The Don and His Mafia Princess: Book Two of The Costanzo Series - Standalone

CHAPTER 31

My eyes flutter open, squinting against the bright sunlight slipping into my room through the open curtains I forgot to close last night. I stretch languidly, my body deliciously sore in all the right places. Rolling over, I reach for him, but my hand meets only empty sheets, the space beside me cold.

A pang of disappointment tightens my chest as I realize he's not here. I wonder where he is, but I push the thought aside for now. With a sigh, I climb out of bed, wincing slightly at the soreness between my thighs. Memories of last night flood my mind, bringing a blush to my cheeks as I make my way to the bathroom.

The hot shower soothes my aching muscles but does little to ease the ache in my heart. After dressing, I head downstairs, my stomach grumbling. I'd missed breakfast, so I decide to make myself some grilled cheese - the only thing I know how to cook without burning the house down.

Before starting, I stop by Aurora's room to check on her, but she's not there. I send her a quick text, hoping she's doing alright after last night's revelations. My heart clenches at the thought of what she's going through.

As I struggle with the stove, strong arms suddenly encircle my waist, pulling me back against a solid chest. The familiar scent of Stefano's cologne fills my nostrils, and I melt into his embrace, the tension from the morning's loneliness dissipating like mist in the sun.

"Hi, luce del sole," he murmurs, his breath warm against my neck as he places a soft, lingering kiss on the sensitive skin just below my ear. A shiver runs down my spine at the contact, my body instantly responding to his touch.

I turn in his arms, drinking in the sight of him - the tousled hair, the stubble lining his chiseled jaw, those piercing green eyes that seem to see straight into my soul. "Hello," I breathe, wrapping my arms around his neck and relishing the feel of his body pressed against mine.

"Where were you this morning?" I ask, trying to keep my tone light and casual but unable to completely mask the note of vulnerability that creeps in. Waking up alone, not knowing where he was or when he'd return, had left me feeling unmoored, adrift in a sea of uncertainty.

Stefano's brow furrows slightly as he tucks a wayward strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering on my cheek. "I had a meeting," he explains, his thumb brushing over my bottom lip. "I'm sorry I wasn't there when you woke up."

I nod, leaning into his touch, my eyes fluttering closed for a brief moment. "Did you sleep well?" he asks, a knowing smirk playing at the corners of his mouth as he leans in to brush a tender kiss across my lips.

"Like a baby," I reply, a blush heating my cheeks as memories of the previous night flood my mind - tangled sheets, sweat-slicked skin, breathless moans, and whispered words of devotion. He had worshipped my body so thoroughly, so completely, that I'd drifted off into a sated, dreamless sleep.

"Expected," he teases, his eyes sparkling with mischief and barely restrained desire. I roll my eyes, a smile tugging at my lips despite myself.

"What are you doing today?" Stefano asks, his large hands splayed across my lower back, tracing soothing circles that make me want to arch into his touch like a cat.

"Preparing for my trip back home," I reply, a hint of sadness coloring my words. The thought of leaving Stefano, even temporarily, feels like a physical ache in my chest.

Stefano's brow furrows, his green eyes searching mine. "Put that on hold. I'm taking you out," he declares, his voice brooking no argument.

"To where?" I ask curiosity piqued even as my heart swells with affection for this man who always seems to know exactly what I need.