Tempted by Her Boss: The Renaldis, Book 1 Read online

  “Oh God,” Paige gasped, her breaths coming faster, her hips lifting in subtle thrusts against his mouth. He continued his assault on her delicate flesh, watching her, enjoying how responsive she was, how easily she gave in to him. There was no embarrassment, no worry, just the two of them together. Man and woman deepening their relationship with deliberate caresses and long moans, sharing each other’s secrets, revealing each other’s desires.

  “Do you want to come?” he murmured against her flesh, his lips tickling her clit.

  She jerked against him. “Please,” she breathed, crying out when he slid his hand up her body to pinch her nipple. “It feels so good.”

  He hummed against her flesh, smiling when she jerked beneath his mouth. Sucking her clit between his lips, he slipped two fingers deep inside her tight sheath, nearly coming undone at the exquisite sensation of her velvety hot walls grasping his fingers.

  She would feel extraordinary wrapped tight around his cock. Just the thought of her grasping him close as he slipped inside her made him want to come.

  But no, Paige was the one coming at the moment, her soft little cries filling the room as she trembled beneath him. He gripped her ass and held her close, feasting on her, watching her the entire time as she fell completely apart.

  He’d never seen a more beautiful sight than this woman—his woman coming undone. His heart tightened in his chest as he softened his licks, finally pulling away from her and setting her carefully on the mattress.

  His cock hard as steel, he studied her, momentarily dumbfounded by the swirl of emotions rising within him. It was powerful, knowing that his touch, his mouth, his words did such beautiful damage to Paige. She lay there in a weak heap, her chest rising and falling rapidly, trying to catch her breath. Her arm slung over her eyes, her hair a riotous mess about her head, her legs were still spread, offering him a delicious view, and he reached toward the bedside table where he’d dropped two condoms before he’d slipped into bed with her.

  Snatching one up, Matteo moved closer to her. “I’m not done with you yet,” he murmured, running his fingers down the inside of her thigh, making her flinch. “Don’t pass out on me now.”

  She smiled, dropped her arm away from her face, her gaze meeting his. “Sorry. Just needed to catch my breath first.”

  “I plan on keeping you perpetually out of breath for the rest of the night.” He returned her smile, rearing up on his knees and tearing open the condom wrapper. “So be prepared.”

  Chapter Ten

  Paige couldn’t take her eyes off of him. Matteo on his knees, between her spread legs, his erection jutting out from his body as he held the condom wrapper, his other hand gripping the base. Her mouth went dry and she swallowed hard, entranced with the hard, male form on display before her.

  Thank goodness for the nearly full moon allowing her to see him so perfectly, even with the lights off. He had such a beautiful body. Wide shoulders and chest, dusted light with dark curling hair. Flat, defined stomach, slim hips, strong thighs, long, thick…

  Her cheeks burned at her train of thought, but dear God, the man was near perfection. And he was all hers to play with for the rest of the night.

  Once this happens, we can never go back.

  His earlier words came back to her, confusing her all over again. What did he mean? Of course, their relationship would change, but did he want to make her a permanent part of his life? She couldn’t even begin to count on it. The disappointment would be too great if it never happened.

  And she didn’t think she could deal with having him and then…losing him. It was bad enough, taking it this far. Indulging with Matteo when they both knew they were playing with fire. But she’d wanted it—and went after him relentlessly, finally wearing him down.

  Was that all tonight was? After endless chasing, Paige had worn him down and he gave in? She hoped not.

  “Your mind, it’s turning and working and coming up with all sorts of problems for you to worry about,” he said as he came over her, his face hovering above hers.

  The frown she didn’t even realize she wore on her face deepened, she could feel it. “How can you tell?”

  “Right here.” He drew his finger down between her eyebrows, stopping at the bridge of her nose. “You get this cute, tiny frown line right there. I can always tell your brain is on overload when that little crease appears.”

  She raised her brows, trying to straighten the line she didn’t know existed so he couldn’t call her out on overthinking any longer. “How’s that?”

