“I’ve given you every opportunity to say you want out, and you haven’t taken it. You could have asked Zeke and Bellisia to take over, but you didn’t. Why?”
She touched her tongue to her lip, and his eyes went predatory. “I want to be with you.”
“Do you understand what being with me means, Zara? You’re almost completely healed. There’s only your feet and resting them a couple of more weeks should have you walking. Maybe not running, but at least walking, and with physical therapy you’ll be good. You don’t need me as your doctor.”
“I know.” She did. She was terrified he’d decide she only wanted to stay with him because he’d rescued her. She knew that was what Bellisia thought, but the more time she’d spent with him, the more she wanted to be with him.
“Once you’re mine, baby, there isn’t any going back, so you be damn sure I’m what you want.”
Just his voice, that soft bite, could command her complete attention no matter how quietly he spoke. A shiver went down her spine and little fingers of desire danced over her thighs.
“You are.” She felt very daring telling him, but she meant it. She wanted what she’d had these last couple of weeks, this man, solid and confident, standing by her side, or in front of her. She didn’t feel less around him, he made her feel more. “I’m certain, Gino.”
His hand cupped the side of her face, his thumb sliding along her jaw. “I’m certain as well, princess. You’re going to feel overwhelmed at times, and afraid. When you do, you come to me. You tell me what you’re thinking and feeling at all times. That’s important to me. I want to know the things that matter to you. The things you want. I’m talking about everything from household items to what you want or need in the bedroom.”
She found herself blushing, but she nodded to let him know she understood. He always seemed to want her to talk to him and when she did, he listened to her. She hoped Bellisia had that from Ezekiel. They’d had each other and Shylah at the compound, but not a single person ever listened to a word they said, or cared when they were hurting or hungry or needed anything.
She needed to make the effort to reassure Bellisia she was happy with Gino. She also needed to make the effort to get to know Ezekiel. Misunderstandings were piling up and she was certain it was her fault. She loved Bellisia. She should never have lied to her about liking to travel.
She loved her work, and truthfully, she loved talking about it with anyone interested, but she didn’t love the airports and people, the hotels and people, the strangers in the businesses. All those decisions when any moment she could say or do the wrong thing. She hated those. Bellisia would have understood. And she’d probably be more understanding of Gino as Zara’s choice. It wasn’t fair that she was expecting Bellisia to like Gino when she hadn’t even taken the time to try to get to know and like Ezekiel. She vowed to talk to Bellisia when they got back home.
“Let’s get your sarong on and get moving. I want to show you so many places in the swamp. I’ve put cushions in the boat, so hopefully you’ll be comfortable.”
“This is kind of see-through, don’t you think?” She couldn’t keep the amusement out of her voice. More than once, he’d hastily covered her up when someone came into the room and the T-shirt she was wearing had hiked up her thighs.
“It’s meant to be a bathing suit cover-up. I didn’t want you wearing the suit yet and having it press too tightly against your skin. This will hopefully make you feel covered, but still be cool enough. No one’s going to see you where we’re going.”
She hoped not, because it was really see-through. Still, it made her feel beautiful, sexy and very desirable, something she wasn’t used to, but wanted more of.
He reached for her, and helped her to stand gingerly on her feet. Pain flashed through her immediately but she stayed very still while he tied the mint, lacy sarong around her hips. It was just as thin as the blouse. She felt feminine and very sexy, but that was probably just the way Gino looked at her, not the clothes.
“Is this outfit the type of clothing you like me to wear?” Her voice sounded shaky and shy even to her.
“I love how you look right now, baby, but it’s only for me. When we’re alone together. Otherwise, you’re covering up when we go out in public. I like the clothes you wear on your trips, they’re classy.”
“I chose them,” she said, happy he liked the things she liked. The smile faded. “I like skirts. I’m kind of girly in how I like to dress.”
“I like your ‘girly’ look, Zara. You want to wear skirts, wear them, as long as they aren’t so short I want to yank you into the nearest closet and have my way with you.”
She laughed. “You’re so crazy. I like long skirts, but I wouldn’t mind going into the closet with you so I might go short if I think it would get me you.”
“You have me, Zara. Anytime you want. When we’re alone, I’d like you wearing the kinds of things I choose for you. You’re so beautiful, and I like seeing your body. You going to give that to me?”
“It will take me some time to get to know what you like, Gino, but of course.” Because who didn’t want to feel sexy? It was exciting to think he wanted her to wear sexy lingerie for him. She wanted to be able to surprise him occasionally once she learned what he liked.
“I enjoy buying them for you, baby, but you’ll get a feel for my preferences after a while. Until then we can shop together.” He gave her another smile. “I won’t mind if some of the time you go without your panties in your long, elegant skirt when you’re talking to a roomful of brainiacs. I can sit there and wonder, is she? Or isn’t she? The idea makes me hard as a fuckin’ rock.”
“You’re so crazy.” But she loved it. Loved the way he could make her feel so sexy and wanted.
“We’ve got to get moving, princess. I don’t want to wait too long. Where I’m taking you is a distance away.”
He put a tote bag with two towels sticking out of it into her arms and lifted her into his. He always cradled her close, tight against his chest. She inhaled him, taking his scent into her lungs. “I love the way you always smell.” She was used to him carrying her and she buried her face in his neck, feeling very daring when she gave into the impulse to touch her tongue to his skin, tasting him. She’d wanted to do it almost since she’d arrived at the Fontenot home, but she’d resisted.
He paused in the hallway, just outside the door to their room. “You’re going to get yourself in trouble.”
She lifted her head and looked into his eyes. “What happens when I get in trouble? Is it good or bad?”
“That depends.” He started walking again. “We’ll see what you think when it happens.”
Just for that nonanswer, she scraped her teeth along the pulse beating so steadily in his neck. It wasn’t fair. Her pulse was beating out of control, and his was as stable as a rock. She heard his breath hiss out in a long rush, but he didn’t say anything. Satisfied that she got to him and that the terrible need building in her was also wreaking havoc with him, she lifted her head to catch that first glimpse of the river stretching out in the sun.
She could understand why Nonny and her husband had chosen this spot all those years ago. Sitting on the porch, one had the view and it was breathtaking. She could be happy sitting on porch with Gino, holding hands, watching the sunset as she imagined Nonny had done with her husband.
“The land you bought, Gino, does it have river frontage?”
“Yes. It was important to have direct access to water, land and air.”
“I was thinking more of porches in the evening,” she admitted. “I guess I should think more about defending our home from Whitney and Zhu and anyone else who might come for us.”