I swallowed hard, trying to ignore the way his words made my chest flutter. “Careful, Wright. You’re starting to sound like you’re trying to charm me.”
“Who says I’m not?” He smirked, his face inching closer to mine.
I could feel his breath against my cheek, the air between us charged. My heart was racing, and I wasn’t sure if it was the music, the drinks, or justhim.
The crowd around us kept shifting, but Alexander didn’t move.
“I like us,” he said, his voice quieter now.
“Yeah?” I said, trying to keep my voice light even as my pulse hammered in my ears. He slid his other hand to my waist.
I let out a shaky breath, nodding as I stepped even closer. Our movements slowed, matching the beat of the song. His forehead dipped toward mine, our noses almost brushing.
“Lucia,” he murmured, his voice almost lost in the music.
“Yes?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
“I want to kiss you again,” he admitted, his eyes searching mine. No cameras here I could see, just us.
My heart leaped into my throat. “Alexander?—”
“Tell me no if you don’t want to,” he said, cutting me off gently.
The honesty in his voice made my knees weak. I couldn’t look away, couldn’t think straight with him so close. And then, before I could second-guess myself, I tilted my head up.
“Kiss me,” I whispered.
He didn’t hesitate. His lips found mine in a kiss that was both deliberate and consuming, his hand sliding to the small of my back as he pulled me flush against him. The music faded into the background, and all I could feel was him—his warmth, his strength, and the way he kissed me like he’d been waiting for this moment as long as I had.
When we finally pulled apart, his forehead rested against mine, his breath ragged. My heart felt like it might jump right out of my chest. I wanted more, I wanted him.
“I’ve been wanting to do that all night,” he admitted with a soft laugh.
Before either of us could say more, a loud wolf whistle cut through the moment. We turned to see Matteo standing on the edge of the dance floor, his arms crossed and a smug grin plastered on his face.
“Took you long enough!” he called, raising his drink in mock celebration.
Alexander groaned, his head dropping to my shoulder. “Your brother’s timing is impeccable.”
I laughed, my hands still resting on his shoulders. “The worst.”
“Good thing I’m not easily deterred,” Alexander said, pulling back just enough to meet my gaze, his smile soft and sincere.
“Good thing,” I echoed, my heart still racing as we stayed locked in the moment, the world around us a distant hum, as he leaned in again to kiss me.
The night continued, a blur of laughter, music, and fleeting touches that set my skin alight. Alexander stayed close, his presence magnetic. Eventually I was pulled away by Nicola and her knowing smile. She gave me a little nudge with her elbow and tilted her head toward the bar.
“Come on,” she said, her tone laced with mischief.
I hesitated, glancing over my shoulder at Alexander, who was talking to Matteo and a few others. Nicola rolled her eyes and tugged me forward.
“He’ll survive without you for five minutes. Besides, we need to talk.”
We weaved through the crowd, the air buzzing with energy, and found an empty spot near the bar. Nicola flagged down the bartender, ordering something fruity for me and a tequila shot for herself.
“Okay,” she started, handing me my drink. “Spill.”
I raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. “Spill what?”
