“Yes. What’s something you’ve desperately wanted your whole life but never got?”
“Wow, go straight for the jugular, why don’t you.” She sets her mug down on the island and stares at it for a moment. “I guess I always wanted to belong somewhere.” Her mouth twists a little downward, but she quickly schools her expression, hidingher true feelings. “I want the same as most people. Security. Happiness. Health.”
Yesterday, when she curled into herself because I was too harsh, I wanted to punch myself, so I focus on keeping my tone soft instead of snapping an order at her. “Don’t do that when you’re with me.”
Laurie’s eyes flit to mine, and an emotion I can’t place ripples over her face before she says, “I want someone who’s truly happy that I exist.”
Lifting my hand, I brush my fingers along the curve of her jaw and lean closer. “You have that now.” With our gazes locked, I make sure she hears me. “I’m fucking ecstatic you exist and didn’t just remain a figment of my fantasies.”
Her expression softens, and she tilts her head. “Or maybe you’re just a figment of mine, and when I wake up from this crazy dream, you’ll be gone.”
That tells me all I need to know. Laurie is not averse to me at all. She wants me and everything I have to offer her, but only needs to come to terms with it.
“Okay,” I lean a little closer. “If this is your fantasy, what do I do next?”
Her eyes lower to my mouth before darting to the mug. “It’s my turn for–”
She wants me to kiss her.
I shoot up, and lifting her onto the island, I shove her legs open and step between them before grabbing her behind the head and crushing my mouth to hers.
It’s the easiest thing on this fucking planet to live up to her fantasy as I devour her lips and get lost in the feel of her tongue.
My woman just wants to be cared for and made to feel like she’s seen.
Fuck, do I see every breathtaking inch of her.
My phone rings, breaking the moment, and letting out an annoyed growl, I free her mouth and rip the device out of my pocket.
Seeing Augusto’s name, I groan internally.
Here we go.
I swipe over the screen. “Hey.”
“You’re fucking married?!”
“I was about to call you.”
“Fuck, Adriano. I thought Remo was talking shit. I’m your best friend. Why did I hear about this from your brother?”
“Again. I was about to call you,” I mutter.
My phone begins to buzz as message after message comes in, and it beeps with waiting calls.
“I’m going to kill Remo. Did the fucker tell everyone?”
“Yes. He blasted it in a group chat to the family.”
“That little fucking shit.” I brush my thumb over Laurie’s bottom lip, my eyes drifting over her flushed face. “I’m busy giving my wife attention right now, but we’re having a barbecue this weekend. My mother will send you the details.”
“Okay. But I’m going to punch you when I see you.”
“Fair.”
Setting my phone to silent, I drop it on the island before framing Laurie’s face and nipping at her lips again. This time I keep the kiss slow, just enjoying the feel of her breaths mingling with mine while memorizing every inch of her mouth.
By the time I lift my head, she’s in a trance, the sight of her glazed-over eyes making me smirk.
