I bit my lip.
He chewed another mouthful, wiping his lips with his napkin. "Walking into my office, telling my team to go eat dinner you prepared for them. Without asking my permission to speak to them. Then demanding I eat. Very brazen of you." He quirked his eyebrow, letting me know, he was in no way angry. "Very astonishing."
"You are my husband. It is my job to look after you. No matter how hard you resist."
He shook his head. "I have no desire to resist." He leaned forward, pressing his lips to mine. "I am, in fact, delighted with your show of bravery."
"Oh?"
He kissed me again, this time with more force. "I am rather turned on by this side of you, my Evie."
"Oh," I repeated.
He glanced at the tray. "Did you bring dessert?"
"No. The tray was too full."
He pursed his lips and nodded sagely. "Well then, I suppose I will have to improvise." His eyes darkened as he studied me. "Eat your dinner. You will need your energy for what I have in mind for after."
"After?" I whispered, suddenly no longer hungry.
"I have a craving for dessert. One only you can ease."
"Your team?" I breathed out, desire coursing through me at his veiled words.
"Will not return until I tell them to." He leaned forward, pressing his lips to my throat. "I believe I will let them enjoy a long"—kiss—"leisurely"—kiss—"meal."
He sat back, a wicked grin on his face. "I know I intend to."
I began to place my bowl on the table, but he stopped me with a smile. "Eat. Trust me, you'll need it."
He rose and went to a bar in the corner. He poured some brandy into a snifter, and walked toward me, swirling the contents in the glass as he watched me. I finished my bowl, setting it on the table. Silently, he offered me the tumbler, and I sipped the decadent liquor, then handed him back the glass. He drank the rest and sank to his knees in front of me. He tugged on his tie, pulling it over his head.
"I think we should try something different."
My heartbeat skyrocketed. "Okay."
"Do you trust me?"
I didn't hesitate. "Yes."
"Close your eyes."
I did as he requested, then felt him slip his tie over my eyes, tightening the silky fabric to my head. He pressed his mouth to mine. "How you please me, Evie," he murmured against my lips.
I whimpered as he slipped his fingers down the front of my blouse, unhurriedly unbuttoning the fabric. "I love undressing you. It's like unwrapping a precious gift." He tugged open my blouse, tracing the lace of my camisole with his finger and making me shiver. "I never know what I will find."
He had confessed his love of lingerie while we were on our honeymoon. When we returned, I had spent a small fortune on wispy scraps of lace he loved to pull from my body. I already had replaced several pieces. Tonight, though, he tugged down the cups, pushing my breasts over the top. Locked in darkness, I cried out softly when his lips closed over my nipple, tugging hard.
"I love how responsive you are."
He hooked his fingers into my waistband, removed my pants and lacy thong in one swift move. His hands clasped the top of my thighs, spreading me wide. I whimpered as his hot breath drifted across my aching center.
"Dessert," he murmured. "Evie flavored honey dripping down my throat. My favorite."
I moaned as his mouth covered my clit, sucking gently. He played and teased with his tongue, and my hand flew to his head, holding him close, the pleasure intense.
He slid his hands under my ass cheeks, pulling me up and close, flinging my legs over his shoulders. He buried his face between my thighs and began fucking me with his mouth. He used his tongue and teeth to tease and suck. Nip and lick. He slid his fingers inside, thrusting them deeply, taking me to the edge fast. Unable to see, all I could do was feel. How warm his mouth felt on me, how his tongue slid against my sensitive core, the way his fingers curled inside me.
I exploded, clamping my hand over my mouth to stifle my screams. Before I had a chance to recover, Matteo yanked me forward and buried himself inside me. It sent me back over the edge, and in only a few strokes, he followed. His ragged breaths were loud in my ear.
"What you do to me, wife. Only you."
I stroked the back of his neck. "Good."
He pulled his tie off my eyes, and blinking, I met his gaze.
