He moves up to my collarbone and I have to swallow hard at the sensation. I sneak a glance at him and he's not unaffected either. Marcello tends to both of my arms before getting ready to move to my back.
I grab his hand, suddenly remembering what he's about to see.
"It's not pretty." I whisper, but slowly turn my back to him.
I'm afraid at his reaction. I can't see it, but I can tell he's shocked by his immediate intake of breath.
"Lina..." his voice is soft, his breath almost touching my skin. Then I realize how close he is to me.
"Mar..." I trail off when I feel his lips on my back, right where my scar begins. He starts tracing the contour of the scar with his lips, and my eyes tear up.
"You're beautiful, Lina. So, so beautiful." His voice is like a balm to my heart. There's this warmth... I don't think I've ever felt like this before. This emotion, bigger than life, expands in my chest and seeks to get out. I tense, painfully gripping the edge of the tub.
Dear Lord, what is this feeling?
The sponge touches my skin again, and Marcello continues with his ministrations. By the time he's done I'm breathing hard, and I don't know whether it's from the steam in the water or...
He brings me a towel and helps me out, cocooning me. He takes me back to the bed.
"Thank you. For this." He takes my hand and brings it to his lips for a light kiss.
As I look into his eyes, I find myself hypnotized.
"Don't leave. Stay with me, please."
"Lina, you have no idea what you're asking."
"I do... I want this. I want you."
For the first time, I want to be in control of what happens with my body. And God do I want him. He's all that's kind and good and I don't even know what I've done to deserve him.
He's simply everything.
My fingers caress his cheek and I lean forward to lay a kiss on his lips, wanting to show him how much I want this.
"Are you sure?" He asks me, his voice barely above a whisper.
I nod.
"Please."
His hand comes up my neck and he cups my jaw, drawing me into his kiss. I part my lips to allow him inside, my tongue seeking his.
I fall back on the bed, taking him with me. My towel's hanging open, and I try to fit my body to his, wanting to feel closer.
His hands start tracing down my ribcage and I shiver from the feather-like touch.
"Do you have protection?" I suddenly remember to ask. I know he's said he wants children in the future, but I don't want to assume he meant in the near future.
He lifts his head for a fraction, his pupils so dilated his eyes are almost back.
"No." He pauses. "But I'm clean. I haven't been with anyone in over a decade." His words surprise me. I'd never imagined a man like Marcello would be celibate for that long. But given his problem with touch... I see how that might impact things. And it makes me feel incredibly honored he's sharing this part of himself with me.
"Me neither." I reply. "I've never made love before." I blush at the words and instinctively I lower my head in embarrassment. Technically, I can't even say I've had sex before... not with how my first and only time went, or how little I remember of it.
"Hey," He tips my head up. "I've never made love either. I may have been with others before, but it wasn't... pleasant." A small grimace appears on his face. "So this is a first for both of us, ok?"
"Ok." I barely breathe the word out before his mouth is on mine once more. He kisses me for what seems like forever before he moves up, trailing kisses all over my face – my nose, my temples, my forehead.
"I can pull out. I know there is still a risk but..."
"No, don't. I want you, all of you." I want to be his and I want him to be mine. Any children we may have would be nothing but a blessing.
His expression softens at my words and he regales me with the most precious smile I've ever seen. My heart is about to burst in my chest.
Marcello lifts himself up and before I can protest he removes his shirt. I may have seen his torso before, but I'd been trying very hard not to stare. Now I can look to my heart's content. He takes my hand and spreads it onto the plane of his stomach, urging me to touch him. I move tentatively at first, exploring the hard ridges of his stomach, the strong feel of his skin – so different than mine. Just as I'm gaining more confidence, he stops me, placing a last kiss on my knuckles before spreading me on the bed.
