Kidnapping His Bride

by Karen Erickson

  He would make this good for her. He had to. She deserved no less.

  Cat wrapped her legs around his hips, anchoring her to him, and he rubbed against her, his cock nudging her sex, bathing the tip in her wetness. Closing his eyes tight, he breathed deep, afraid he’d push forward and plow into her like some untamed beast.

  “You feel so good,” she whispered near his ear, just before she bit it. “I want to know what it’s like to have you inside me, Rafe. Please. Please show me now.”

  Christ. She was going wild for him and she hadn’t a clue what she was doing. How her innate reactions were driving him on. Making him want to forget all thoughts of being careful and in control.

  Reaching for the bedside table, he opened the drawer and dug around inside, pulling out a condom. He reared up on his knees, watching her move restlessly as he tore open the wrapper and rolled the condom on his aching cock.

  “You’re beautiful,” she whispered, staring at him unabashedly. “And rather…large.”

  He burst out laughing, pleased with her frank assessment. There was a hint of fear lurking in her gaze, but it seemed overshadowed by lust, and he went with that. Hoping like hell he didn’t hurt her too badly.

  Because he would hurt her—he’d heard that enough from those he knew who’d taken virgins. It was a painful process, but one that was necessary, so at the very least he could be careful and take his time when he first entered her.

  Damn. He couldn’t wait to be inside her and make her truly his.

  “Cat.” She met his gaze when he said her name, a little smile curving her swollen lips. Unable to resist, he kissed her, pleased at how easily she opened for him. “The first time I push inside…I’m going to hurt you.”

  She slowly shook her head. “I don’t care. It’ll be a good pain.”

  He frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “The pain will signify that I gave myself to you completely. That I belong to you.” She ran her hands up his chest, brushing over his nipples, and he released a shuddering breath. “I can’t wait to truly belong to you, Rafe.”

  That did it. All this talk of taking and possessing and belonging was his undoing. He gripped the base of his cock and guided himself as carefully as he could toward her entry, slipping just the head inside her, wanting to let her grow used to the feel of him. She sank her teeth into her lower lip, her eyes shuttering closed, and he stared at her for a moment, overcome by her beauty.

  Overcome by the fact that this woman was his.

  She sucked in a harsh breath, her hips lifting, which sent him inside her a few inches deeper. Her eyes flew open and met his, and he saw the pain etched across her face.

  “You’re so big, it hurts,” she whispered, wiggling beneath him, a whimper escaping her when he sunk deeper. “Please, Rafe. Get it over with.”

  Shit. Get it over with? He didn’t want their first experience to be like this. “Cat, I swear I don’t want to hurt you…”

  “Stop.” She rested her hand on his cheek, her fingers smoothing over his skin. “It’s not that. I just—I want you to push inside me. Quick. Get the painful part of this experience over with.”

  Sweat dripped on his brow as he restrained himself. Her touch, the heat of her body, the wet velvet sensation of her mysterious depths was nearly doing him in and he wasn’t even all the way inside her. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes.” She nodded, smiling despite the pain. “Please. Do it.”

  He rocked into her, sliding deeper, deeper still, until he couldn’t go any farther. She bit her lips, her eyes squeezing shut as she tried to stifle her cries, but it was no use. The agonized sound that tore out of her ripped his heart.

  Pushing her hair away from her forehead, he cradled her, not moving, wanting her to adjust to him being fully inside her. She shifted beneath him, her inner walls constricting around his length, and the familiar tingling at the base of his spine was already forming, threatening he could orgasm at any moment.

  If they kept this up, he’d be coming like an untried boy. Ending this experience before it ever really began.

  No way he could let that happen.

  “Are you all right?” he asked.

  Cat opened her eyes, at the same moment spreading her legs, accommodating him further, and they both moaned at the sensation.

  “Yes,” she finally whispered as he began to move inside her. “Oh yes.”

