "Thank you for protecting me."

He lays back down, and I take the opportunity to climb out of bed. I can feel his eyes on me as I walk naked to the kitchen. The tile is cold against my bare feet, and I regret not grabbing a shirt or something to cover me.

"Where are you going?" he calls after me.

"To get water. Want some?"

"No."

I pour myself a glass and lean against the counter. I'm more thirsty than I realize.