Page 68 of Their Reckless Thief (The Below #1)

DORIAN

The sun penetrated the dark curtains of Vincenzo’s mansion, casting a muted glow over the room where I sat, coffee cup in hand, watching Celeste stir beneath the covers.

Her body was battered, covered in cuts and bruises, and despite the incredible strength she usually carried herself with, she looked fragile now.

I hated that she had been hurt. That someone had dared to touch her, to throw her through that glass.

I’d barely slept the night before, staying close to her as I lay in her bed, listening to her soft, rhythmic breathing.

Every now and then she’d wince in her sleep, and I’d stroke her back to soothe her even if she didn’t know I was doing it.

Now, as she stirred, slowly waking, I stood up and brought over the tray I’d prepared.

Coffee, toast, bacon, and fresh fruit. Simple, but she needed the energy after everything she’d been through.

“Morning, sweetheart,” I said, as I set the tray down on the bed.

Celeste blinked her eyes open. “What time is it?” she mumbled.

“Late enough that you needed this breakfast in bed,” I replied with a grin, handing her the coffee first.

She frowned, though there was a softness behind it. “You didn’t have to do that. I can make my own breakfast, you know.”

“Yeah, but where’s the fun in that? And you know just as well as I do that Vincenzo’s cook would be making your breakfast.” I winked, sitting down beside her, making sure the tray was balanced so she could eat comfortably.

“Besides, you’re sore as hell. I’m taking care of you today, like it or not. ”

She gave me a look, stubborn as always, but I saw the gratitude in her eyes.

“I’m fine, Dorian. Really. I can take care of myself.

” One of these days she was going to accept that allowing herself to rely on me or the other guys was safe.

I would show her. For now, I would tolerate her stubborn resistance.

“And yet,” I said, brushing a lock of her hair away from her face, “you’ve got a damn army of cuts parading across your body. Humor me, please.”

She grumbled something under her breath but didn’t argue more as she picked at the fruit. Every movement appeared to take effort. Her muscles were stiff, and even sitting up looked like it hurt.

“All right, enough,” I said after watching her wince for the third time.

“I’m officially proclaiming that you’re not doing anything else today.

You won’t lift a finger without my assistance.

And before you argue, I’m drawing you a bath.

” She started to protest, but I held up a hand.

“Nope. This isn’t up for debate. Let me take care of you. ”

She stared at me for a long moment, her expression softening just a bit before she sighed. “Fine. But I’m not helpless, Dorian.”

“Never said you were,” I shot back with a smile. “Just saying you deserve a little pampering today.”

After she ate, I led her into the bathroom.

As the tub filled with warm water, I watched her undress.

The bruises and cuts across her skin twisted something deep inside me.

Anger. Possessiveness. A fierce need to make sure nothing like this ever happened to her again.

But even now, she was the most stunning woman I’d ever beheld.

Her strength, her stubbornness, drew me to her in ways I couldn’t explain.

I didn’t trust myself to speak as I got into the tub behind her. I pulled her gently into my lap, her back pressed against my chest, her body fitting perfectly with mine. The water swirled around us, warm and comforting, but all I could think about was her. How close she was. How much I wanted her.

“Dorian…” she said softly, her voice almost uncertain.

“Shh,” I murmured as I washed her slowly, carefully.

I ran the cloth over her shoulders, down her arms, then to her back, watching as the water gently kissed her skin.

I was careful to avoid the cuts. Every bruise and cut felt like a personal affront, but I didn’t want her to see that. She needed peace and comfort.

“You’re too good at this,” she said, nestling her head into the crook of my shoulder. “Too damn good.”

Chuckling, I brushed my lips brush against her ear. “I’m just a guy who knows how to give a bath, that’s all.”

She turned slightly, looking up at me, her gaze locking onto mine.

I swallowed hard, my pulse beating erratically. Her gaze was heated, and before I knew it, she’d turned around in the water and straddled me. Her skin slid against mine, slick and warm, and every nerve in my body went on high alert.

“Celeste…” I whispered, gripping her hips, unsure where this was going but already wanting more.

Her fingers traced over my six-pack, her touch light but sending a shockwave of heat through me. “Stop talking,” she whispered before leaning in and pressing her lips to my jaw. So close to my lips it hurt.