  He withdrew almost completely out before surging back inside, keeping his pace slow, keeping his gaze locked on her expressive face. Her every emotion, every reaction was there for him to see and enjoy. The tension in her forehead, around her eyes, eased with his every slow thrust, until he knew she was experiencing nothing but true pleasure.

  And God yes, so was he. So much pleasure he was almost consumed with it. He didn’t want to go too fast, didn’t want it to end too soon, but he was anxious to rush to the end, anxious to come with Cat and hopefully bring her to climax as well.

  Reaching between them, he touched her clit, stroked it in repetitive circles that had her straining her hips, a throaty groan escaping her as he pushed deep, increasing his pace.

  Damn it, he was close. Hopefully so was she.

  “Come for me, Cat,” he urged, needing her to respond.

  “Yes,” she whispered, her body frantic beneath his. “Oh God, yes.”

  And then she was crying out, her body tense beneath his before the orgasm took over her. Her entire body shook, her inner walls milking his cock, squeezing his own orgasm out of him, and he tumbled right after her, a guttural groan escaping him as he slumped over her still trembling body.

  Unfamiliar emotions overtook him as he stared down at her flushed face, reading the satisfaction there, the utter bliss in her gaze when her lids lifted and she smiled at him. That look, this woman, pleased him.

  Scared him.

  He had to do right by her and never let her out of his sight again.

  No matter what.

  Chapter Ten

  “I want you to meet my sister,” Rafe said nonchalantly over breakfast.

  The fork slipped from Cat’s fingers, clattering on the plate with a loud clang. “What?”

  He smiled, looking rather pleased with himself. He was gorgeous, sitting there with hair mussed by her fingers, his chest bare, clad in only navy blue pajama bottoms that hung low on his hips and made her want to push them off his intoxicating body so she could taste him everywhere.

  Which she’d done. Repeatedly. All earlier inhibitions had flown out the window after spending so much time with Rafe all alone.

  “We’ve been in this delicious little cocoon long enough, don’t you think? We’re flying out late tonight to return you to Italy. I’d like you to meet Stasia and her family while you’re still here and have the chance. I know she’ll adore you. I’m sure you’ll like you too.”

  Nerves ate at her, evaporating her earlier ravenous appetite. Rafe was right. The last few days they’d done nothing but hide away in his apartment, go out for a quick bite to eat or order in and stay in bed. Naked. Or in the shower, or on the couch, against the wall…

  Always naked. Making love repeatedly.

  She’d never been happier. He’d already taken her cell phone away from her, had turned his off, and they’d spent their time focused on each other. Together. Sharing stories of their past, their present, though never daring to speak of their future. Both of them too afraid to break the spell that had settled over them after their first night together. When she’d given herself so freely to him.

  Not that she regretted it, oh no. This man belonged to her just as much as she belonged to him. They were going to be married and forge a life together that would be filled with happiness and respect. The complete opposite of her parents’ marriage, the example she’d witnessed her entire life and been so desperately afraid of repeating.

  There was no chance of that happening, now that she knew Rafe so well, so quickly. She knew he was a good man, thoughtful and kind, sexy and fun. H
e made her laugh, he made her weep with pleasure, and more than anything, he made her feel cherished.

  Special. Loved.

  They hadn’t spoken those words to each other and she knew it was too soon. Far too soon for them to make such important, life changing declarations. But deep in her heart, she knew. She was halfway—if not completely—in love with him already.

  And she was fine with that. No, she was ecstatic. These last few days together were more than proof that their union was meant to be. She couldn’t wait to officially start their life together.

  “What were you thinking?” she finally asked, trying her best to sound casual. But an unmistakable tremor crept into her voice, revealing her nerves. “Meeting them for lunch or something?”

  “Exactly that.” He reached out, settled his hand over hers on the table and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t be nervous, love. Stasia is a sweetheart, her daughter will wrap you around her little finger with one cute smile and her husband is a good man. You’ll like them.”