His mouth is everywhere, and the sensation is overwhelming. A whimper escapes my lips when he reaches my breasts, sucking a nipple in his mouth. Is this how it's supposed to be done? The thought immediately goes out the window as he plays my body like a maestro. He touches and I respond. But then he goes lower, over my stomach, leaving a trail of kisses in his wake. And lower, until...
That can't be right, can it?
His breath fans over my most private place and I start shivering again. He parts my thighs to accommodate his shoulders.
"Marcello!" His name on my lips starts as a question, but as his tongue meets my flesh it ends on an exclamation.
I'm partially scandalized, partially intrigued.
"God, Lina, you taste so good. Better than I could have ever imagined."
He's kissing me slowly, savoring me and bringing me to the brink of oblivion. Of their own accord, my hands get tangled in his hair, urging him on.
He captures a spot between his teeth and he alternates between sucking and nibbling, each action making me lose control of my limbs.
"Oh, Marcello... that feels..." I gasp.
Like a crescendo, he stimulates my body until it starts spasming, ending in a blissful symphony.
My eyes burst wide open, wonder filling my entire being.
I think I heard angels sing.
But then I come down, my hands grasping onto Marcello's arms and holding tight. My breathing is labored as I ask.
"What was that?" I huff out, feeling languid but amazed at the same time.
"The most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life." He replies, tenderness in his eyes.
He moves back and raises himself long enough to take off his pants and underwear.
And he's... naked.
I want to shield my eyes, heat travelling up my neck once again.
Sensing my reaction, Marcello touches my face softly.
"We can stop if you want."
"No." I shake my head vigorously. I want this. It's just the first time I'm seeing...
I force myself to look at him. It's Marcello. My darling Marcello. There's nothing to be afraid of. I focus my gaze on his chest, and then slowly, I let it wander downward, towards the v of his stomach, and to the hard length twitching in my direction.
"That can't possibly fit!" I unconsciously blurt out, my eyes wide in horror. I know how this works, and there is no way that thing will fit inside of me. Lord, it must be the length of my forearm. Remembering the pain from last time I instinctively back away.
"It will fit, I promise you." Marcello says, and taking my hand, he lowers it between my legs.
"Feel this? How wet you are for me?" My fingers dip inside my slick folds and I realize what he means. If he weren't so smug about it, I'd be feeling embarrassed by the amount of dampness I encounter.
He moves closer to me, replacing my fingers with his own, stroking me up and down. "You're so soaked, you're going to take me inside of you like the good girl you are." His voice is so smooth I can't help but nod.
It's like I'm in a trance as I open my arms and legs, inviting him in.
He blankets me with his body and I can feel that part of him close to my center.
"Relax, don't be afraid. I'll take care of you." Marcello whispers in my hair, his fingers tracing my cheek.
I gulp down on my anxiety.
"I'm not afraid. Not with you."
Never with you.
He enters me slowly. There's no pain as he surges forward and stretches me.
"Oh!" I wrap my legs around his back, tilting my pelvis
forward and taking him even deeper.
It's... wonderful.
"Fuck!" He mutters. "You feel so good, Lina. You were made for me." He rasps against my ear. Once he's fully seated he pauses, letting me accommodate to his size.
"Tell me I can move." He voice is pained and I see how tense he is.
"Please!" I urge him, wrapping my hands around his back and bringing his chest in contact with my breasts. The added friction is delicious as we move together.
My hands roam around his back, and I notice some indentations, not unlike my own. I don't get to dwell on that though, as he retreats and enters me again.
A moan escapes me.
"I never knew..." I start, tightening my arms around him, seeking his mouth.
"Lina..." Marcello groans and kisses me hungrily, all the while moving inside of me.
He picks up speed and I feel something build inside me. It's like before but not quite.
"Ah, I..." He seems to know what I need, because he moves one hand between our bodies and lightly strokes that nub. The effect is almost immediate.
I clench onto him, feeling everything at once.
It's too much.
"Fuck, I'm coming!"
A few thrusts later and a warm liquid coats my insides.
