21

Francesca

GIULIO and I watched the sunset as the yacht sailed back to Siderno. We were both quiet, lost in our thoughts.

And one thing you should know, Francesca, is that I always get what I want.

Was Fausto telling me he wanted me? That was certainly implied when he cornered me against the wall and pinned me with his body. I hadn't felt scared at that moment. Well, maybe a little, but not because I thought he would hurt me. I was afraid of my reaction to him, of how arousal pulsed between my legs with just one look from him. My nipples hardened every time he was within fifty feet, as if they were giving off some kind of warning.

Except I didn't want to run away from him. Far from it.

I thought about his hand at my throat, the heat and strength of his body as he surrounded me, and I wanted more. I wanted to drown in its darkness... and it terrified me.

I was a strong woman. Independent. I had plans for my future, like going to college and finding a normal, safe man to marry. Someone w