He looks too good.
Giulio gives a slow, sexy smile. It’s the first time in a while. “You look gorgeous, Valencia. I didn’t do a bad job with the outfit, hmm?”
I bite my lip. “I’m afraid you’re right.”
“Is that permission to add fashion stylist to my office door?”
“Sure. Right under smartass in the making.”
“Oh, really now?” A smirk crosses Giulio’s face. I like it when he’s happy. “Well, should I add your number as my referral?”
“I’m afraid I would have to change my number then, Mr. Giannotti.”
“Mmmm. Although I shouldn’t say it, I like your tactics.”
“I’m glad you do.” My heart flutters at our playful banter. I set the mug on the island before it has the chance to slip from my sweaty grip. Sliding onto one of the steel kitchen stools, I take a bite of the toast. It’s pure heaven!
“What are you going to do about this personal vendetta against my style eye?”
I wave the toast. “This may have just bought you immunity.”
Giulio chuckles and leans towards me. With his head resting on his hands, he’s teasing me and knows it. Those thoughts from the shower intensify the moment he arches a brow, only to sweep his tongue across his lower lip. “Only if you’ll give me a taste of that immunity.”
“I respectfully decline.”
“Request denied. What are you going to do about it now?”
My cheeks heat. “I guess I’ll have to come up with something.”
Giulio rounds the island slowly, positioning himself inches from me. Those irresistible eyes I once fell in love with enrich the temptation to forget the barriers between us.
“You do that, Mrs. Giannotti.”
Mrs. Giannotti.
I set the toast down and reach for the napkin but Giulio beats me to it. He takes my sticky hand and draws it to his lips. My legs cross as our uninterrupted gaze never drops and Giulio’s warm tongue swirls over each finger, running across the tips and sucking off the honey. The highly erotic moment is drawn out by his meticulous motions.
Holy hell.
His touch drives me wild and when Giulio sets down my hand, his lips draw inches from my neck. It’s allusive. Lustful. Our problems are placed on pause. He’s going to kiss me, right here, just when I need him the most. I’m sure of it. So certain that I yearn for it.
Instead, Giulio’s mouth skims to my ear. There’s no kiss. His voice becomes a raspy, sensual whisper. I wish I had the willpower to ignore the effects it has on my body, but I can’t. “Next time another man touches you, they will not again see the light of day. Even on the days we disagree and disregard each other, you’re still my wife. I’m still your husband. The hell with the ones who get in the way. The hell with anybody who even attempts to break us down.”
Energy swirls in the room. Sexual and emotional tension. I never imagined that such a bleak night yesterday could turn into such a thriving positive. It feels as though we have finally progressed and taken a leap forward. My mind repeats what I told myself the other day: it’s over. The thing is…it isn’t. It sure as hell isn’t over from the way we’re acting. I don’t know how long it will last, but for now, I want to stay in the present.
And so I kiss his cheek and smile as his eyes darken.
Yes.
I take our promises to heart and enjoy this breakfast with him. We talk about work, the twins, and how I have begun the handbook he gifted me. I’ve been loving it and knowing it came from the heart…it does something to me. We both need serenity today and I’m feeling much better than I did last night.
“Thank you for everything you did for me, Giulio. For everything you are doing now. Especially with the kids. You know I’m not the type of person who goes out drinking like that. I don’t know what happened. I lost track of time and myself.”
“It isn’t your fault. Any person with human decency would have done what I did last night. I still don’t understand how nobody came to your aid before.”
“I know.” I fold the towel as we finish drying the dishes. “What do we do about Bryce?”
“I’m going to fire him.” Something flashes in his eyes and he sighs. “I…I want to fire him.”
“You have every right to, but he’s not a bad man. Yes, he was drunk and what he did was illegal, but…before that he genuinely wanted assistance to better your company.”
“I’m prepared to do whatever you’re comfortable with. It’s just that with Marcus…”
“What about Marcus?”
“We have this…” Giulio rubs the back of his neck and begins shaking his head. “What do you want to happen to Bryce at work? How about we call the police and report him?”
“I don’t want him fired or reported. I think he deserves another chance to prove himself.”
“But he was trying to persuade you. He was making advances, and if I hadn’t gotten there when I did…god knows what would have happened. I know he was drunk, but that isn’t a reason. Seeing you like that last night…it ruined me. If you don’t want him fired, I can suspend him until your contract ends. Whatever you want to happen, I’ll see it through.”
I shake my head. “That will only prove he’s winning. I’m not scared of seeing him.”
“Are you positive?”
“Positive.”
Giulio blows out an unconvinced sigh. “Okay. If that’s what you really want, but I want you to think about it. There’s always time to change your mind. Always. I’ll talk to him this morning.”
“Thank you.” I stay on track with our conversation, appreciating that for once we’re dissecting something without restraint. “I decided to drink. Everything would have been different if