Marcello collapses on top of me.
"Shit!" He curses and rolls us over so that I'm on top of him. "I didn't crush you, did I?"
The tenderness in his eyes swallows me whole, and I can only shake my head.
"Perfect... so perfect." I murmur.
My lids feel heavy, and the safety of knowing Marcello is by my side lulls me to sleep.
So perfect...
Chapter Nineteen
I WAKE UP WITH A WARM body next to me. For a second panic sets in at the unfamiliar contact. But then I remember who it is, and what happened the night before.
Opening my eyes, I see Lina's head burrowing in the crook of my shoulder. Her hand is moving up and down on my chest, and one leg is hanging on top of me. She looks so peaceful in her sleep... so lovely.
I take a deep breath, relishing the moment.
A few months ago I'd have never believed I would be able to touch another woman again. And now... I've spent the night with someone.
And she's not just anyone. This is Catalina... the woman I've dreamed about for the last ten years. The one that got away...
Slowly, I lift my hand and caress her hair, breathing in her scent. I wish I could stop the time right now. If only we could live like this forever...
She shifts in her sleep, turning around and thrusting her ass into me, rubbing herself on my leg.
Bringing my hand to my forehead I have to stifle a groan. I'm already hard as hell and she probably doesn't even realize what she's doing. Last night had been... I don't even have the words to describe the entire experience. I hadn't dared to hope that she'd welcome me into her bed... or into her body anytime soon.
I'd been completely honest with her when I told her I'd never made love to a woman before. Everything had been just as new for me too. From the feel of her skin against mine, to the sound of her moans and the look of her coming. I felt like an addict being introduced to a new substance. Her lips slightly parted, her channel gripping me tight. The way she'd tentatively touched me.
I shut my eyes tightly, feeling the guilt of my actions assault me.
I didn't deserve it... any of it. And yet I took what was not mine to take. So greedy, so insatiable I'd been for her touch that I made myself forget everything. In that moment there had been just us. No past, no mistakes. Just two people feeling deeply for each other.
At least I assumed that's how she feels. Catalina is not the type of person who'd go to bed with someone she didn't care for. And that's the biggest gift of them all – her affection. I don't dare call it love because...
I shake my head slightly at the thought, melancholy setting over me. I'm not someone she should love, but I'll take any scrapes she can spare. If she only knew how deep my feelings run for her. I turn my head and take in her sleeping form. Lina has no idea just how much I love her. She doesn't even remember me. Yet, I do. That one act of kindness is forever etched in my soul.
"Mhmm..." She murmurs sleepily, stretching next to me. Slowly, she lifts her head, a dreamy smile on her face. She seeks the warmth of my body, her face nuzzling my cheek.
Fuck!
I thought I could control myself. My cock is rock hard, and her innocent touches aren't helping. I don't even think she realizes the way she's pushing her tits into my chest, or the fact that her leg is suddenly near my throbbing erection.
"Lina," I groan, the sensations killing me.
My hand goes to her leg, intending to move it a little. But the moment my palm fits itself to her thigh, I can't help myself.
"Lina?" I ask, my hand creeping up towards her ass.
"Marcello?" Her voice is soft, barely audible. "Mhmmm..." She whimpers when I cup her ass.
"Are you sore?" My finger dips between her globes and towards her pussy. She moans when I enter her lightly, and she pushes herself onto my finger, taking me deeper inside.
"No," her voice is breathy as I work my digit in and out of her. I use my thumb to glide over her clit, circling it faster and faster until I feel her trembling. Her walls tighten around my finger and I turn my attention to her face, watching her surrender to her orgasm.
"I..." She stammers as she comes down from her high. A smile stretches across my face. For all my days I'll remember this moment. The fact that I gave her pleasure.
Her tiny hand starts moving down my chest, and she wraps it around my cock, or as much as she can around my girth.
"Is this ok?" She looks up at me, her eyes wide and full of innocent interest.
