Lahat ng Kabanata ng Forbidden Lust: Kabanata 61 - Kabanata 70

62EmiliaMen like my husband do not get punched in their own homes.And if they do, it’s never just about regular differences.“What did you say, Enzo?” I asked my brother, who looked like he had walked the entire way here.I’d been trying to reach him for days, but his replies were so monosyllabic, so empty, that eventually I stopped trying.But looking at him now with hollow cheeks, bloodshot eyes, and shaking hands, I almost hoped he was on drugs.Because that would explain the weight loss.It would explain the madness in his voice.“Dad is missing, Emi,” he repeated.“I heard you the first time,” I snapped. “What was the next thing you said?”My voice didn’t sound like mine.Tears were already burning behind my eyes. I stepped away from Raffael when he reached for me, his fingers brushing my wrist before I pulled back.Enzo looked down. For a second, I thought I imagined the tear that hit the carpet.Then he looked up at me.“Dead,” he said hoarsely. “He’s dead, Emilia.”I shook

64Emilia.I told myself the feeling in my chest at seeing him standing in front of me was hate.It would have been easier if that were true.“What are you doing here, Raffaele?” I asked, trying to shove the box of pregnancy tests behind me in what I hoped looked casual.It didn’t.His eyes were already locked on them.“You’ve got some real nerve showing up here after you—”Adrian lunged for his collar, but Raffaele simply stepped out of the way, his gaze never leaving the box in my hands.“You’re pregnant?” he whispered.I didn’t know for sure. My period had been late before.But the cravings were new.“That’s none of your business, Raffaele,” I said, turning my face away.I hoped I wasn’t. It would complicate things far more than they already were.But deep down…I knew I wouldn’t exactly mind a mini version of him running around.“It’s my fucking business if you’re carrying my child, Emilia,” he snapped.I turned back to him, and somehow my chest caved in deeper.Dark shadows

66EmiliaMy skin was doing that thing again, pretending it didn't belong to me.Every place Adrian’s fingers grazed my waist felt like an itch I wasn't allowed to scratch.He was whispering something about "safety" and "new beginnings," but my mind was a traitor.All I could taste was the ghost of the mint I’d inhaled off Raffael’s lips a week ago, the scent he’d worn like armor ever since he gave cigarettes.“Adrian, please stop,” I said, removing his hands from around my waist.His hold on me stiffened before he slowly let go.”I’m sorry,” he said with a nervous laugh, stepping back to give me space.I tried to understand Adrián. It wasn’t easy acting as friends when we’d been lovers for half our lives, but I was getting uncomfortable with how touchy he got sometimes.At least I wasn’t trapped. I was allowed to move wherever I wanted.Then why didn't freedom taste good?Adrián opened his mouth to say something, but a loud shot rang out, followed by the sound of glass shattering to

68Raffael“Are you sure this is a good idea?”I didn’t bother answering Ronan or Theo this time.My reflection in the glass was more pressing, I tightened my cufflinks and gave my tie a final, sharp adjustment.Sparkles barked as he trotted into the room. A rare smile broke my composure as I scooped him up, scratching behind his ears.He was finally eating again, regaining the weight he’d dropped since Emilia left.“I’m going to see your mommy today,” I murmured to him before setting him back down.Ronan and Theo followed me with cautious steps as I reached for the car keys. I knew it was only a matter of time before I heard another “Are you sure about this?”“I killed the man,” I said finally, feeling a dull ache in my left leg as I started down the stairs.“It’s only right that I pay my respects.”My leg was healing. Up until last week, I’d been trapped behind crutches or a walking stick.Now, I moved with a slight, measured hitch.“You know Adrian’s people will be there,” Ronan pr

70RaffaelMy dick ached, still sensitive from the dreams I’d jerked off to night after night. I’d woken up shaking, hands slick, desperate for what I couldn’t have until now.“Fuck, Tempesta,” I hissed as her hand slid into my pants, stroking me fast, precise, merciless.I guess dreams… sometimes do turn to reality.She avoided my lips, her mouth tracing a hot trail down my body, her hand still stroking me.I watched her, heart hammering, as she sank lower, her mouth kissing my balls, hand slowing to a teasing squeeze at the crown.“Shit, baby,” I cursed.I knew what this was. Angry, reckless… “meaningless” sex. Tomorrow, we’d be strangers again.So I was going to burn her into my memory before she walked away.I pulled her hand from my dick just as I felt myself tipping over the edge, lifting her onto the sink, squeezing her breasts, toying with her nipples.“Open your mouth for me, baby,” I whispered.Her green eyes locked with mine, and my chest skipped a thousand beats.I kissed