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  Arianna couldn’t help wondering how well he knew her, but wasn’t about to ask until they were alone.

  “Have any idea who broke in?”

  She shook her head. “Not yet. He was smart enough to wear a mask and sweats. None of the video caught him. Seems he managed to climb up to your balcony and break into your room.”

  Her eyes slammed shut. There were things strewn around the living room, but nothing in the kitchen.

  “We’re not sure what, if anything, was taken. Whoever it was made a mess.”

  “May I?” Arianna asked.

  “Don’t touch anything yet, but yes, have a look. You can help us figure out if anything was stolen.”

  Her room was a mess. Clothes were everywhere. Her dresser on its front. She walked into the closet and took a deep breath.

  Everything else was on the floor, things moved, and the loose floorboard was tossed aside.

  “Someone was looking for my security box.” She huffed a laugh. “They didn’t find it. I moved it to a bank.”

  “Anyone know about it?”

  She nodded. “When my ex-boyfriend and my mother started asking too many questions about it, I took it to the bank.” She rubbed one arm. None of this made any sense.

  “I think we have what we need from you. Unless there is anything else you can think of.”

  Arianna shook her head. “I can’t take anything with me, can I?”

  “I’m sorry. We should be done by morning. I’ll call when we release the scene.”

  “Thank you.” Arianna took a slow breath and leaned against Isandro, who pulled her closer.

  Officer Bridges turned to Isandro. “And she can stay with you until we have a suspect in custody?”

  “Of course.”

  He kissed Arianna’s temple. “Let’s get out of here. They can do their job, and you can get some rest.”

  “Sounds good.”

  * * * *

  Arianna was asleep before they made it back to Isandro’s. Once he had her in bed, he stripped her down to her bra and panties. Then he left the room and called his sister.

  Marissa answered after the fourth ring. “Hey, what’s wrong?” she asked groggily.

  “Someone broke into Arianna’s condo. Fuck, I’m glad she came and fell asleep on my porch.”

  “What the hell are you muttering about?” she demanded, a little more awake.

  He explained what happened that morning. How he thought the worse, and how they got to eating fajitas in his kitchen.

  “Okay, but you two are good now, right?”

  “Yeah. She had his car towed when she found it in front of her place.” A laugh escaped as he went to the kitchen to stare out the window.

  “You aren’t going to have the same problem I did with Carson.”

  “Doubt it. Look, I’m worried about her. Her shop, now her home. Whether or not the jackass who hit my car is involved, someone is fucking with her.”

  “We got the blood work and fingerprints back. It’s Talbot. At least for the break-in at the shop. Leads me to believe it’s the same for the condo. Fuck, why didn’t they call me?”

  “Didn’t seem they knew about the break-in at the shop. Either way, it’s a small enough town, it’s not like they’ll be keeping it from you. I wanted you to know, though.”

  “Yeah, thanks. Hey, take care of her. I’m sure she’s rattled.”

  “She is, but she’s sleeping now. I’m going to curl up with her, make sure she wakes up feeling safe.”

  Marissa snorted. “When did you become a romantic?”

  “Whatever.”

  She laughed out loud. “It’s cute. You’re all protective of her. Stop trying to walk away when you don’t understand what’s going on. You’ll fuck this up if you keep that shit up.”

  “Yeah. Got that already. Look, that’s not going to be an issue for a while at least. She’s staying with me. I don’t want her anywhere else.”

  “She’s going to have to run her shop.”

  “You know what I mean. I want to be sure she’s safe. I don’t plan to suffocate her.”

  “I’ll see what I can find out when I go in tomorrow.”

  “Thanks. I’ll talk to you then.”

  He walked back to the room and stripped down before climbing under the covers and pulling her close. She molded to his body, completely nude, and tucked her head under his chin. Apparently she wasn’t too asleep to rid herself of the undergarments.

  Arianna murmured, “Who did you call?”

