Page 90 of Power & Punishment

“But I could’ve done something,” I sob against his chest.

His arms wrap around me, holding me in place as my legs sway back and forth.

“No,” he says immediately, a shared understanding flashing across his face. “You’re only one person, Mia. You can fight all you want, but sometimes life gets the best of us, and that is never your fault.”

My lip quivers.

Leo’s hands slide up and down my back slowly until he lands on my cheeks and cups my face. “Look at me.”

I shake my head, desperate to remain tucked against his chest.

“Mia.”

The softness in his voice bursts through my resolve, making me peel away as his hands guide me to the right position.

I look right into his eyes, and instead of panic or unease, I’m met with a caring look that makes me feel steady for the first time in days.

His thumb brushes across my face, brushing away salty tears mixed with water.

“You don’t have to carry all of this alone.”

A combination of a sob and a laugh comes out of my mouth. “That’s such a bullshit line.”

“No,” he says, his tone firm and void of any amusement. “It’s true. I know what it’s like to feel like you’re helpless. You don’t have to feel like that when you’re with me.”

I don’t want to admit it, but I can feel it in his words and the way he looks at me. Leo DeLuca understands me better than anyone ever has.

Broken people are the best at putting broken pieces back together again.

“I’m so tired,” I say, my palms pressing against his broad chest.

“I know, Tesoro.”

“And the worst part is you’re the only thing that’s felt right all day.”

Bright emotion flashes across his face. Not quite triumph or ego—two things I’ve become familiar with.

No, it’s more like hunger.

Need.

His hand slides around the back of my neck, gripping tightly. The water continues to drum against our skin, perfectly complementing the tension lingering in the air.

“Careful,” he sighs, skimming his nail across my cupid’s bow. “Don’t start saying things like that if you don’t mean it.”

“Maybe I do,” I admit, forcing myself not to look away.

My answer causes his control to snap, and soon he’s kissing me hard enough to steal my breath away.

Leo pushes my back against the cold tile of the shower before pressing his naked body onto mine. Soon his hands are tangled in my wet hair, pulling my head back and opening my mouth.

For the first time all day, my head finally goes quiet.

I kiss him back harder. Not for distraction or avoidance. Simply because he’s the only thing that makes me feel grounded in a world constantly trying to knock me over.

Leo groans, pinning my hips against the wall with his own. I can feel his throbbing erection teasing my already slick entrance.

And then he pulls back unexpectedly, resting his forehead against mine. “Is this okay?” he asks hoarsely.