A Touch of Sin |18+|

19

ALANI

"What are you making?" I asked Valerio, trying not to make it obvious that I was admiring him as he worked around his kitchen.

He had his sleeves rolled up, a dish cloth over his shoulder and a knife in his hand. I sat at the marble island, my elbow propped up on the counter while I rested my chin in my palm. My other hand absentmindedly played with the wine glass Valerio had given me and, of course, it was the best wine I ever had.

Valerio had a beautiful home but his kitchen...I had never fallen in love that fast. It had every appliance you could possibly dream off. And the design was out of this world. Modern. Dark interior. Low hanging yellow glowing lamps above the island. I knew that it was stunning but I wasn't exactly able to inspect it the last time I was there after he flung me over his shoulder.

I smiled involuntarily, the memories of that night still fresh and vivid.

I couldn't take my eyes off him as I watched him chop up a bunch of vegetables at the speed of light. How the fuck...I blinked and he was done, moving onto the next vegetable.

"For an appetizer, we have a mushroom ravioli. For the main, I'm making a chicken cacciatore," Valerio explained, keeping his eyes on the knife. "For dessert...well, you decide," he murmured, sparing me a quick glance.

I couldn't tell if there was an innuendo hidden in there or not but knowing Valerio, there probably was.

He was standing opposite me and I gazed down at his skilled hands, wondering what other talents he possessed.

"Anything?"

Valerio looked up at me. "Yes, anything."

I thought about it for a second. "Mm, I've always wanted to try an Italian hot chocolate."

Valerio chuckled, biting onto his lower lip as his dimples dented the side of his cheek. "If you want an Italian hot chocolate, I'll make you an Italian hot chocolate."

I grinned, taking a sip of my wine and I let the taste savour on my tongue for a moment. "Can I help you with anything?" I asked, just because it looked like he was doing everything on his own and I was starting to feel bad.

"Just keep me company," he replied, turning his back to me as he grabbed something from the fridge.

"That's all?"

"Yeah."

Valerio set the items down and I was expecting him to carry on cooking. Instead, he walked around the island and the next thing I knew, his lips were on mine. I was taken aback, but quickly relaxed as my mouth moved against his. He was gone before I could relish in it.

"Keep me company and give me kisses in between. What more could I ask for?" Valerio asked, smiling softly as he returned to his prior position. I willed myself not to blush. I was never one for blushing and I seemed to be doing it a lot lately. I scowled at myself, controlling the urge to fan my hot face with my hand.

For the next forty-five minutes, I was the designated taster. Valerio would hold a spoon to my lips, telling me to taste his creation and it was always good. It wasn't just good. It was amazing.

Each time I expressed how much I liked it, his face would light up and he would grin widely. He looked so happy and stress-free. I was the exact opposite when it came to cooking. Cooking always stressed me out, but Valerio did everything ease and I was, again, beyond envious.

When it was time to eat, I couldn't contain my excitement. We didn't move away from the island, choosing the casual setting instead of the too big dinner table. He plated the ravioli, drenching it in a sauce and scooted the shallow bowl to me. He sat on the stool next to me, his body slightly tilted into my direction.