My Mafia Husband

CHAPTER 25

"You have nothing to worry about in that department," Matteo said, his gaze roaming over my figure before meeting my eyes again. "You look amazing." Despite my better judgment, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of validation at his compliment. But I couldn't let him see that he had any effect on me, so I forced myself to keep up my façade of indifference.

The rest of the meal passed in tense silence, the tension between us palpable. As we finished eating, I could feel Matteo's gaze on me, his eyes piercing mine. I could practically hear the wheels turning in his mind, see the gears switching as he considered his next move.

Finally, just as I thought I couldn't take the tension any longer, Matteo spoke up. "Well, that was quite the meal," he said, a smile playing at the corner of his lips. "But I'm afraid I do need to get back to work. Duty calls, you know?"

My heart sank at his words. I knew he was a busy man, but I had hoped that we could spend some time together after dinner. "Of course," I said, trying to hide my disappointment. "I understand." Matteo's smile widened, as if he knew exactly how disappointed I was.

As we stood up to leave, Matteo's hand brushed against mine, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through me. For a moment, our eyes met and held, and I could feel a magnetic pull between us. But before I could even register what was happening, Matteo pulled away, his expression once again guarded and aloof. He paid the bill and led me out of the restaurant, his hand grazing my lower back as we walked.

The ride home was agonizingly tense and silent. I stole glances at Matteo as he drove, his hands gripped tightly on the steering wheel. Every now and then, I saw his jaw tense as if he was holding back words. The tension between us was palpable, like a charged storm crackling in the air. I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was brewing, something dangerous.

The silence was deafening, and I found myself fidgeting in my seat, feeling anxious and restless. I kept stealing glances at Matteo, his handsome profile illuminated by the passing streetlights. I couldn't help but notice the muscle in his jaw tensing and releasing, a sign that he was holding back something. I couldn't bear the tension anymore, and I opened my mouth to speak.

But before I could say a word, Matteo's hand reached out and grasped mine, his grip firm and possessive. I gasped as his thumb brushed across my knuckles in a soothing motion, sending a shiver up my arm. I looked over at him, my eyes widening in surprise. Matteo's gaze was focused firmly forward, his eyes intent on the road, but his thumb continued its soothing rhythm against my skin.

My heart raced in my chest, unsure of what to make of his unexpected touch. Was he trying to comfort me? Was this just part of his game? But before I could try to decipher his motives, Matteo's thumb stopped its movement and his hand withdrew back to the steering wheel. I was left feeling confused and slightly disappointed at the loss of his touch.

As we continued our drive, I found myself lost in thought. One minute, Matteo was cold and aloof, and the next he was tender and affectionate. It was like flipping a switch, and I couldn't help but wonder which side of him was the real one. Was this all just a game to him, or was he struggling with his own feelings like I was?

The rest of the drive passed in silence, and when we finally arrived home, Matteo led me through the front door wordlessly. I followed behind him, my mind still swirling with questions and confusion. Matteo dropped his keys on the entryway table and led me further inside, his hand on my lower back, a possessive gesture that sent flutterings through my stomach.

I could feel the heat of his touch even through the layers of fabric, and I couldn't help but wonder if he was doing it intentionally to throw me off balance. Matteo seemed to notice my stiffness, and a faint smirk appeared on his lips as he led me into the living room.

Matteo gestured for me to sit on the couch, his hand trailing down to my elbow before releasing me. I followed his instruction, taking a seat while trying to maintain my composure. Matteo sat down next to me, our thighs brushing slightly as he settled in. I could feel the tension between us, thick and electric, like a coiled spring ready to snap.

The silence was deafening, and I could hear the blood rushing in my ears as I waited for Matteo to speak. But he just sat there, his gaze fixed on some distant point, his expression unreadable. I could feel my frustration growing, and before I could stop myself, I blurted out, "What is it that you want from me?" Matteo finally turned his gaze to me, his eyes dark and intense.

"I want you," he said, his voice low and husky. "I want you to submit to me, completely and utterly." My heart skipped a beat at his words, a mixture of fear and excitement coursing through me. I knew that this was just a game to him, but hearing him say it so bluntly made my stomach churn with anticipation and nerves.

I didn't have a chance to respond before Matteo's hand came up to cup my chin, his thumb brushing along my lower lip. My breath hitched in my throat, my body responding to his touch despite my reservations. I could feel the heat of his gaze on me, searing into my skin.

"Didn't you have some work to do?" I said.

Matteo's thumb paused its motion on my lip, his eyes darkening as he looked at me. "Yes," he said finally, his voice low. "But I have a different kind of work in mind." I swallowed hard, my heartbeat quickening at the intensity in his gaze.