“If you don’t mind, I’m going to let her show you around. Introduce you to some of the other volunteers. I, unfortunately, have a telephone conference with one of our board members,” Francesca says.

  Rory nods. “Of course.”

  “I’ll leave you with her then.” With a short wave, Francesca steps back inside.

  “If you’d like to follow me?” Anya gestures toward the sidewalk that stretches along the front of the house and curves around the side. “We won’t be outside too long.”

  True to her word, she leads us from the main building to one just to the right of and slightly behind it. During the tour of what is the gymnasium, we run across the self-defense class in progress. We stay for a few minutes and observe.

  Rory leans against me and rises up on her tiptoes. “I’d much rather have you as a teacher,” she whispers in my ear.

  I glance down at her and she shoots me a cheeky grin. We continue on with the tour. Along the way, Anya shows us where GED classes are held and where the counselor’s offices are. There’s an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, and a basketball court. At last, we head back to the main house.

  “The dormitory is inside,” Anya points out. “There are fifteen bedrooms total and three communal shower rooms. Right now, there are twelve of us, but Roxanne just found her own apartment so she’s going to be moving out soon. Francesca is looking to build another dormitory near the back of the property. That’s what she’s been discussing with the board.”

  I’ve watched Rory take everything in with wide-eyed wonder. Excitement sparkles from the chocolate depths. She looks so happy. A warmth completely burns through my chest. Fuck. It hits me so hard, I come to a full-on dead stop. I love this woman. My gaze drinks her in. Her bright eyes. The radiant smile. She’s so fucking beautiful.

  “Jack?” Rory’s expression is confused as she stares back at me. “You okay?”

  I blink and shake off the daze. “Yes, sorry. It’s fine.”

  Anya sends me a knowing glance. Rory holds out her hand with a grin. I slide my fingers through hers and bring it up to my lips. I press a kiss to her knuckles and then we follow a bemused Anya inside. Francesca meets us at the bottom of the stairs inside the entryway.

  “How did everything go?” she asks Rory.

  “Wonderful. I can’t wait to get started.”

  “How about Monday of next week?”

  Rory nods. “That would be perfect.”

  Francesca steps forward and gives her a hug. “Welcome to the family.”

  A giddy smile pulls at her lips. “Thank you so much.”

  We say goodbye, and I lead Rory to the car. Just as we reach it, Anya calls out my name. I turn toward her.

  “I’ll take my five grand in big bills,” she proclaims.

  Confusion must show on my face.

  “Baby number three,” she clarifies, and then turns back into the house, closing the door behind her.

  I burst out laughing. Rory stares at me with a quizzical expression. “C’mon. I’ll tell you in the car.”

  Chapter 37

  Rory

  * * *

  Lucia’s bags sit by the front door of my new apartment. It’s weird, but also really nice having my own place. I’ve never had that before. I plan on slowly adding a few pieces of antique furniture here and there whenever I find them. Things I think my mother would have loved. It makes me feel close to her.

  “Thank you for everything you’ve done,” I tell Lucia, who’s sitting next to me on the newly upholstered, claw-feet chaise I’d purchased yesterday.

  She wraps her arms around me. “You’re my best friend. The person I love most in the world. I would do anything for you, and you’d do the same for me. You don’t ever have to thank me.”

  Still, I wouldn’t have survived without her. “I’m going to miss you.”

  “Whatever. You won’t have time to miss me with that man of yours,” Lucia lets go and shoulder bumps me with a wicked grin.

  My cheeks heat. “I don’t know about that.”

  She stares at me incredulously. “Then you’re the only one who doesn’t. We’ve all seen you two together. If Jack’s not your man now, it’s certainly not because he doesn’t want to be.”

  I bit my lip with uncertainty. A niggling worry has been eating at me. “What if this thing between Jack and me isn’t real? What if he only thinks he feels something because I was in trouble? What if I only feel something because he rushed in to help me when no one else besides you did?” That’s my greatest fear.