"You have no idea how much I needed that. Needed you."
I smiled shyly. "Glad I helped."
"I think I'll send my men home. We can reconvene in the morning."
"You don't have to—"
He silenced me with his mouth. "But I do. I'm not finished with you yet. Not by a long shot. I'm taking you upstairs."
"Well then, by all means."
We separated and dressed, exchanging grins and long glances.
He picked up the tray. "You go and run a bath. I'll dismiss them and be up to join you shortly."
"The kitchen…"
"I assure you, once they tasted your stew, they devoured everything you had made, and knowing Mark, the kitchen has been tidied." He looked at his watch with a chuckle. "It wouldn't surprise me if I found they were already gone."
"They would do that?"
He caressed my cheek. "Evie, we're men. I have never taken a supper break. The first time I ever took a lunch break was because of you. I think given the length of time I've had the door shut, they figured it out, and Mark would have told them to leave."
My cheeks flushed, and Matteo smirked.
"Don't be embarrassed, my wife. Hold your head up and show them who you are." He lifted my hand to his lips. "My everything, my brave wife."
I contemplated his words, then swept past him and up the stairs. His low laughter followed me until I rounded the corner on the top landing, then I began to giggle.
I hurried to our room and began to prepare the bath, already planning tomorrow's act of bravery.
12
Evie
The next morning, I made a tray of muffins, brewed a pot of coffee, and let myself into the room used by Lara, Lila, and Sonya. I was early because Matteo was up and gone before the crack of dawn, although this morning, he hadn't left without a lingering kiss and a whispered, "I love you."
I sat at the empty desk beside the spot I knew Sonya worked at every day. When the door opened a short time later, I looked up to see her falter as she entered. Vince followed her, offering me one of his wide smiles. "Hey, Evie."
"Hello, Vince."
Sonya crossed to her desk, tugging off her jacket. She wore a long-sleeved shirt and dark pants. Her hair was swept into a long ponytail. She was beautiful, but looked upset as she sat down; her dark eyes, so much like Matteo's, regarding me nervously.
"Hello, Sonya."
She nodded. "Evie."
"I'll leave you ladies to it. Okay, Sonya?" Vince asked softly.
She hesitated, then sighed. "Yes."
"I'll be back later. Wait, are those muffins?"
I chuckled. "There’s a basket of them in the kitchen."
He rubbed his hands together. "I am off then. See you later."
He closed the door, and for minutes, the room was silent. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore.
"How are you today, Sonya?"
"I-I'm good. How are you settling in?"
I huffed out a big breath. "I would be lying if I said it was all good. It's an adjustment."
"Is Matteo being difficult?"
The question surprised me. "No, it's an adjustment for him as well. He is trying to help me."
I lifted the coffee pot, pouring us each a cup, adding cream and sugar, and offering one to her. She accepted it with a smile. "You know how I like my coffee?"
"I asked Matteo." I picked up the muffins. "He said blueberry were your favorite."
She took one, biting it, and closing her eyes. "These are so good. Thank you." She ate a few mouthfuls, then set the muffin on her desk.
"Evie, I know you're married to my brothe
r, and I know I've not been welcoming. I'm sorry."
I shook my head. "I'm not here to make you feel bad, Sonya. I was hoping to get to know you a little more. Perhaps become friends."
"I-I'm not very comfortable with new people."
I sighed. "I know, and if you prefer that I go, I will. But you're my sister-in-law now, so I'd like to get to know you."
She studied me for a moment, then smiled. "I can't believe Matteo got married."
I smiled in return. "I wasn't exactly on his radar, and he certainly wasn't on mine." I leaned forward, earnest. "I love him, Sonya. Somehow, it was meant to be. I thought he was going to kill me, but he saved me. And I fell in love with him."
"And he with you. He talks about you all the time when he comes to see me."
"He does?"
"Yes." She sighed. "I know you know my story. I appreciate how patient you have been with me, but I would like to get to know you."