  But would they like her? They knew of her and Rafe’s somewhat messy situation and unusual past. Most likely, his sister was aware of the estrangement the last few years that mostly came from her sister. And from what Rafe told her, Matteo had tried his best to end their arrangement as well—all to protect Rafe, though, Rafe had explained. Matteo had always been afraid Rafe was going forward with something he didn’t want to do, that he felt obligated to do.

  Exactly Cat’s fears too. To realize that Rafe wanted to be with her just as much as she wanted to be with him—albeit for different reasons then—but that they were on the same page now? It was a tremendous relief.

  “I called her,” Rafe continued, pushing away his empty plate. The man had an appetite like no other. “And she said she’d love to meet us for a late lunch. Around two, she suggested. Does that work for you?”

  Like she’d protest. “That would be fine.” She stared at her barely touched plate, wondering how she’d ever work up an appetite to eat lunch while under the scrutiny of an overprotective sister. She knew her own sister would be an absolute nightmare to deal with in a similar situation. She’d never want to subject Rafe to a meal with Annalisa, let alone a ten-minute brief meeting.

  Of course, Stasia Westmore wasn’t anything like Annalisa. And Rafe wouldn’t lie to her, would he? If he believed his sister would approve of her, then she most likely would.

  “Your worry over meeting Stasia is adorable.” Rafe lifted her hand and brought it to his mouth, dropping a soft kiss on her fingers. “After everything she’s been through, Stasia is the least judgmental person I know. If you make me happy, you’ll make her happy.”

  Her heart tightened at his words. “Do I really make you happy, Rafe?”

  He smiled, his eyes glowing as he drank her in. “That you have to ask is adorable too. What do you think? After everything we’ve shared over the last few days, do you think I’m happy?”

  “It’s been amazing,” she confessed, her voice soft as she disentangled her hand from his. “But it’s been nothing but sex. Extraordinary sex, but still. Anyone would be happy with that, I would think.” Not that she knew. This experience was completely new and foreign.

  “That’s not all it’s been between us and you know it.” He sounded irritated, which shocked her. “We’ve talked a lot. I’ve shared with you things I’ve never told anyone before, not even my brothers. And I tell those two bastards pretty much everything.”

  A small smile teased the corner of her lips. “You’re right. I’m sorry. But…is that enough? We haven’t really talked about our future or made any plans. What’s next for us? When I return to Italy, are you just dropping me off and returning here? When will we next see each other again?”

  “When do you want to see me again?”

  “Oh no.” She shook her head, pursing her lips. “I’m not falling for that trap. You need to tell me what you want to do.” She feared if she revealed too much he’d use it against her. Or worse, tell her he wasn’t interested in pursuing their relationship toward marriage, though she knew she was being completely irrational, thinking this way. She’d always feared he’d use her feelings for him against her. Her father did it to her mother all the time.

  She didn’t want to give Rafe that type of advantage.

  “All right.” He took a deep breath. “First, we’ll take you home, and you can talk with your sister and mother. Perhaps your father too, if he’s decent enough to finally show up and spend a little time with his family.” He snorted, no doubt knowing he spoke of something that had zero chance of happening.

  How she loved his irritation over her father’s deplorable behavior. She’d confessed all of Carlo Campioni’s sins, though Rafe knew many of them already. He’d immediately become her champion against her father—against her entire family.

  She wondered if he knew how much she appreciated that.

  “Then what?” she prodded.

  “I’d hope you would let your family know that our arrangement is still moving forward. And that you wouldn’t mind giving your notice to quit working at Campioni.”

  Her breath lodged in her throat, she was so overcome with what he said. He was breaking it down, everything she’d ever wanted from him, making it all a reality.

  “If you want a large wedding, I would be more than happy to give that to you, Kitty Cat. But know this. I want you to move to New York as soon as possible. I can’t stand the thought of being apart from you for too long. If I had my way, we’d be married at the courthouse downtown tomorrow afternoon.” His cheeks turned ruddy, and she wondered if he was a little embarrassed to admit his eagerness to wed her.