  “Better.” He kissed her there, his lips soft, easing her tension and worry, and she closed her eyes, falling under his gentle spell. “Turn your brain off, bella. And just feel.”

  He moved over her body, his mouth, his hands everywhere. Ratcheting up the fever within her all over again, pushing her to her very limits in minutes, until she thought she might burst. She could feel his erection brush against her thigh, her belly, her hip, and she reached out, wrapped her fingers around his thick girth and gave him a firm squeeze.

  “Christ,” he choked out, sounding in absolute agony. “Watch out or I might come all over your pretty little fingers.”

  If that wasn’t the hottest thing she’d ever heard in her life, she didn’t know what was. “Maybe I want you to,” she encouraged as she opened her eyes, stroking him again because yes, she wanted to see this larger-than-life, intimidating man lose complete control.

  All because of her.

  “No, you don’t. I’m not about to let that happen.” He settled his hand over hers and carefully removed her fingers, then reared up, grabbing the condom once again and slipping the condom over his shaft. He repositioned himself over her, his erection probing her entry, teasing her and she arched up, trying to take him in. “I’m going to make you mine the proper way.”

  His words sent a shiver through her. He had no idea just how much she wanted to be his. Forever.

  Slowly he pushed inside her and she spread her legs, sending him deeper. They both moaned, and she closed her eyes, lost to the sensation of Matteo entering her body for the first time. He was so thick, filled her so completely, and he hadn’t even pushed all the way inside yet.

  Her body buzzed in anticipation of the complete claiming.

  “You feel amazing.”

  She opened her eyes, surprised that he stopped moving. His hands were pressed on the mattress on either side of her head, his head hanging over hers, his expression grim. Reaching out, she touched his arm, her fingers caressing his hard-as-a-rock bicep, and he lifted his lids, allowing her to see all the turmoil, the restraint it took for him not to completely lose it and screw her brains out.

  Lord help her, but she desperately wanted him to screw her brains out.

  “Don’t hold back,” she whispered, stroking her nails up and down his arm. “I won’t break. Please, Matteo.”

  Her words seemed to urge him on. He pushed farther, filling her completely, and she sighed, closing her eyes to let the sensations overtake her. Slowly they began to move together, a delicious push and pull full of friction, full of passion. They rocked into each other, their hips meeting every time he plunged deep inside her. Again and again he thrust, taking her higher, higher, until she thought she might burst apart from the pleasure.

  The wave threatened, she knew he was close too and she encouraged him, sliding her legs around his hips and sending him deeper. His movements became faster, jerkier and she appreciated the tiny loss of control. She didn’t want calm, calculated Matteo Renaldi in her bed. She wanted the passionate, unrestrained man, the one who cried out her name as he gathered her close, his orgasm taking him completely over as he shuddered over her. His thrusts never slowed and soon she was coming too, an absolute first for her. For the second time in one evening, it was like a kind of miracle and she pressed her face against his shoulder when he slumped against her, his breathing heavy, everything about him heavy.

  Her heart raced triple time as she wrapped her arms ar
ound him, playing with the slightly wavy hair at his nape. He breathed hot against her neck, his chest pressing her into the mattress, their bodies still connected. She wanted to both push him off and hold him close, afraid this moment might never happen again, no matter what he told her earlier.

  So she needed to make the most of it.

  “I’m crushing you,” he whispered against her neck, his breath hot and she swore she felt the swipe of his tongue. “Let me get up.”

  “Let me hold you a little while longer,” she murmured as she continued to stroke his hair. Yes, he was heavy. Yes, he was crushing her. But she didn’t care. She loved having him in her arms, their skin damp with sweat clinging to each other, their bodies still fused together. She didn’t want to ever forget this night, the first night she and Matteo made love.

  Without a word, he eventually pulled away from her and she let her arms drop, watching helplessly as he climbed off the bed and went into the bathroom. She grabbed the sheet and comforter, pulling them over her naked body to ward off the sudden chill in the room as she heard him move about the bathroom, disposing the condom, no doubt.