I couldn't hide my delight. "Really?"
"Yes." She bit her lip, then spoke again. "I know Matteo isn't an easy man to love. He became what he did because of me. I owe him everything."
"He doesn't regret his choices. He loves you very much."
"I know. He and Vince watch over me so well. I know I'm not in any danger. I have an extremely sheltered life, but that is my choice. I'm happy and content. Matteo has denied himself all these years. He's been missing something, and I think he finally discovered it when he found you. However you met, whatever the circumstances, you make my brother very happy, so I would like to try to get to know you." She smiled, looking shy. "You must be very special for Matteo to love you as he does."
She reached out and covered my hand. I noticed she shook slightly, but I patted her hand with mine. "Thank you, Sonya. It means a great deal to me, and I know it will to Matteo as well."
"Are you going to join us here?"
"I would like to—at least some of the time. I like looking after the house and Matteo."
"I'm glad. He needs that. I'll look forward to you being here more."
Lila and Lara walked in, seeming shocked to see me.
"Evie!"
"Hi, Lila. Good morning, Lara. Sonya and I were having coffee. Would you like some?"
"Yes."
"Lara?"
"Please!"
Sonya lifted the basket. "She made muffins too. I was just going to tell her more about what it is we do here."
Lila met my eyes with a small smile. She accepted a muffin and sat next to me.
"Go ahead, Sonya."
The kitchen door swung open, and Matteo strode in. His pace was fast, his face wreathed in smiles as he approached me. Before I could react, he swept me off my feet, kissing me hard. Wrapped in his arms, feeling his adoration radiating from his kiss, I was caught up in his passion, returning his kiss as fiercely as he gave it to me.
He pulled back, leaning his forehead onto mine. "Evie, my wife, you wonderful girl. I love you."
"Why?" I whispered, my lips still feeling the possessive touch of his.
"What you did. Going to see Sonya. Making the effort." He leaned back, his eyes glowing in delight. "You have no idea. Thank you."
"I wanted to try. You did last night, so it was my turn today."
"I don't deserve you."
"Yes, you do."
He cupped my cheek. "So brave again. I like it."
"I'm going to see Mrs. Armstrong this afternoon."
A slight frown creased his forehead. "Can you do it next week?"
"You mean after Wednesday?"
His frown grew.
"I heard you last night, Matteo. I would like to see her today, but if you prefer me to wait, I will."
"No, Mark will accompany you. There is already someone stationed by her room, so it's fine. I just hate letting you out of my sight."
"I'll be careful. I won't leave Mark's side."
"You can't go yet."
I frowned. "But I sent you lunch. Did Mark not give it to you?"
"Yes, he did."
"You're still hungry? I can make you something else."
He lifted me to the counter, pushing himself between my legs. "I'm hungry all right. I want dessert." He slid his hand up my thigh. "I want you for dessert."
I draped my arms over his shoulders, feeling a rush of desire. "Oh."
His lips dragged along my cheek, ghosting to my ear. "I'm starving for you."
He bit down on my lobe, tugging the tender flesh with his teeth. "Say it, Evie. Tell me what I want to hear."
"I want you," I pleaded, pushing on his jacket.
"What do you want me to do?"
He knew I was still shy, but he loved it when I talked dirty to him.
"I want you to…taste me."
He yanked my panties down my legs, spreading them wide.
"And then?"
"Fuck me, Matteo. I want you to fuck me." I inhaled. "Hard."
He dropped to his knees. "I love it when you get bossy."
My head fell back as his mouth covered my aching center.
I loved being bossy.
Mrs. Armstrong smiled at me, still looking pale and weak.
"Evie, dear, you look well."
I kissed her cheek, placing the flowers I had brought on her bedside table.
"I am. Matteo sends his love."
She sighed. "I miss you both—so much."
I patted her hand. "We know. But the important thing is for you to get well again."
"I'm not sure I'll ever be able to return."