  “My sister. Filled her in on the break-in.”

  “Hmm. I wondered why she wasn’t there.”

  “Probably no one thought to connect the two incidents.” He kissed her head.

  Her hand skated down his side, eliciting a moan.

  “Aren’t you tired?”

  Arianna pressed an open-mouthed kiss to his throat. “No.” She gripped his already hardening cock and stroked. “Need to feel you inside me. Wipe away the fear.”

  “Ari, tell me what you need. You’ll have it.”

  “I just did.” She slid her thigh over his hip, urging him toward her heated core. He shifted his weight to slide into her. “This, you, perfect.”

  He covered her mouth with his, tasting her lips. She parted, and he invaded, trading breaths as he explored her mouth and delved into her body. Soft skin, eager touches, both seeking pleasure in one another. He felt her all the way to his soul and he needed more.

  Nothing he’d ever hoped for compared to his new reality. Love. He never dared believe she could want more than a few nights when she took him home. Even after he tried to shut her out, expecting the worst, she came to him, proved she wanted him, not Derrick.

  “Love you,” he promised against her lips.

  She held on tighter, moving her body with his. The pleasure increased to sweet torture. He needed release, but he savored the way she clung to him.

  Her walls rippled around his length, pulling him into release with her. She cried out his name as her nails dug into his skin, marking his body like she’d marked his heart.

  “Love you,” she whispered, curling tighter, still joined.

  He held her close and let her sleepy sigh pull him into sleep.

  Chapter 17

  Hands wrapped around Arianna’s waist. She leaned back against Isandro, who murmured against her ear, “What are you doing, beautiful?”

  “Making breakfast. Then I need a shower so I can go to work.”

  “Are you going to teach me how to make chocolate?” he asked in that sexy rumble that got her engine revving.

  “You planning to stay all day?”

  He shrugged. “If you’d like. I’m not working, and spending the day with a sexy woman making my second favorite dessert sounds like my kind of day.”

  “Second favorite?” she whispered.

  He reached between her thighs, slipping his fingers under her panties to slide through her heat. “You’re my favorite. You’re salty and sweet. Love the taste of you on my tongue.” His mouth closed over her throat as one digit dipped into her.

  “Gonna burn breakfast,” she groaned.

  “Want me to stop?”

  “Nah-uh, but need to.”

  “Get it off the stove and I’ll get you off.” He stepped back, and she moved the skillet with the scramble to a cool burner and shut everything off.

  He picked her up, spun her around and set her on the counter while he dropped her panties on the floor.

  “Oh damn, you weren’t kidding.” She giggled as he licked through her folds and circled her clit.

  “So good,” he muttered, diving back in. Her head hit the wall as he put her legs over his shoulders and nipped at her clit.

  She cried out, her toes curling against his shoulders as she rolled her hips to get more friction. Two fingers pushed into her, driving her closer to climax. “Please, please, please,” she begged.

  He didn’t stop until she fell into ecstasy, then he left a trail of damp kisses up her
torso and stopped to pay homage to her tight peak as he filled her. Every thought left her as he made love to her. He moved to the other side before continuing up to take possession of her mouth while pushing her back up the climb to climax.

  His pace grew faster as he looked into her eyes. The intensity rocked her to her core, driving her over the edge. She gripped his arms, holding herself up while pleasure tore through her like a tidal wave.

  Isandro thrust once more, coming to a stop deep inside her. His cock jerked several times as he came, his gaze still locked on hers. She grabbed his head and pulled him back for another sizzling kiss.

  She broke away, panting. “Breakfast, shower, then work.”

  “Mmhmm,” he answered, pulling his boxer briefs up. He turned to grab a rag and he rinsed it before wiping her clean.

  She closed her eyes against the erotic torture.

  He leaned down to press a soft kiss to her lips before backing away. “So damned beautiful, Ari.”

  Smiling, she scooted off the counter and turned to grab plates. “You make me feel like the most gorgeous woman on Earth.”

