Page 23 of Dario

I slowly lift my head and hear Dario's groan of disagreement. "I'm not leaving you." I move to his side and keep a hand on his thigh as the paramedic cuts Dario's pant legs to get to his knees.

He cleans each one before applying bandages. His hands get the same treatment. When he is done, the cops take the place of the paramedic and ask their questions. It doesn't take long, because Dario doesn't know anything other than the direction the would-be killer ran.

When the cops leave, Knox arrives in his truck. He comes over to us and says, "I think you need a ride." I notice how he touches Dario's back in a friendly gesture, offering silent support. Dario nods gratefully, accepting the help as he gingerly stands up with assistance. Knox plays defense for the major league team. "You guys ready to get out of here?" he asks.

"Yes!" I sigh.

"You're going to be sore as hell tomorrow," Knox comments.

"Man, thanks! Just what I needed to hear."

Knox chuckles, but says seriously, "I'm glad you're both okay. If you need anything, you have my number. I mean it, Dario. Call me."

Dario swallows hard and nods. "Thanks."

In the truck, I huddle up next to Dario, needing to touch him so I know he's here with me.

Back at the apartment,Madden meets us outside while Bradford makes sure no one sneaks into their apartment.

I still have no answers as to who is after me. They want me gone, that's for sure. Their violence escalating.

I feel overwhelmed with all these people. I just want to be alone with Dario. He sighs and falls onto the sofa, his muscles aching from being thrown across the parking lot. Mine ache from almost drowning. We're a right pair.

Dario looks at me and holds out a hand before patting the cushion next to him. I freeze. "I need the bathroom." I hurry into his bedroom and then hide in the bathroom. It's all too much. I grab the sink in front of me and look in the mirror. All I can see are my sunken eyes. I'm tired and scared. I know Dario's friends want to help and need to know he's okay, but I just need to keep him to myself for a little while.

Tears fall silently down my face as I undress. I keep Dario's jersey on. The soft click of the bedroom door draws my attention and I stand in the doorway and look at Dario. He is so handsome, even with all the cuts and bruises.

His eyes roam over me. "Are you coming out?”

I shake my head. "No." Breaking our gaze, I scoot to the bed and climb in. I pull the covers over my head and curl up into a ball. It's warm under- neath, but it's quiet. No voices. No explosions. Just my own heartbeat and sniffing.

A weight sinks onto the bed and my heart stutters. I stick my head out of the blanket and find Dario. He turns his face and smiles softly. "I under- stand, Gemma. It's okay that you need some space." He hesitates. "I hope that doesn't include from me."

I whimper and crawl over to him, wrapping my arms around him from behind. "Never you. It was just too much."

"It's okay, sweetheart," he says softly. "Never be afraid to tell me how you feel."

"It's the situation. I'm scared, Dario."

"Baby, help me get out of these clothes so I can get into bed and hold you. I need you wrapped around me."

Hearing his words, I slide off the bed and kneel between his spread thighs. I feel his eyes on me as I undo the shirt and touch his skin. It's warm and smooth and I can feel his muscles quivering under my fingers. I undo each cuff and then pull his shirt off, letting it fall to the floor beside me. I let out a small gasp as my eyes land on the silver bar through his nipple. The sight sends a thrill through me, and I can't resist leaning in to plant a kiss on his chest, feeling the cool metal against my lips. His breath hitches and I look up to meet his gaze, a silent question in my eyes.

His fingers are gentle as they tangle in my hair, pulling me closer to his hard nipple. I shift my gaze, focusing on the shiny object before swirling my tongue around it. He shudders. Moaning softly, I cover the nipple and silver bar with my mouth, feeling the vibrations of his pleasure against my lips. As I continue to tease and explore, his hands tighten in my hair, urging me on with a low growl of satisfaction.

Smiling, I reach between us and quickly unbuckle his belt and pants, my hands brushing the bulge he can't hide. Dario hisses, breathing heavily. I release his nipple from my mouth and look up at him with a mischievous grin.

I grab the sides of his pants and briefs. "Lift," I say, holding his gaze. He curses under his breath and does as I ask. I force my eyes not to look at his arousal as I remove his pants, briefs, and socks. Now I look. His cock is thick and long, with a thick piece of silver attached to the swollen purple head. Pre-cum oozes from the slit. I run my fingers lightly along the length of his shaft, feeling him twitch under my touch. Dario's eyes darken with desire as I lean forward to take him in my mouth, eager to taste him.

"Gemma," he hisses as I swallow his excitement. My tongue plays with the piercing, and he releases more pre-cum.

"That's sensitive," I comment, wrapping a hand around his length. I cradle it in my fist as I dive down and capture his head with my swollen lips. I love his piercing. My body throbs with desire and an ache pulse between my legs. My nipples are tight with the need for his touch.

"Gemma, come up here."

"Hmm," I murmur around him, enjoying the feel of his pleasure in my mouth. I take him deep before letting him plop free. I hold his gaze and grin as I lick the length of his shaft to his hairless balls. I suck on one before moving to the other.

"Gemma, I need to be inside you," Dario says in a deep, heavy voice as his hands tremble.