Except he didn’t. Not really. I put him in an impossible situation.
When I hatched this plan, it was straightforward in my mind.
Find a man.
Give up my virginity.
Exert a little autonomy before being handed over like property.
Cristian was the obvious choice.
Handsome.
Strong.
Decent.
Loyal.
I figured he would be kind, would make it good for me.
What I never accounted for was the way my heart thunders as he holds me.
The comfort I feel in his embrace that goes beyond physical attraction.
The way his promise to protect me makes me want to cry all over again.
I close my eyes, trying to collect myself.
This was supposed to be simple, a transaction of sorts.
Pleasure exchanged, virginity disposed of, a small victory claimed before my surrender.
When did it become something else?
When did Cristian become something more than a means to an end?
"I don't know what to do," I admit, feeling lost. "Although, there is nothing I can do.”
His arms tighten around me. "I know," he murmurs against my hair. "I’ve tried to come up with a plan but… It’s fucking frustrating."
And just like that, I realize I'm in serious danger of falling for Cristian Bonetti.
I step back, suddenly aware of my state of undress beneath the thin silk robe.
Not that it matters now.
He’s already touched me intimately.
"I'm sorry for putting you in this position," I say, pulling the robe tighter around me so he doesn’t think I’m going to throw myself at him again. "For teasing you, making things impossible for you. That wasn't fair."
A hint of a smile touches his lips. "If we're being honest, I didn't entirely mind the teasing."
Heat floods my cheeks. "Yes, you did.”
He shrugs. “Only because of the situation.”
I nod. “I was selfish. I was thinking about what I wanted without considering what it would cost you."