  “You are.”

  Giggling, she filled their plates. He took both to the table with a grin. “I would have made you breakfast.”

  “Couldn’t sleep. I was thinking about whoever broke in. Why would they do it? I mean, was it for the money? My mom doesn’t need it. Neither does Derrick. His father won’t ever cut him off. Hell, he gets paid bank to sit on his ass doing nothing at daddy’s company.”

  “Entitled little prick.”

  A laugh burst free. “It is pretty small.”

  Isandro snorted. “I’m not even going to ask.”

  A smirk pulled at her lips. “Any larger and you might scare me.”

  His brow arched, his lips twitching.

  “Honest. Perfect size. You fill me in ways I never imagined.”

  “I wasn’t asking. I know you like what I got.” He waggled his brows.

  “Your neighbors probably know that by now.” She blushed. “Oh God, your sister is right next door.”

  He laughed. “We aren’t that close to her place.”

  “Thankfully. It was bad enough with your neighbor blaring porn outside.” A giggle escaped. “Didn’t you say he’s a grandfather?”

  “Yeah.” His face scrunched. “He misses his wife in more than one way.”

  “Aww, now that’s sad.”

  Isandro nodded. “Yeah. Which is why we take turns asking him to turn off the outside speakers. Kids movies are fine, but the other stuff…it’s awkward.”

  “How many other neighbors hear it when it’s on?”

  “A couple.” He chuckled. “It happens every few weeks.”

  “At least he’s on the other side of Marissa. If she can’t hear, then he can’t.”

  “Very true. Otherwise we may have a peeping Tom on the lawn.”

  “No one wants to see my big ass.”

  “I beg to differ,” he challenged, but there was no humor in his tone.

  She sighed. “Sorry. Habit.”

  “One I’ll break you of. Eat. We have work to do.” He popped a bite into his mouth. “Delicious.”

  * * * *

  The first few hours flew by. Isandro had fallen into an easy banter with Arianna. She walked him through making various chocolates, taunting him with those delicious pink lips and sparkling green eyes.

  She wouldn’t let him make love to her until after the shop closed. At least, that’s what she told him. He wasn’t sure he could wait that long to have her again.

  “You really want to stay all day?” Arianna asked over her shoulder. She was bent over, putting chocolate in the cases. All he could think about was pushing her up against the counter and taking her right there.

  “I’m sure. I’ve got the whole day to spend with you.”

  “While I’m at work.”

  “Why not? It’s your shop. If I’m a bad employee, you can punish me,” he teased.

  She giggled, the sound dancing over him. “I hope you’re bad.”

  “In that case…”

  She straightened up and smirked at him. “I better open the shop before you get any ideas.”

  She hurried around the counter and opened the door. On her way back he spotted her mother and sighed. “Might want to lock it again.”

  Diane Nelson glared daggers his way. “He shouldn’t be here. He’ll rob you blind and leave you bleeding on the floor.”

  Arianna spun around with an even deadlier glare. “You’re not welcome in my shop. And your opinion is utter bullshit. He’s not the one breaking into my home or business.”

  “What on earth are you talking about?” she hissed.

  She sighed. “I received a call in the middle of the night that someone broke into my condo. Luckily I wasn’t home. I was safe in Isandro’s arms.”

  Diane’s gaze sliced his way. “Safe? With this beast?”

  It took everything he had to keep his mouth shut and let Arianna deal with her mother.

  “Nothing to say?” Mrs. Nelson snapped.

  He had plenty to say. None of which would help. Hell, he didn’t think anything Arianna said was actually going to do a damned bit of good.

  “When was the break-in at the shop?” Diane demanded.

  “You really don’t listen to me, do you? That was last week. I mentioned it and apparently you’re so unconcerned it slipped your mind. So take your negligence and leave.”

  “Oh no. I’m concerned for your safety.”

