“We’re going to your show. We’re going to celebrate your work. And tomorrow…”
She nods in understanding. “Yes.” Strength returns to her voice. “Okay. That sounds like a good…plan.”
I mold my hand to the small of her back, guiding her toward the door. My phone buzzes in my pocket. Trevor with information on Gio, no doubt.
Too bad. Gio can wait.
Tonight is for Aurora. Tomorrow is for blood.
We stop near the elevator. She’s trembling, fear pulsing off her in waves.
The rage inside me changes shape.
Still burning, still demanding release, but now focused on a different kind of possession.
I need to know there are no more secrets between us. I need to claim her, mark her as mine in a way that Gio can never touch.
And she needs to pay for keeping things from me.
I face her, my hand gentle on her shoulder despite the storm in my blood. “Are you hiding anything else from me?”
She chews her lower lip. “No. Nothing. I swear.” Her voice, raw with emotion, breaks on the last word. “I should have told you about Samantha. About Gio. I just…” She presses a shaky hand to my chest. “I didn’t know how to trust anyone with her safety. She’s all I had.”
Had.Past tense. Even in the midst of her misery, she acknowledges that’s no longer true. The realization floods me with satisfaction.
“You have me now. But I need to be sure that you’re not withholding anything else.”
Over my shirt, the heat of her palm brands my chest. “There’s nothing else. I promise. How can I prove it to you?”
The question is electric with possibility. Blood pounds in my ears, my throat, my groin.
“Strip.”
Aurora freezes, her expression morphing into confusion. “What?”
“You heard me.” I retreat two paces to give her space. “Strip. Show me there’s nothing hidden. No more secrets.”
Understanding dawns in her eyes. A flush spreads across her cheeks and down her neck.
At first, I think she might refuse. We should be leaving for her show soon. Aurora needs to arrive early for any last-minute adjustments. Now isn’t the time for this.
But desire flickers in her expression, mirroring my need.
Her hesitance shifts into a newfound sexy playfulness. She bites her lip and reaches behind her for the zipper. She tugs it down, the steady snick echoing in the quiet loft. The fabric parts to reveal the pale skin of her back, the delicate curve of her spine. The dress slides down her body and pools at her feet.
Teasing, she peeks at me from over her bare shoulder.
“Exquisite.” My pulse stutters and rises.
She waits before me like an offering, black lace underwear stark against ivory skin. Part of her armor for tonight’s event. She reaches behind her back and unhooks her bra. The straps slide down her arms as she removes the delicate material.
My mouth dries as the heat in her eyes pumps straight to my groin.
Her firm, medium-sized breasts are perfect, rosy nipples already tightening. She hooks her thumbs in the waistband of her panties, hesitates a second, and then pushes them down her legs, stepping out of them along with the dress.
Except for her heels, she’s completely naked. The fear has vanished from her eyes. Now they only gleam with a growing desire that matches my own.
“Turn around.” I drink in the sight of her. “Show me everything.”