I open my mouth to respond to her, but she suddenly tightens her grip and moves down. A strained sound escapes me.
"Lina..."
"What do I do?"
I cover her hand with mine and move it up and down, from base to tip. She's focused on getting it right, her teeth nibbling at her lip, her brows creased.
The more she teases me the more I feel my control snapping.
I stop her.
"Did I do something wrong?" Her voice is small as she asks.
"No, no. I want to be inside you when I come." I turn towards her and tuck a strand behind her ear.
"Ok." She gives me a tentative smile, and I try my hardest not to turn her on her back and fuck her like a madman.
I move her on top of me, one leg on each side. She looks confused as she settles against my cock. I can feel how wet she is as she grinds against my pelvis. Gripping my cock with one hand I position it at her entrance. She lowers herself slowly onto me until she's taken me to the hilt.
"Oh." She whimpers, her palms on my pecs.
Lina wiggles her ass a little and my head falls back at the sensation.
"Yes, just like that." I praise her, helping her move up and down.
Soon she finds her own pace, and she starts riding me as if we've done this a thousand times in the past.
I like watching her like this. In control. Taking me.
My arm sneaks around her waist and I bring her closer to my torso, my mouth seeking her neck. I trail wet kisses all along her jaw before I take her mouth.
She increases the speed, her hands clutching tightly at my hair. She's about to come. I can feel it in the urgency of her movements, the intensity of her kisses.
Her walls clamp down on my cock and I hold her as she shudders.
"Fuck!" I mutter and I turn her on her back, my hands on her ass as I thrust faster into her, chasing my own orgasm.
"Marcello." She moans, her head thrown back, her mouth agape. "I..." She trails off and she comes again as I empty myself inside of her.
"Lord!" Lina tries to regain her breath and I collapse next to her.
AFTER WE'VE BOTH SHOWERED, we head down to breakfast. Surprisingly, Venezia and Claudia are already in the living room. Venezia is si
tting down dutifully on the edge of the couch and Claudia is playing with her hair.
"And what are you doing there, little troublemaker?" Lina stops next to the pair, observing Claudia's work.
"I'm trying a style I saw on the internet. I'm not very good though. I don't know how you always do it, mamma." Claudia frowns, her hands moving in Venezia's hair, folding and twisting.
"Show me what you're going for."
Claudia takes out her phone and gives it to Lina.
"Hmm, I think you should have parted it this way." She moves in and takes a comb, helping them.
They are both focused on what they're doing. Venezia patiently withstands their ministrations as they go about trying and failing and then trying again.
"I'm glad to see you two getting along." I note, taking a seat in front of her.
"It's... nice." Venezia reluctantly admits, biting her lip. She's probably amazed herself with this easy surrender.
But even I have to recognize that she's slowly changed. Ever since Catalina had come to live with us, she's come out of her shell a little. She's no longer that bratty and rude.
"Mrs. Evans praised your progress." I add and the change in her expression is immediate. At first there's shock, and then there's pleasure.
"She did?"
"She said you are taking your lessons seriously, and that you'll catch up in no time if you continue."
"That's nice of her, I guess." She lowers her head, but Claudia pulls a strand of her hair, making her yelp a little in pain.
"Sorry." Claudia apologizes.
I expect Venezia to snap. At least that's what old Venezia would do. Instead she just gives a brisk nod.
"I want you to know that as long as you put in your effort and get your GED, you're free to go to any college you want."
"You mean that?" She seems surprised, and it makes me feel bad because I haven't been able to properly communicate my expectations.
"Of course. You can become anything you want." I add, and Catalina gives me a nod of approval.
"Thank you... wow. That means a lot."
"Me too!" Claudia interjects.
I raise my eyebrows at her.
"And what do you want to become?"
"A lawyer." She beams. "Like you."
Morally Blasphemous: A Dark Mafia Romance (Morally Questionable Book 2) Page 21