A steady, predictable life. A nice, safe relationship. A career that paid the bills and didn't ask for my soul.
And then Nico Conti happened.
And my carefully constructed world shattered into a million pieces.
I'm not sure I want to go back.
Being with him is like standing in the middle of a hurricane. It's terrifying and exhilarating and dangerous, and it's the most alive I've ever felt.
He makes me question everything I thought I knew about myself.
He makes me want things I never knew I could want.
He makes me a better person, and a worse one, all at the same time.
I shiver lightly, now that we're not actually doing anything. The office has a chill to it that the warmth of my raging blood isn't chasing away.
His arms tighten around me.
"Cold?" he asks.
I nod.
He gathers me into his arms and kisses me. I taste myself on his lips, and it's dirty and wrong and hot, so damn hot. My knees go weak, and I moan. I feel him stand.
His strength is terrifying. He doesn't stumble. He doesn't strain. He just stands, lifting me like I weigh nothing.
He carries me across the room and to the door on the far side of the office. I know it's a private bathroom, but I've never actually seen it before.
He pushes the door open with his foot and carries me inside.
The bathroom is all marble and chrome and dark wood. It’s bigger than my kitchen.
"Can you stand?" he asks gently.
I nod, and he sets me on my feet.
My legs are a little shaky, but I manage.
I’m still a little stunned that he carried me, that he’s being… tender with me. After the way he just tortured me on his lap, the gentleness is a whiplash.
And I like it.
It’s another one of those contradictions about him that pulls me in.
He’s a predator, but he’s also a protector.
He’s demanding, but he’s also generous.
He’s the most dangerous man I’ve ever met, and he makes me feel safer than I’ve ever felt.
Slipping his hands under my skirt, he pulls my panties down in one quick move, making me gasp and clutch his shoulder for balance. The delicate lace is damp and ruined.
Nico looks up at me, and even kneeling on the floor, it's obvious who's in charge. He lifts them to his nose.
I blush.
He inhales deeply, a smirk on his lips.
