Chapter 43: We’re sharing the bed

"Again, you’re talking about killing someone," Soraya said, immediately becoming wary. She tried to step away, but Santino caught her by the waist, wrapping one arm firmly around her lower back and preventing her from moving away.

"Don’t run from me." He leaned closer until his nose brushed against her forehead. "I merely suggested getting rid of an evil man who betrayed you and caused you pain. It makes me angry whenever you speak about him as though your life still revolves around him. I don’t want Emilio to have any place in your thoughts. I want to be a part of your life, Soraya."

His possessive tone made her heart beat faster, but she refused to let herself be swayed by his words. She placed both hands against his firm chest, creating a little distance between them.

"I already told you to earn it. Words won’t change my mind," she whispered. "Now, let go of me. What if someone attacks us? There are people around here too." She glanced towards the beach and noticed a few people walking along the distant stretch of shore.

"Shall we announce our marriage to the world, then?" Santino suddenly asked.

"What?" Soraya stared at him in disbelief. "We can’t do that! You were the one who said making our marriage public could put me in danger."

"That’s true, but I also know that I can keep you safe," Santino replied confidently.

"You can’t keep me safe every moment of the day. You should understand that. Your world is filled with dangerous people, Santino. Sooner or later, someone might realize that I’m your weakness and use me against you. What will you do then?" Soraya asked, looking directly into his eyes.

Her words made him think more deeply about the risks of keeping her by his side. He knew she wasn’t wrong. His enemies would not hesitate to target her if they discovered how much she meant to him. However, he refused to let those thoughts show on his face.

"But so far, you’ve tried your best to give me the things I’ve asked for. You’ve allowed me to do things I wanted, and I appreciate that," Soraya continued. "I hope you won’t stop me from pursuing what I want to achieve in life. I don’t want to feel like I have to give up my choices just because I’m married to you. All I’m asking is that you don’t hurt anyone."

"I promised you that I would never hurt an innocent person," Santino assured her, a smile appearing on his lips.

He didn’t want to turn their conversation into another argument, especially when she was finally beginning to acknowledge his efforts. Instead, he decided to change the subject.

"Shall we spend the night by the beach? We can have dinner here as well," he suggested.

"If you think it’s safe, I don’t have any problem with that," Soraya replied.

"My men are already stationed around the resort, so there’s nothing to worry about," Santino assured her. He finally released her waist, took her hand, and added, "Come on. Let’s go inside the hotel."

The two of them headed towards the beach resort, where Santino booked a suite for the night.

Soraya entered first and stopped just inside the doorway when she noticed the decorations. The room was beautifully arranged, with rose petals scattered across the bed, candles placed around the suite, and other romantic touches that made it look no different from a honeymoon suite.

She walked towards the bed and gently brushed her fingers over the roses, examining the arrangements with curiosity. Before she could say anything, Santino’s voice reached her from behind.

"Tonight, we’re sharing the bed."

Soraya immediately turned around to look at him. "Then get yourself another room."

Only then did she realize that she had forgotten to consider one important detail. Since they were staying at the resort for the night, Santino had naturally booked a suite for both of them. She had assumed she would have a separate room, but the decorations made it clear that he had other plans.

"Are you serious? That’s not going to happen," Santino replied, looking at her as though her suggestion was completely unreasonable.

"Fine. Then I’ll book another room for myself." Soraya pushed herself away from the bed and was about to walk towards the door when Santino caught her wrist.

Before she could react, he pulled her towards him, causing her to lose her balance and fall onto the mattress.

He followed her down, positioning himself over her as his hands pinned hers against the bed on either side of her head. One of his knees settled between her legs, preventing her from immediately getting up.

"Santino," she whispered his name, swallowing nervously as she looked up at him.

"Nothing will happen unless you want it to," he assured her, his voice softer than before. "It’s perfectly natural for a husband and wife to share a bed. How long are you going to keep me at a distance? We’ve spent an entire week together, and I hope you’ve realized by now that I’m not as bad as you thought."

"But, Raya, tell me something. Do you really hate it when I kiss you?" he asked, his gaze briefly dropping to her lips before returning to her eyes. "Because I remember how you responded the last time I kissed you. I don’t think you disliked it as much as you claim. Even now, I can feel how fast your heart is beating."

Soraya parted her lips to answer, but no words came out. His closeness made it difficult for her to think clearly, especially when his eyes remained fixed on hers. Santino lowered his face and gently brushed his lips against the bridge of her nose.

Her eyes fluttered shut at the unexpected tenderness. For a moment, she forgot how determined she had been to resist him. She was aware of his presence, his warmth, and the way he was waiting for her response, but she couldn’t bring herself to open her eyes.

Taking her silence as an invitation to move closer, Santino lowered his face and pressed his lips against hers.

He kissed her gently at first, then lightly nibbled on her lower lip. The sweetness of the dessert they had shared earlier still lingered on her lips, and he found himself enjoying its faint strawberry taste.