  Lucia squeezes my hand. “Rory, I saw you two together at the christening, remember? Well before the shit with Alessandro went down. You couldn’t keep your eyes off each other. There was an awareness you can’t fake. It started out on that balcony three years ago.”

  “But we’re both different people than we were then. Me, especially. I don’t know if whatever we might have is enough,” I say softly.

  “Babe, you have more than most people do. And no relationship is easy. You have to work at it. But if you really care about each other, and I can see it in your eyes, then you’ll do everything possible to make it enough.”

  “I’m scared.” It’s hard to admit that. After everything Alessandro did to me, nothing should scare me. Except Jack has more power to hurt me than Alessandro ever did.

  “Of course you’re scared,” Lucia points out. “Loving someone is fucking terrifying. Heartbreak is painful. It’s a risk everyone takes when they open themselves up to another person. But the rewards far outweigh any risk. Don’t forget how brave you are.”

  There’s that word again—brave. God, I wish I felt like that. There’s a knock at the door.

  “That’s probably Jack.” I move across the living room and open it. My pulse kicks up a notch at the sight of him. His smile always makes my heart race.

  “Morning.” He steps inside, pausing briefly to press a kiss to my forehead.

  “Hi, there.”

  Jack shifts to my side, and I glance over at Lucia. Her eyes widen and she nods as though telling me she told me so.

  “I hope you don’t mind,” Jack says. “Nathan tagged along for the ride. He offered to take Lucia to the airport if she’s all right with that.”

  My gaze shifts to the other man, but he’s not even glancing in my direction. His focus is on Lucia, who stands there with an indecipherable expression on her face. Jack’s brother, on the other hand, wears a lopsided grin.

  “We meet again,” Nathan addresses Lucia, who’s still standing there. Frozen.

  Jack and I glance back and forth between the two of them. “I didn’t realize you knew each other,” he asks.

  The question snaps my aunt out of whatever holds her immobile. “We don’t.”

  Nathan’s brow raises as though refuting her statement, but he doesn’t contradict her. “My mistake, then. I thought for sure you were someone I’d met before.”

  I look closer at him and things fall into place. How had I not noticed it? This is who Lucia had been dancing with at Gio and Francesca’s wedding. He’s certainly matured from that baby-faced young man into someone much more hardened and filled-out.

  “We haven’t,” she states firmly.

  Nathan seems amused by her denial. “Well, I’m happy to drive you to the airport, anyway.”

  Without waiting for a response, he turns, picks up her bags, and carries them out the door. Lucia’s neck and cheeks redden. Her fists clench at her side. I step in front of her. She blinks and her gaze focuses on me.

  “Are you okay?” I ask.

  Her mouth curves up in a tight smile. “Fine.”

  “Lucy?”

  She loosens her lips a fraction, but it’s still a forced expression. “It’s fine. I’ll text you when I land at Heathrow. Be good and remember what I told you.”

  I throw my arms around her, the reality finally hitting me that she’s leaving. “I’m going to call you every single day. You’ll be sick of me in a week’s time.”

  “As if that could ever happen. I love you.” Her voice is a little gravelly.

  “I love you more.”

  She steps back and faces Jack. “Treat her right. She deserves it more than anyone.”

  He nods. “Absolutely.”

  Lucia’s gaze darts toward mine one more time, her eyes glowing with a bright sheen, before she quickly turns. In seconds, she’s thrown on her coat, and the door closes behind her with a soft snick. Jack pulls me into his side. I swipe away the tears while letting him hold me. Being in the safety of his arms always makes me feel better.

  “You can go visit her any time you want,” he says over my head.

  He’s right. I’m thankful for the reminder. There’s no one to tell me where I can or can not go anymore. It makes me feel a little better. “I should probably let her settle back into her routine before I book my flight.”

  Jack chuckles. “It might be a good idea.”

  I put a little distance between us, but he doesn’t release me completely. Instead, he rests a hand lightly on my hip, keeping me close as he stares down at me. His rough-textured thumb of his other hand swipes away the remaining wetness left behind by my tears. The abrasion against my skin sends a spark through me. My cheeks heat under the intensity of his gaze.