"Hush," I soothed her. Matteo already knew what her doctor's opinion was about her recovery. She would never work again. "We will figure something out." I stood and fluffed her pillows. "How about I get some tea?"
"I would love that. You can tell me everything I'm missing."
I spent some time making up funny stories about things at the house. She loved the ones I told about learning how to make pasta with Mark, and the mess I created when I dropped the bag of flour. When she grew tired, I rose from my chair.
"I will let you rest, but I will be back soon. Perhaps Matteo can come with me."
She patted my cheek. "You are such a dear girl." She held up her hand. "Oh, wait. I need my purse."
I opened the drawer and handed it to her. She reached in and withdrew a set of keys and a transponder. "My car and house keys and pass to get in the gate. I am sure Mr. Campari needs them back."
I took them, turning the transponder over, running my finger over the piece of tape.
"Oh," she whispered. "Don't tell them. I could never remember the password to get back in, so I wrote it on that piece of tape. Pull it off before you give it to him."
Chuckling, I kissed her cheek. "I will."
She sighed and closed her eyes. "Thank you for coming, dear."
"You're welcome."
I slipped the keys and transponder into my purse then went into the hall.
Mark stood. "Are you ready, Evie?"
"Yes. I need to make a stop, if that is all right. Only a quick one."
He nodded. "Of course. Mr. Campari said to take you wherever you wanted to go." He winked. "As long as you came home quickly to him."
I returned his grin.
13
Evie
That night, I relaxed in the tub, the steam swirling around me. The sound of our bedroom door opening made me sit up. Matteo's tired face appeared around the door.
"Room in there for one more?"
"Always."
He came in, shrugging off his shirt. He undid his belt, allowing his pants to drop to the floor, leaving him in only his boxers. I watched as he tugged them down his thighs and stepped away from the pile of clothes. He stopped to pull his watch from his wrist and caught me studying him in the mirror.
"Like what you see, my wife?"
I slid forward, making room for him. I smiled as he walked toward the tub.
"Very much so."
He slid in, wrapping his arms around me, bringing me tight t
o his chest. He dropped his face to my neck.
"So brazen you are these days."
I giggled as he teased my skin with his tongue.
With a sigh, he leaned back, taking me with him.
"I have longed to be close to you all day, Evie."
I traced his hands, toying with his ring. "Are you all right, Matteo?"
"I will be."
I knew what he was telling me without words. Tomorrow was the day they were moving against their latest target. I knew nothing, expect it was huge, and Matteo was very worried about it. He didn't like to talk about what he did, and I didn't try to push him.
"Will you be gone long?"
"Two days, maybe three." His arms tightened around me. "Evie, you must promise to stay here while I'm gone. Lila, Lara, and Sonya will be staying here. Geo will join them when he isn't at work. There will be security and you will be safe, but I must have your word you will not leave."
Lila had already warned me that would happen. She said every time they were gone for a longer than normal period, they all stayed in the safety of the house. "I know, Matteo. I made sure I had everything we would need. I won't leave, I promise."
He pressed a kiss to my head. "Thank you."
"I need your promise as well."
"Oh? What promise might that be?"
I turned and met his dark gaze.
"That you will come home safe to me, Matteo. I need you. I love you."
His eyes softened and he cupped my cheek. "I will, Evie. We are ready, and once we shut down these lowlifes, I will come home to you. I will be back as fast as I can."
"I know."
"I have never had someone to return to until now. Until you."
"I will always be here."
He kissed me, his mouth hard and possessive. After a few moments he rose, lifting me with him. He stepped out of the tub, water cascading off our skin, hitting the floor like raindrops. He laid me on our bed, hovering over me.
"I love you," he murmured.
I reached for him, pulling him down to me, needing to feel his weight on me. Needing to feel him.
"I love you, Matteo."
Take Me to Bed: A Collection of Naughty Bedtime Stories Page 44
