8• Crimson TEMPTATION 3

Azrael whispered softly, "I don't know what I'm feeling for you, but I'm not letting you go now, Crimson. I'm yours now".

His words were filled with a mix of determination and tenderness. He gazed down at her and was captivated by her beauty and the warmth they shared. 

The pull between them felt undeniable and he knew he wanted to protect her and keep her close, no matter the risks.

Zafira stirred slightly at his words as she could sense the intensity of his feelings even in her sleep. 

Azrael smiled softly and felt a sense of belonging that he hadn't known before. He had made his choice and now he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, as long as she was by his side.

After ensuring Zafira was comfortable in bed, Azrael quickly discarded his clothes as he lay down beside her, carefully not to wake her.

Gently, he pulled her into his arms and felt the warmth of her body against his. 

As he inhaled her soft scent, a sense of calm washed over him. 

The world outside faded away, leaving only the two of them in this moment. 

Azrael gazed at Zafira and his voice was low and filled with emotion. "I waited ten years for this moment, Crimson. The first time I saw you, you were wearing a crimson dress, holding a bunch of red roses. Your hair danced in the breeze, and you were smiling brightly, wrapped in the embrace of your boyfriend, ex-husband now. My heart burned with desire, but I controlled myself because you were just a little girl then- my little one". 

He paused and the memories flooded back with a mixture of longing and regret in his eyes, "I never forgot you. Even when I tried to move on, you were always there, haunting my dreams. Now that you're here, I won't let you slip away again". 

Azrael continued and his voice had a mixture of intensity and vulnerability, "When I caught a glimpse of you that day, right in the middle of a scene where I was killing my enemies, my heart dropped. Then it started racing wildly at your unexpected presence. Even heaven seems to want me to have you. I found out everything about you and your past, and learning about your pain slashed my heart. I couldn't bear the thought of you suffering alone. You deserve so much more than what you've been through. And now that you're here, I will do everything in my power to keep you safe and to help you heal". 

His gaze softened as he looked at her, hoping she could feel the sincerity in his words. The bond between them felt stronger than ever, and he knew he would protect her with all he had.

Azrael's expression darkened as he spoke and his voice was steady but filled with empathy, "Your husband cheated on you, breaking your heart just because you couldn't give him children. That fucker. I will chop his dick". 

He understood her suffering and read her emotions even when she was fighting hard to hide it. 

"You didn't deserve that. You're so much more than just what you can or can't give. You're strong, beautiful, and worthy of love", He leaned in closer and his gaze piercing yet gentle. 

"I want to show you that you're not defined by your past or anyone else's choices. You deserve someone who sees your true worth, someone who will cherish you for who you are. That someone is Azrael Sartori, who has waited ten years to hold you and hide his feelings from both his family and enemies."

With those words, Azrael leaned down and kissed her deeply. 

Zafira was still sleeping peacefully, affected by the medicine, and didn't wake up as he pressed his lips to hers.

As he kissed, Azrael felt a rush of warmth and desire. In that moment, he knew their connection was strong, and he wanted to protect her and make her happy.

As Azrael pulled away from the kiss, he lingered for a moment and his forehead rested against hers. He could feel the steady rise and fall of her breath and it soothed him.

"Sleep well, Crimson", he whispered softly, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. 

He couldn't shake the feeling that he had finally found what he had been searching for all these years.

He moved back slightly and watched her with a mix of protectiveness and longing. 

The room was quiet, but his mind was racing with thoughts of how to keep her safe. 

Azrael vowed to himself that he would do anything to shield her from the dangers that lurked outside.

With a final glance, he left the room, his heart heavy with a mix of determination and desire. He knew that the path ahead wouldn't be easy, but he was ready to face any challenge for Zafira. 

As he stepped out, he made sure the door was locked and ensured her safety as she slept, was unaware of the storm that was brewing around them.

***

The next morning, in a meeting room, Azrael sat with his brothers and fathers and tension was hanging in the air. 

They were all stunned by the shocking news that the capo- the mafia boss of the SARTORI family had allowed a woman to stay in his bedroom.

"Are you sure about this, Azrael?", His father, Vesper Sartori, asked, a mixture of disbelief and concern in his voice. 

Azrael glanced at his brothers and father, looking at their expressions.

"Papi! Papa! I'm confident in my decision," Azrael replied while looking firmly at his fathers. 

He felt a rush of determination; he knew he wanted Zafira in his life.

"Brother! When can we meet her, nostra cognata?" (Our sister-in-law)", one of his brothers asked and a teasing grin on his face was lightening the mood slightly. 

Azrael could sense the curiosity and excitement in the room.

He took a deep breath as he was ready to explain and knowing that introducing Zafira to his family would be a significant step forward in their relationship. 

Suddenly, the door burst open and everyone turned to see who had entered. 

Zafira stood in the doorway and was looking a bit confused but determined. She wore a simple outfit that showed off her beauty, with her hair falling around her shoulders.

Azrael's heart raced at the sight of her, and he quickly stood up, concerned in his eyes. 

"Crimson, are you okay?", he asked warmly.

She paused for a moment as she glanced in a room full of curious faces. "I... I didn't mean to interrupt. I'm lost", she said and her voice was steady even with all the attention.

Vesper Sartori raised an eyebrow and asked, a hint of a smile on his face, "So, this is the woman you've been talking about?". 

Azrael stepped forward as he stood protective yet proud beside Zafira, "Yes, this is Zafira. The eldest daughter-in-law of the Sartori family". 

Leaving everyone stunned and speechless. 

...

Thank you 

ShineeSunshine ♥️