  “I’ve missed seeing you at the breakfast table every morning,” he says in a low voice.

  We haven’t spent a lot of time alone over the fast few days. I’ve been busy with lawyers and paperwork and everything that comes with Alessandro’s death. Jack has been mending the tension between the Irish and the Italians.

  “I have as well,” I admit.

  “But I know how important being independent is to you.”

  Emotion swells inside me. Will I ever get used to someone taking my wants and needs into consideration? “Thank you for understanding.”

  “I want you to be happy, and I can already tell that being here, in this place,”—Jack glances around before meeting my gaze again—“does that to you. You’ve smiled more in the last week according to Lucia. Happiness looks good on you.”

  I duck my head, overcome with a sudden shyness. He places a hooked finger under my chin and gently raises it until I’m looking up at him. My skin tingles from the connection. His eyes darken the way they did both times he kissed me. As if sensing where my thoughts have gone, Jack’s gaze darts to my lips. I wet them in a subconscious gesture.

  He lowers his mouth to mine, brushing it back and forth tentatively like he’s reacquainting me with his touch. As if I’ve forgotten. Every brush of his skin against mine, whether by accident or intent, has emblazoned itself in my memory. I remember every instance, hoarding them away for when I needed to pull one back out to get me through another miserable day.

  Except my miserable days are over. Which means I can enjoy this kiss and any more that come my way. I sink into him, opening my lips to receive more. I’m greedy for his taste. Jack answers my call. His tongue sweeps inside to play with mine. I parry with him. Lashing out and drinking him in.

  This time there’s no guilt to stop me. No worry that I’m doing something wrong. At last, I’m truly free. Free to embrace whatever this is between us. To capture it. Hold it tight. And maybe never let it go. Not if I can help it. I throw my arms around his neck, coming up on tip toe to deepen the connection. I want everything he has to give me.

  Chapter 38

  Jack

  * * *

  Rory’s bold kiss sets my blood on fire. There’s no hesitation in her touch. She’s finally taking what she wants. I’m happy to give her whatever it is she demands.

  And more.

  I pull her tighter against me, needing to feel the softness of her body, and run my palms along her waist and over the swell of her ass giving it a gentle squeeze. Her curves are growing more defined. I can’t wait to see all her creamy flesh bared. But only when she’s ready. Rory moans into my mouth. I swallow the sound. It tastes just like her. Arousal and passion rolled into one.

  She deepens the kiss. I answer right back. Her tongue plays with mine, dancing and parrying. The kiss goes on, growing more heated as her hands travel down my shoulders and chest. Rory slips them under my shirt and roams across my flesh. She takes her time, as though committing the lines of my body to memory.

  It’s taking all my effort to let her lead. This is for her. Rory moans again and presses herself into me, rubbing her pebbled nipples across my chest.

  She pulls her mouth from mine. Her breaths come faster as she stares up at me through hooded, arousal-glazed eyes. I didn’t think my cock could get any harder until she licks her lips.

  “You have no idea what you do to me,” I tell her.

  “Like what?” the question is both shy and inquisitive.

  I’m not sure Rory’s ready to hear all the dirty things she inspires in me. I could tell her that her sweet, innocent mouth seems to be begging for my cock. That the number of times I’ve pictured those plump lips wrapped around me is obscene. That her scent makes me want to rub my come all over her, so she smells like both of us. I want to take her from behind as she watches us in a mirror.

  “You make it hard to stay in control,” I confess instead.

  She nibbles her bottom lip in a sexual gesture that nearly brings me to my knees.

  “Is losing control such a bad thing?” Rory asks seductively.

  “Yes.”

  She cocks her head. “Why?”

  “Because I want this moment to last. If I lose control I’m afraid it’ll end far too soon. I plan on savoring you. Taking my time.”

  Her eyes darken even more and the scent of her arousal grows stronger. “What if this moment isn’t just a moment? What if it’s all night? Or longer?”