  She shivered, feeling awkward. How she wished they could talk and plan and…dream. But men usually didn’t like that sort of thing and Matteo’s brothers had only just dropped the move-back-to-Italy bomb on him today. He still needed time to process. Think everything through. It wasn’t her right to ask him for all the details. Demand that he tell her his future plans so she could know exactly where she fit in them.

  No matter how badly she wanted to ask.

  He shuffled out of the bathroom minutes later, still magnificent in his nakedness as she blatantly inspected him. He slipped into the bed beside her, pulling up the covers, his arm sneaking out to wrap around her and pull her close.

  “Don’t pretend that what just happened between us was no big deal,” he warned, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “I know what you’re thinking.”

  The man, at moments, was completely insufferable. “How do you know what I’m thinking?”

  “I can read it all over your face, though I won’t bore you with the details.” Gathering her even closer, as close as she could get, he held her to him. His mouth against her forehead, his arm wrapped tight about her waist. She rested her head against his chest, could feel the steady thump of his heartbeat, and she closed her eyes.

  Despite her earlier concerns, she’d never felt so content.

  “Stop worrying, bella,” he whispered, his fingers tangling in her hair, combing out the snarling waves. “What’s happening between us is a good thing. Don’t mind my brothers.”

  Ah, so her perception was right, not that she was really surprised. They didn’t like her.

  “And my mother adores you, as does Matty,” he continued.

  “What about you, Matteo? Do you—adore me?” She pressed her lips together, cursing her boldness. Every time she got around him, he pushed her to her very limits, always making her say things when she probably should use more restraint.

  He slipped his fingers beneath her chin and tipped her face up so their gazes met. His was dark, mysterious and she wished she knew what he was really feeling.

  More than anything, she wished he would tell her what he really felt.

  “I want you in my life, Paige. By my side. I can’t…we can’t predict the future, but know that I want to pursue this. Us. Together.” Leaning down, he brushed her mouth with his, his lips lingering, his tongue licking.

  She opened to him on a sigh, overcome with emotion and a smidgeon of disappointment. It was all she could ask for from him. Not a full commitment, but not an out and out rejection either. How she hoped she could somehow submerse herself into his life he couldn’t go on without her in it.

  “Your smile is so big, Matteo,” Claudia observed, a wry smile curving her lips as well. “Happy to return to New York, I take it?”

  His mother had always been perceptive of his moods. And she was no idiot. He and Paige had spent the last two days at the villa mooning over each other like lovesick teenagers. She knew what they were about, why he wore such a giant smile on his face. It had nothing to do with his leaving and everything to do with the woman who still slept in his bed at this very moment.

  “I need to get back,” he said noncommittally as he poured himself a cup of rich, dark espresso, courtesy of Renzo. “The plane leaves in four hours and the flight is long. Plus, I have to be at work tomorrow so I’m not particularly looking forward to the next two, very long days.”

  “You should’ve slept in more,” his mother said. “Though I must say, you’ve looked terribly…refreshed these last few days.”

  “Mama,” he said, his voice filled with warning. He wasn’t in the mood for his mother’s subtle digs for information. Not that she disapproved of what was happening between him and Paige. She just wanted to know what exactly was happening between the two of them.

  Rather hard for him to come up with an answer, since he wasn’t quite sure himself.

  “Where’s Matty?” he asked, trying to change the subject.

  “Out in the garden with Renzo, cutting flowers for the house. He’s had such a wonderful time here and he’s put so much joy in the home. Perhaps you could let him stay with me for a few weeks over the summer. Just me and my grandson.” His mother smiled. She adored her only grandchild and was thrilled Stasia was giving her another one, though she wanted plenty more.

  So far, her sons were disappointing her in that aspect.

  “I’m sure Matty would love it.” That could give him some time alone with Paige. Perhaps he could take her on a vacation. Somewhere tropical and warm, where she would have no choice but to wear a tiny little bikini that barely covered her slender curves, and he could have her naked in his bed every night…

  His mother patted his arm, pulling him from his thoughts. “You’re very distracted this morning.”

