Dante's Stolen Wife by Day Leclaire Read Free Book Online Page B

fingertip across the velvety blossoms. “I don’t want the wine blurring my memory.” She lifted her gaze to his. “You do want me to remember everything, don’t you?”
    He could feel his body clench in anticipation. “Every minute,” he confirmed.
    Heat fired in her eyes. “Then I’ll pass on the champagne.”
    For his own peace of mind, he had to be certain. “Does it bother you that we’ve rushed things? That we didn’t have our family here?”
    She shook her head. “Not really. Gran is gone now, and I haven’t a clue where my mother is these days.”
    “Why not?” he asked without thinking.
    She stilled, staring at him strangely. “You know why, Lazz.”
    “Right. Sorry.” He snagged his jacket from where he’d discarded it, and crossed to the far side of the suite to hang it up, using that as an excuse to conceal his expression. “I’m afraid there’s going to be hell to pay from my side of the family,” he offered from the depths of the closet.
    To his relief the dangerous moment passed and she focused on this latest concern. “They’ll be upset they weren’t invited, won’t they?”
    “We’re not the first in the family to elope. But they won’t be pleased, no.”
    “Especially since it wasn’t necessary.”
    He took instant exception. “On the contrary. I think it was very necessary. I think we needed to get away from work and family and just trust what we feel for each other.” He cocked his head to one side. “Don’t you?”
    She gave it a moment’s serious consideration before nodding. “I’m beginning to suspect it wouldn’t have worked out between us otherwise.” A swift smile came and went. “Too much brick and not enough mortar.”
    “The mortar being the romance?”
    She nodded and satisfaction filled Marco. His brother had been so wrong about her, as were Britt and Angie. Caitlyn and Lazz were nothing alike. Granted, they both shared an accountant mentality. But that was about as far as it went. Inside, where it counted, she epitomized all that was most female. The monumental spirit, the softness covering indomitable strength, the brilliance tempered by compassion and creativity. They were qualities that had gotten lost at Dantes. Qualities his brother had neither noticed nor understood.
    But Marco understood them. Savored them. Intended to revel in them from this moment forward. He took his time, determined to make this night the most special possible. He slowly approached, ripping free his tie and unbuttoning his shirt as he came.
    “Tell me what you’re feeling, Caitlyn.”
    “Happy. Nervous.” Her gaze dropped to his bared chest. “Hungry.”
    He continued to close the distance between them. “The first I intend to feed. The second I can appease. And the third I plan to fully satisfy. On every level.”
    He reached her side and cradled her against him, kissing away any lingering doubts until she shuddered helplessly, the want in her so huge, it couldn’t be contained. “Wait,” he murmured. “First things first.” He removed the veil, using more than his usual care, and draped it across the back of a nearby chair.
    Caitlyn stood silently, waiting for him. And then she wasn’t waiting. She slid into his embrace and slanted her mouth over his in a hot, greedy kiss, one that told him in no uncertain terms how much she wanted him. He found the fastening for her gown at the nape of her neck and flicked it open. The edges of the halter top fluttered to her waist, baring her to his gaze. Without a word, she reached behind her and unzipped the gown, allowing it to drift to the floor before she stepped clear of it.
    She wore nothing but a minuscule triangle of lace that barely concealed the heart of her femininity. She should have appeared provocative. Instead she struck him as proud and elegant, and more desirable than any woman he’d ever known. He took his time, looking his fill until he realized that beneath her calm facade, his lovely wife felt nervous.