  Like forever? It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask, but the part of me that doesn’t want to push her keeps the words trapped in my throat.

  “It’ll last as long as you want it to,” I settle for.

  Rory studies my face. I let her see everything I’m feeling. She steps away from me. Her expressions change so quickly, I can’t even name them all, until it finally settles on the last one: resolution. Her chest rises with a deep inhale, and she holds out a hand.

  “Will you make love to me?” she asks.

  In answer, I lay my palm on top of hers. She leads me out of the living room and into her bedroom. A four-poster bed with a bold red comforter and matching curtained sashes protrudes from the wall. There’s a coordinating dresser against the connecting wall. Lining the top of it are various knickknacks and an upright jewelry box. The door of it is propped open, and several necklaces dangle from tiny hooks inside. I love this small glimpse into Rory’s personality.

  We come to a stop next to the bed. She glances up at me from beneath her eyelashes, as though she’s not quite sure what she should do next.

  I cradle her cheeks. “If you’re not sure about this, it’s okay. The only thing that will happen is what you want to happen. If we have to stop, we stop. No questions asked.”

  Rory shakes her head. “It’s not that.”

  “What is it then?” I ask gently.

  “I need to tell you something, but I’m not sure how you’ll feel about it,” she says.

  “You can tell me anything. I hope you know that.”

  She pauses for several beats, straightens her shoulders, and then locks eyes with me. “I’ve never done this before.”

  Shocked confusion hits me. Does that mean? “Are you saying you’re a virgin?”

  “Alessandro had…trouble. It’s one of the many reasons he beat me. He would sometimes get hard, but it never lasted long enough for him to, you know. It was always my fault,” Rory says bitterly. “He refused to take medication, because there was no way there was something wrong with him. It had to be me.”

  I wish that son of a bitch was still alive so I could kill him all over again. The only comfort I can take is that he’s burning in hell right now.

  “Are you disappointed?” Rory asks.

  “What? No, never.” I tuck her hair behind her ear. “Thank you for telling me.”

  The possessive part of me gloats over the fact that no one else has been inside her. They never got to feel her squeezing their cock.

  Rory’s expression still seems uncertain. I don’t ever want her to doubt me. I claim her lips with mine. She opens sweetly for me. I kiss her with everything I have. I ride the crest of passion, pouring my heart into it until we both have to come up for breath.

  As though a key just turned and unlocked the hidden boldness inside her, Rory’s gaze locks onto my chest as she slowly unbuttons my shirt. It falls further open as she makes her way down with her slender fingers. When she finishes the last one, she pushes the fabric over my shoulders and down my arms. I hold perfectly still, barely even breathing, as she begins her exploration.

  Her head lifts and she meets my gaze. “You’re so hard where I’m soft,” she says with wonder.

  My muscles twitch and contract beneath her fingertips as she traces the lines of my ribs and then my stomach. I suck in a breath. Rory’s gaze follows along the path she’s taking. She drags her finger through every furrow. Her other hand joins the first and her palms glide up my pecs and then my shoulders until she locks them behind my neck.

  Her eyes have darkened to almost black. She bites her bottom lip in that innocently seductive way she has about her. I want to crash my mouth down on hers and unleash all the passion burning inside me, but I hold myself back. For now. There’s a confidence in her touch. I want to nurture it. Make Rory feel comfortable touching me in any way she wants.

  I don’t have to wait long. She raises up on tiptoe and presses her mouth to mine. With a tentative move, she flicks her tongue against the seam of my lips. I let her in. She deepens the kiss, falling against my chest. My hands grip her hips to steady her. My heart beats like a drum, its rapid pace signaling how aroused I am. How much she turns me on.

  “You’re beautiful,” I murmur against her lips.

  “You make me feel beautiful.” Rory pushes lightly against my chest, and I step back. She follows, pressing me until the backs of my knees hit the bed. With a gentle nudge from her, I drop to the edge of the mattress.