She’s been the only woman stuck on my mind, embedded in my heartstrings, the one I wear on my skin.
She’s worth it all. I’ll bleed myself dry if I must, paying with my life gladly.
15
DAHLIA
I’ve missed Mika so much that I forget I am not allowed to love him freely—in the open. I immediately slip out of his embrace, looking around to see if anyone caught us. The guards roam the perimeter, seemingly unperturbed by my inner turmoil.
He lets out a harsh breath that redirects my attention to him.
“Sorry,” I whisper.
“Don’t apologize. Fuck.” He rubs a hand down his face, his features turning to stone.
How I wish to bring him peace when I know I am his chaos—and possibly his destruction. So selfish. But my love refuses to believe that. It’s not helping that my brain swims in a cocktail of endorphins, making me act recklessly. Safely secluded in my delusional bubble, I ignore the fact that it could burst any moment and paint my hands red.
He opens the passenger door and urges me inside.
Behind the tinted glass, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief, knowing we’re safe to indulge in our fantasy, hidden from prying eyes.
“Don’t worry.” He sounds so assured, making me question the reason.
I wish I could discard my worries and simply enjoy this wonderful thing transpiring between us.
Leaning over the center console, he steals a kiss that instantly scatters the thoughts of peril away.
He starts the engine, looking so damn powerful and sexy as he controls this beast of a car.
Driving away, he palms my thigh, his features relaxing with the contact.
“You look spectacular,” he says, glancing my way.
I smile, emboldened by the heated look reflected in his eyes. Under his gaze, I feel beautiful, coveted.
I wear a simple yet sophisticated strapless red mini dress that defines my hourglass figure, embracing the bold side in me I’ve buried for years. The flattering basque cut accentuates my waist. His gaze lowers from my thighs to my feet clad in delicate sandals with a thin band strapped around my ankles. It’s a wonder I didn’t break my neck on my run to him.
I offer him a smile. It’s hard to form words when his presence sucks any rational thought, leaving me simply a sensual creature.
As we drive through Reno, I watch as the passersby get ready for the night, unperturbed by anything but having a good time.
I’ve always wanted to visit his place. Even though I know he spends most of his nights at the club. I can’t believe he skipped his routine to be with me, and a surge of giddiness spreads through me.
Yet worry nags at me, making me chew on my bottom lip. “I hope I’m not keeping you from something important.”
“You’re my most important something,” he says, each letter infused with determination.
I giggle. “Good to know.”
He runs his hand absentmindedly up and down my thigh, creating flames that flicker under his touch. Only he can make me burn up with passion.
“I’m going to make you lose your mind tonight,” he says low.
A shiver of impatience skitters down my spine.
When we reach the wrought-iron gates, the grand white mansion topped by a gray roof comes into view. It’s a two-story residence with imposing stone columns supporting the front, situated in the middle of acres of scenic landscape.
The wild vegetation surrounds us, offering an unobstructed view of the valley, mountains, and city from every angle.