  “So concerned you forgot someone broke into my shop. So concerned you don’t even ask if anything was stolen from my home. And you’re worried about a man who has no criminal record and is considered a hero among the community.”

  “One who busted your boyfriend’s face.”

  “Oh my God. I dumped Derrick weeks ago. He was cheating. He’s not my boyfriend, and Isandro only punched him when he swung at Isandro. He was defending himself.”

  “Derrick was trying to get you away from this dog. You know his nickname is Bulldog. I’m sure he treats you as well as any dog would.”

  And still, he held his tongue.

  “As far as I’m concerned, you’re no longer a part of my life. So take your hatred and get the fuck out of my shop.”

  “Why are you being so difficult?”

  Arianna threw her hands up. “I’m done putting up with your shit. That’s all you shovel at me. I don’t want anything to do with you. Nothing. Disown me for all I care.”

  “You don’t mean that.”

  “Wait and see. I’ll be quite a bit happier if I cut you out of my life.”

  “You won’t last a week.”

  “Watch me.” She motioned toward the door.

  Diane Nelson walked out of the shop and back to her car.

  Arianna turned to him and leaned against the counter. “I’m sorry. I’m so fucking sorry she’s such a bitch.”

  “You’re not her.” He managed a smile.

  “Why didn’t you say anything?”

  He snorted. “Why? She doesn’t even listen to you. She hates me. Nothing I say will get through. I doubt action will prove anything to her.”

  “Well, thank you. Derrick would have butted in and made it worse.”

  Another person he didn’t want to think about. So he changed the subject. “On the plus side. Doesn’t sound like she’s the one setting up the break-ins.”

  “That’s hardly proof. She’s a world-class liar. Everyone believes she’s the perfect mother.”

  “After the way she treated you at the party, I don’t see how.”

  “Doesn’t matter.”

  He beckoned her over. “Come here, beautiful. Let me take your mind off her.”

  “Oh, no hanky-panky while we’re open.”

  He sat on the stool and spread his legs. “Nope. Going to massage your shoulders. Come here.” His brow arched as he beckoned her over.

  She came and turned to lean against him. He went to work and
nibbled her ear.

  “I wish she could see what I see,” she murmured.

  He sighed. “We aren’t talking about her.”

  “But we should.” She turned, placing her hands on his thighs, and looked into his eyes. “How do I shut her out if she’s going to keep coming by?”

  “Don’t know. Ignore her?” He offered a weak smile. “I’m not going to go out of my way to try to prove I’m not my father. My actions should be enough. They won’t be, and that’s on her.”

  “Still wish she could see you through my eyes.”

  He wasn’t sure it would actually change anything. “My father hurt her. I do look like him. He was capable of what she claims. Can you really blame her for not looking past her memories?”

  “It’s not fair. You’re a good man.”

  “And she’s not the best mother. She treats you like shit. Do you really think that’s going to change?”

  She shook her head.

  “I’m not telling you what to do. That’s not my place. But I don’t expect her to change her mind, or treat you better. She’s had damn near thirty years to do it.”

  “You’re right.”

  “I don’t want to be.”

  “But you are.”

  He pulled her closer, encircling her in his arms. “Let me make you happy.”

  “You already do,” she whispered against his ear.

  The bells rang, and Trent and Ella walked in. She stepped out of his embrace with a blush tinged smile. He wanted to pull her back but refrained, for the moment.

  * * * *

  Arianna wanted to be alone a little longer. Maybe giving Isandro what he wanted earlier would have made this craving die down, but every time he touched her she felt like she’d go up in flames. Even when he had every right to be pissed at her mother. He sat there and took it with a smile. Then comforted her. He was fucking perfect.

  Ella’s bright smile pulled her attention. “You two make a cute couple.”

  Arianna bit her lip and glanced back at Isandro. “Cute isn’t the word I’d use to describe Isandro.”

  Isandro chuckled. “What would you use?”