Ignited Devotion

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Poppy

I'm not trying to sound high on myself, but I am absolutely slaying this project for Mira and Ronan. Each time I send over new concepts and graphics to Mira, she beams at how good they are. I must admit, it's sort of feeding my newly growing ego.

In fact, Mira's given me more work to do on some of their other brands. She's also occupying almost all of my time. I'm doing a few small, side projects here and there. I'll never let go of doing cover art for independent romance authors – that's my favorite.

I'm working on the latest project at Mario's when he gets home in the middle of the day. He does this a lot now. Pebbles greets him excitedly. She's gotten a lot bigger and is in her gangly puppy stage where she's clumsy and floppy and can't really figure out how to work her growing limbs yet.

"Hey baby," Mario bends down and kisses my exposed shoulder. "What are you working on?"

I show off my latest graphic. He smirks, looking impressed.

My true crime podcast is still playing loudly over the speaker, so he pauses it and continues his pursuit of my bare neck. I feel my eyes flutter shut with need. God, I never knew how touchy-feely Mario Marino could be.

It's very hard to focus on work with his hands on me like this.

We're still keeping things on the down low. There's a lot going on with his family with Martina's broken engagement. Mario doesn't seem to care if people know, but I worry that his father will be absolutely furious with him.

Selfishly, I'm not ready for that kind of ripple.

"I'm thinking Thai tonight," I tell him as he plays with Pebbles in the living room. She jumps all over him, launching herself at him.

"Sounds good to me. Want to go out or eat in?"

I give him a grin. When given the option, I always choose staying in because I can stay in my pajamas and we can pretend we're going to watch a movie after we eat when really we just fuck on the first available surface.

Mario returns my grin with one of his own.

It's my favorite. A Mario Marino smile used to be so rare, now I feel like I get them all the time, special just for me.

Pebbles barks sharply, in need of attention from her father.

I finish up what I'm working on and send to Mira.

I'm just about to shut down for the day when my phone buzzes with Mira's name across the screen.

"Your sister is calling me!" I gasp.

"Which one?" Mario asks from where he's lounging on the sofa, still in full cuddle mode with Pebs.

"Mira," I shush him. He rolls his eyes at me before I pick up the phone. "Hey!"

"Hey Poppy!" Mira's friendly voice beams from the other end. "These new designs...are amazing."

"Are you sure? You don't think they're too...corporate?"

"Not at all. They're exactly what I'm looking for," Mira says. "Listen. I was going to wait till our next in-person meeting to talk to you...but well..." she pauses with meaning. "I would really like to bring you on full-time, Poppy."