It was soft at first, tentative, but then I felt the hunger, the need. She kissed my skin like she’d been wanting to for a long time, and I was powerless to stop it. Not that I wanted to.

My hands slid up her back, pulling her closer, my lips ghosting over her neck. She tasted like heaven, like everything I’d ever wanted but never thought I could have. And then her hips moved, grinding against me, and I lost it.

I gripped her tighter, pulling her against me as our movements turned frantic, passionate. My entire body was on fire, every inch of her igniting something deep inside me. My hands roamed over her, exploring, caressing, worshiping.

“Fuck, Celeste,” I groaned against her skin, my heart beating so hard she could probably hear it. “You’re driving me insane.”

She smiled, a teasing glint in her eyes. “Good.”

I couldn’t hold back any longer. I needed her, needed every godsdamned inch of her. I lifted her slightly, guiding her as she lowered herself onto me, and the feeling of her wrapped around me was so perfect it nearly undid me.

She moved, her eyes half-lidded with pleasure, her lips parted as soft moans escaped. Gods, she was perfect. Completely and utterly perfect. And I was completely and utterly fucked, in more ways than one.

Because I knew, at that moment, I was in love with her. So fucking head over heels in love. How had she captured my heart so fully?

But I couldn’t say it. Not yet.

Instead, I poured everything I had into the moment, into her. My hands gently gripped her hips as she rode me, the water sloshing around us, spilling onto the floor, but I didn’t care. All I cared about was her. Her pleasure. Her body.

Her.

She leaned forward, her hands braced against my shoulders, her breath hot and ragged against my skin. The intensity between us was too much, too raw, and as we moved together, I knew this was more than just sex. It was more than just a moment. It was everything.

I couldn’t hold back anymore. I thrust up into her, hard and deep, and she cried out, her nails digging into my skin. It was primal and intense. And I loved every second of it. The way she clenched around me, the way her body responded to mine… it was everything I’d ever wanted and more.

When she finally reached her peak, trembling in my arms, I followed right after her, holding her close as we rode out the ecstasy together.

Afterward, we stayed like that, tangled together in the cooling water, neither of us saying a word. I didn’t want to let her go. I didn’t want this moment to end.

Fuck, I was screwed.

I was so fucking in love with her, and she had no idea.

And that scared the shit out of me.

I watched Celeste dress. The magical salve had already started working on her cuts, knitting the skin back together almost seamlessly. She was running her fingers over her arms, her expression somewhere between amazement and disbelief.

“You sure Luca didn’t slip me something else with that salve?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. “It seems impossible for my wounds to heal this quickly.”

I winked at her as I pulled on my shirt. “It’s just good stuff. You know, the perks of running with wolves and vampires and whatever the fuck Luca is.”

She laughed softly, but there was a tired edge to it. These last few weeks had been hell on all of us, especially her. Between the heists, the wounds, and the constant danger, none of us had had an opportunity to just breathe. Just be.

Which was why I had an idea.

“You know,” I began, running a hand through my hair, “you need a break from all this mafia shit.”

“And how do you suggest I do that, Dorian?”

“Well…” I tried to sound casual, but my excitement seeped through.

“I was thinking of going to visit my old pack. My family. Check in on them, see how they’re doing.

They live out in this secluded forest on the edge of Vincenzo’s territory.

You might like it. Quiet. No mafia lords breathing down your neck. What do you say?”

She chuckled and shook her head. “Taking me to meet the fam. Don’t think you’re going to weasel your way into my heart, Mr. Voss.”

“I know,” I replied quickly, trying to hide the sting her words inflicted. “It’s a simple visit, no strings attached. Besides, they’d love you. I’m sure of it.”

There was a hesitation in her eyes, but she gave me a soft smile. “Why the hell not?”

I didn’t give her a chance to change her mind. We were out the door and into the SUV in no time, the earlier tension melting away in the ease of her laughter and my stories as I drove.

The closer we got to the edge of Vincenzo’s territory, the quieter it became. Dense trees and sprawling woods replaced the dark opulence of The Below. It was the kind of place that made you forget, even for a second, about the madness of our world.

A hidden haven.

When we finally pulled up, the familiar cabins nestled among the trees came into view. Quaint, charming log homes, smoke curling from chimneys, wolves roaming freely. The kids ran out as soon as they saw the car, barefoot and wild, with big smiles plastered across their faces.