  His confession made her heart sing with joy. Unable to restrain herself, she lunged toward him, falling into his lap with a laugh, circling her arms around his neck so she could kiss him thoroughly. “That sounds wonderful,” she whispered against his lips after she broke the kiss.

  “What part?” he asked, nipping at her lower lip with his teeth.

  “All of it.” She licked him, a little sigh escaping her when he met her tongue with his.

  “So you want a ridiculously grand wedding?” He sounded reluctant at the idea.

  “No. Not at all. I want a ridiculously grand reception. I’d rather marry you at the courthouse.” She tried to deepen their sweet little kisses, but he pushed at her shoulder, putting some distance between them so he could study her.

  “You’re serious.”

  “Absolutely.” She nodded, her gaze never leaving his dear, handsome face. She’d grown to care so much for him over such a short amount of time. The acceleration of their relationship was frightening, but exhilarating too. It just felt so…right. “I know this has happened fast, but we’ve been promised to each other for so long, I’m not surprised. And when you know…”

  “You know,” he finished for her. “You’ve always been the one for me, even when you thought you didn’t want me at all.”

  “Yes. I realize that now.” She offered him a tremulous smile, tears threatening to fall. “I want to marry you, Rafe. I want to be with you for the rest of my life. I don’t need a grand ceremony for us to prove our fidelity to each other or even an elaborate reception. Whatever you want, I want. But I want to do it with you and only you.”

  He tightened his arms around her. “I’ll stay in Italy and help you finalize everything. Whatever personal items you need shipped to the States, how you want to handle your family, all of it, I’ll be there for you.”

  “Oh Rafe.” Happiness exploded within her, making her lightheaded. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

  “I can’t either, but I’m glad for it.” He buried his face in her hair, breathing deep. She squeezed him close, overcome with emotion for this man. “Only a few days ago you’d been ready to end it.”

  “I did end it,” she reminded him a laugh.

  “Yes. But I wouldn’t let you. I’m rather stubborn. I don’t know if you’ve realized that yet.”

>   She pulled away to study him, knowing her raw, unfiltered emotions were written all over her face for him to see. And she didn’t care in the least. “Yes, I think I’ve realized it.”

  “Good. Makes it easier to live with me, if you know what you’re dealing with.”

  They both laughed, Rafe’s hand wandering lower until it slipped under his T-shirt that she wore, his fingers grazing the bare skin of her bottom. “Naked beneath my shirt, Kitty Cat?”

  She nodded, her breath hitching when his fingers shifted to stroke between her legs, finding her damp with want. “Giving you easier access, since I’m always thinking of you.”

  “A selfless move on your part, hmm?” He sounded doubtful, which was fine.

  Wearing nothing beneath her clothes was just as much an advantage for her as it was for him.

  “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this happy,” Stasia said with a slight shake of her head. “It’s like you can’t stop smiling. And you’re usually a big grump, Rafael. Don’t deny it.”

  “Ah, thanks so much, sister dear. And I thought Matteo cornered the market on grumpy.” Nothing was going to get him down this afternoon, not even his little sister’s subtle insults. He was with the woman he was falling in love with, in a big, noisy restaurant in the middle of New York City. Watching her play with his niece, laugh at something his brother-in-law said, all the while her gaze never left pretty little Sofia.

  He wondered what she might be like as a mother.

  A wonderful one, he hadn’t a doubt. Seeing the delight in her eyes as she played with Sofia was enough to make him realize she would be perfect.

  Cat was perfect in his eyes. At this moment, the woman could do no wrong.

  “Oh, our big brother owns the market on grumpy, though my other big brother Alex could certainly challenge him for the title.” Stasia nudged his side. “You’ve been in a bit of snit these last few months, and you know it. That’s what I was referring to.”