  “I have…much on my mind.” That was an understatement.

  “Any of it has to do with a certain redhead who’s sleeping peacefully in your bed at this very minute?” Matteo opened his mouth to protest, but she shot him a stern look. “Don’t bother giving me excuses, my son. I’ve heard every single one in the book, so let’s get right to the point. Tell me, what are you doing with Paige?”

  “I—I’m dating her,” he said lamely. What else could he call it? He wasn’t about to be crude and tell his mother he was flat-out fucking Paige. Because that’s what he was doing. The most glorious, fulfilling fucking he’d ever experienced in his life. In fact, calling it by such a base term demeaned it somehow. But saying that he was making love to Paige made it seem so much more…serious.

  And they weren’t serious. Not yet.

  “Well, that you are, taking her out to dinner every night after Matty goes to sleep, spending all of your time with her while you’re here. I know you came for the meeting, but you haven’t returned to Renaldi since then, and I thought you were going to put in more time there. But who am I to judge? You have the business under control and now your life too. This is the happiest I’ve seen you in years.” His mother smiled softly. “She’s in love with you, you know.”

  His mother’s words made him stagger to a chair and plop himself into it heavily. Paige wasn’t in love with him. No way could she be. “She is not,” he insisted.

  Claudia nodded. “She absolutely is. Have you not seen the way she looks at you? How her eyes follow you every time you enter the room? You do much the same to her when you see her. It’s cute. The moment you two get close to one another, the magnetic pull between you becomes apparent.” She paused. “Matty asked me about you two last night.”

  “What?” Matteo asked incredulously. He hadn’t expected that. Not yet. “What did he ask?”

  “He said it makes him happy how his daddy and Paige seem to spend more time together and that they like each other. I told him I liked how you two spent time together too. Then he asked if maybe someday Paige would become his mommy.” His mo
ther stared at him, her expression serious, her eyes boring into him. “Don’t play with her heart, Matteo. And don’t play with your son’s either. If you’re not serious about Paige, then you need to end this now. Before you return to New York. I don’t want her or Matty to be hurt.”

  A soft sound came from the open doorway of the kitchen and they both turned to find Paige standing there clad in a thick pale blue terrycloth robe, her feet bare, her hair pulled back into a ponytail, her expression sheepish. As if she might’ve heard the last few words his mother had spoken.

  “Good morning,” she said as she padded into the kitchen.

  “Good morning,” Matteo murmured, sending his mother a look. He didn’t want to talk about it. Hell, he really hoped Paige hadn’t heard everything they said.

  But the way she shuffled around the kitchen silently with her head bent, not looking at either of them, when she’d become so forthcoming and chatty the last few days, told him that she had.

  Damn it. He needed to do damage control and quick.

  “I’ll go check on Matty and see how he’s doing with Renzo. Chatting his ear off, I’m sure.” Claudia stood and offered them a smile. Clearly she got the hint and was leaving.

  “He should come in soon,” Paige said, her responsibilities ever present. “I packed his suitcase for him last night, but he’ll need to bathe and get dressed before we go.”

  “Perfect. I’ll send him in a few.” His mother fled the kitchen, leaving the two of them alone, the strained silence building between them so thick he could slice it with a knife.

  “You heard what my mother said,” he said as Paige came around to sit across from him at the table.

  She met his gaze direct, her hands clutching the coffee cup in front of her. “I did.”

  “How much did you hear?”

  “All of it, I’m afraid.”

  “I see.” He breathed deep, propping his elbows on the table so he could steeple his fingers in front of him. “She’s only watching out for you.”

  “I know. And I love your mother for that. She’s always been so kind to me.” She averted her eyes, staring out the wide window that overlooked the ocean. “She’s right, Matteo. We’ve not discussed anything about the future and what you—expect of me once we return. I didn’t want to push. I was afraid you’d reject me completely if I asked for too much, too soon so I’d rather live in the present.”