Stolen Touches (Perfectly Imperfect, #5)

by Neva Altaj

“I want to feel her skin when I touch her,” I answer. “And I can’t do that if I’m wearing a glove.”

“Damn it, Milene, I’m going to fucking kill you! Get off me and lie on the floor!” he yells at the top of his lungs. “Right now!” “You’re a damn magnet for bullets, Salvatore.” I kiss his hair and tighten my grip. “And I’m pretty sure you’ve already used up your nine lives, so you’re not getting shot again today.”

“Vita mia,” he whispers. “Please. Get down.”

“Milene.” His eyes are red. “I’m going to bite you. With all my strength.” The gunfire still rages, but I hear now how his voice trembles. “It’s going to hurt, Milene. Very much. Get. Off. Me.” I smile. “Be my guest. I’m not moving.” Bullets hit something over our heads and part of the metal construction comes crashing down behind us, sending dust and shards of debris into the air. Salvatore’s breathing becomes erratic, his chest rising and falling at a maddening speed. As I watch, a tear rolls down his cheek. “Please,” he whispers.

“Never, vita mia,”

“You don’t understand, Milene,” I say into her mouth. “Of course I do.” She smiles and looks right into my eyes. “I love you, too, Tore.”

“I’m afraid she won’t love me.”

“She will love you,” I say again and press my lips to his. “She’ll fucking adore you. Like I do.” “You promise?” he whispers into my mouth. “I promise.” I reach out and place my hand on our daughter’s head, brushing back the short blond strands. “Just look at her. She already loves you unconditionally.”