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A wave of feverish kisses dragged her from slumber, burning along her throat until Azzurra stirred with a faint groan. Slowly, she blinked awake, the first traces of dawn painting the room in soft orange light through the curtains. Her brows knit together as the fog of sleep lifted, only to stiffen at the press of a palm against her breast.

Her eyes flew open, widening when she caught sight of him Marcello his lips grazing her neck, teeth nipping the delicate skin as his hand slid beneath her shirt to fondle her. A sharp breath escaped her when he bit down and sucked at the tender flesh, and she shoved at his chest on instinct.

He pulled back, ruffled black hair tumbling across his forehead, amber eyes gleaming up at her with a star-bright grin.
“Good morning,” he said, radiating cheer.

“Morning,” she muttered with a scowl. Of course, he was the kind of man who woke up smiling.

Ignoring her grouchiness, Marcello pressed more kisses along her jaw. She jerked away, gripping his wrist and dragging his hand out of her shirt.
“Stop,” she snapped, her glare sharp enough to cut.

She tried to sit upright, but a groan slipped out instead as every muscle screamed in protest. Marcello’s grin faltered instantly, replaced with worry as he leaned closer.
“What’s wrong?” His eyes darkened with concern.

Azzurra let out a humorless laugh, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
“What’s wrong? Really? You mean to tell me your friend down there doesn’t know what’s wrong?” She puffed up like a little tigress, chest heaving with indignation.

Marcello’s lips curled into a smile, amused despite her fury. “It was wild. Passionate,” he drawled, as if parading an invisible medal of honor around his neck.

“Wild? Of course it was wild you’re a damn beast! I told you to stop after the second time, but you didn’t!” She shoved at his shoulder, hovering over him now. His skin was smooth under her palm, a maddening distraction.

“But I made you squir”

“Shut up!” she screeched, slapping her hand over his mouth, her face flaming red as he smirked beneath her palm.

“And that wasn’t enough, was it? You woke me in the middle of the night and went again! Listen, mister, you’re a Lycan with stamina that borders on inhuman, and I’m just a fragile human girl. I thought I was going to die last night.” Her attempt to sound calm only made her voice waver.

Marcello pried her hand away, pressing a kiss into her palm as though to soothe her fury. “Then why,” he asked innocently, “did you beg me for more?”

Her cheeks deepened to scarlet. “Because I wasn’t in my right mind,” she mumbled, flustered.

His thumb traced the curve of her lips with disarming gentleness. “Alright. Then let’s set a safe word. Choose one.”

Her body softened instantly at his tender tone. She hated that her complaints came only because of the ache in her limbs if she was honest, last night had been the kind of ecstasy that stripped reality away. It had been nothing but raw pleasure and primal desire.

“Red,” she whispered.

Marcello smirked. “Good. Tonight, I’ll take you hard and raw again. If you want me to stop, say the word. Only then will I stop.”

Her glare returned, though her blush betrayed her. “Every bone in my body is screaming no more sex for at least a few days.”

His eyes widened theatrically. “You’ll be fine tomorrow.” His voice softened. “If it hurts too much, I’ll get the healer.”

She shook her head, managing a smile. “I’ll be fine in a couple of days. Just… try to survive without me.” She kissed his cheek and slid out of bed, hobbling toward the restroom while pinning up her hair. Marcello sat there sulking like a chastised wolf.

When she reemerged, fresh from her shower and wearing only his shirt, he nearly groaned out loud. “Fascinating,” he rasped, watching her move.

She lifted her arms defensively. “Off limits, off limits, off limits,” she chanted, like a warding spell.

He rolled his eyes, but still snagged her wrist and yanked her into his chest. She gasped as he towered over her, amber eyes burning down into hers. “You will never be off limits to me. I’m sorry if I was too rough last night. I’ll be more careful from now on.” His thickly accented words melted her resistance, and she dropped her gaze with a shy flush.

“I… I don’t mind rough,” she admitted in a rush. “But if it’s rough, then not more than twice in a row. I can’t handle more than that.”

He tilted her chin with a knowing smirk. “Noted. Now, give me a kiss.” His fingers toyed with the damp strands of her hair.

She stretched on her toes, brushing her lips over his. Before he could tease her for the timidness of it, she licked his bottom lip and pushed her tongue past his, mimicking what he had done to her. He groaned, arms locking around her waist, one hand tangling in her wet hair as he deepened the kiss.

It was Azzurra who broke away, gasping softly as their foreheads fell together, breath mingling.

“I found out when Cesario was born,” Marcello murmured suddenly.

Her eyes flew open, startled.

“A witch told me,” he explained. “Cesario’s birthday is Tuesday.”

Her hands shot to her mouth, eyes shining. “Oh my God… thank you,” she whispered, throwing her arms around him. He held her tight, his strength enveloping her.

“We’ll surprise him with a small party. You plan it,” Marcello said.

Tears welled as she nodded against his chest.

Then he tilted her face up, his expression unreadable. “Azzurra… I want a favor.”

Her heart skipped. “What is it?”

“Let Cesario meet Mattia.”

Her entire body flinched at the name.