Page 53 of The Godfather’s Christmas Twins
Not liking being talked to like a teenager, I move around Max and go to the window. “This is a casino. Where else would Benny be? And he saw me, so he confronted me. He didn’t follow me, send cryptic texts. Benny isn’t sophisticated enough for that. I’m sure his being here when I was is a coincidence.”
“Are you willing to bet your life on that? The kids’ lives?”
I whirl around on him. “I’m not reckless, Max. Besides, your men ran him off.”
He stalks toward me, his eyes wild with fire. “That’s right… he’s off in the wind now, which means you’re not safe.”
“I’m with you. Surely, I’m safe.” I hope my words defuse the anger. The air between us crackles with electricity as his anger transforms into something more primal.
"Gia…" His voice comes out rough, strained.
“I’m okay, Max.”
His hands grip my arms and his mouth crashes into mine. The kiss is desperate, hungry. His hands slide around me, pulling me flush against him as I thread my fingers through his hair.
He moves us toward his desk. “I’m going to fuck you on my desk, Gia. What do you think about that?”
This is reckless, dangerous. Anyone could need him, could knock… But I don't care.
“I think you should hurry.”
His lips trail down my neck. Papers scatter to the floor as he lifts me onto the polished surface. My skirt rides up my thighs as I wrap my legs around his waist. His kisses grow deeper, more demanding. I arch into his touch, losing myself in the heat between us.
Here, in his arms, everything else falls away. The danger, the complications, the reasons we shouldn't. There's only Max, only this moment, only us.
He stops mid-unzipping his pants. “Fuck.”
“What’s wrong?” I reach down to finish undoing his pants.
“I don’t have a condom.” His eyes pierce mine. “I guess I’ll just have to use my tongue.”
I like it when he does that. But I like his dick better. “I’m on the pill.”
His brow furrows. “What?”
“After the kids were born, I didn’t want… with Aldo… not that he had much interest in me but…” God, I’m rambling.
Max’s hands cup my cheeks. “Gia.” He lowers his forehead against mine. I’m not sure what’s going on with him.
“Is that a problem?” All of a sudden, I’m feeling like I’ve said something wrong.
He lifts his head. “No, sweetheart. I just… I never not use a condom. I’ve never wanted to risk pregnancy.”
The irony isn’t lost on me, but of course he doesn’t know that condoms don’t always work.
“The pill is more effective than condoms.” I don’t know why I say this because all of a sudden, the mood is broken. He’s effectively told me he doesn’t want children, while I’ve been spending the last week hoping he’ll want me and the kids enough to keep us. God, I’m such an idiot.
I wave my hand. “It’s okay.” I slide off the desk, giving him a gentle push to step back. I smooth my skirt back down. “I understand. You’ve never wanted a family. Besides, I need to get going. It’s Thanksgiving tomorrow and there’s a lot to do.” I move past him, but his hand reaches out, taking my arm.
“Gia.”
I avoid his gaze, not wanting him to see my humiliation and hurt.
He gives me a little shake until I look up at him. “I’ve hurt you.”
“No.” I shake my head. “You’re being honest. I mean, you can’t risk a pregnancy fucking your goddaughter, sister of your best friend, who’s nearly twenty years younger than you.” Inwardly, I wince at my outburst. I’ve just proven him right. He hurt me. I blow out a breath. “I’m sorry. That’s not fair. Your feelings are valid. I don’t mean to belittle them.”
He closes his eyes in that way that tells me he’s having a tug-of-war in his mind. When he opens them, they’re soft, filled with yearning. His hands cup my cheeks again. “I want you so fucking bad.”