ECHOES OF US | 18+ ✔️

CHAPTER 18

DANTÉ

Within minutes, both our helmets are secured before we eagerly mount my bike. The engine roars to life and soon, we're speeding down the street, bodies pressed close.

The sky is a perfect, endless blue, and the day couldn't be better for a ride. Being on my bike makes me feel alive and weightless, as if the world and all its worries fade away behind me. The engine's roar vibrates through my body, and the wind whips around us as we fly down the highway, leaning into every curve. Mia mirrors my movements, her arms wrapped tightly around my waist, her body pressed snugly against me, her warm thighs hugging mine. I can feel her head resting on my back, sinking into the pleasure of the ride.

Having her this close, coupled with the rush of the open road, sends a surge of pure adrenaline through my veins. I can't even comprehend how incredibly happy I am—it feels like a dream.

Half an hour later, I ease off the throttle and pull into a parking lot. The rumble of the engine fades, and I help her off. I take off my helmet, then gently remove hers. Her eyes go wide, glistening with emotion, her face reflecting a mixture of shock and happiness.

While securing both our helmets with the push locks on the bike, she says softly, "You actually kept your promise to bring me to Coney Island, even after all this time."

I meet her gaze, a warmth spreading through me as a small smile forms on my lips. "I meant every word," I murmur, my voice soft but carrying the weight of the moment. "Nothing was ever going to stop me from keeping that promise. You're too important to me."

Her eyes fill with tears as she whispers, "You have no idea how much this means to me, Danté. I never thought it would happen... not after I believed you were dead."

I gently cup her face, brushing away a stray tear with my thumb. "I'm here now," I reassure. "I'm not going anywhere and you don't have to worry about losing me again, sweetheart."

I lean in, pressing my forehead to hers. "It's just us now, and nothing's standing in our way. We'll make the most of every moment we have."

With a tender smile, she responds, "I've really missed you so much, and I'm grateful we're together now."

My heart swells and I gently pull her into an embrace, relishing the deep connection between us. "Me too, amore mio. I've waited so long for this—for us."

"Ti amo, Danté." {I love you}

"Ti amo di più, Mia." {I love you more}

Before things escalate and I get carried away with PDA, I give her a soft kiss on her lips and reach for her hand. As our fingers intertwine, we embark on a leisurely stroll towards Luna Park.

She gives my hand a gentle squeeze, the softness of her skin against mine sending a surge of warmth through my chest. The connection between us feels tangible—almost electrifying.

"Do you want to grab something to eat first, or should we hit the rides?"

"Definitely the rides!"

Knowing Mia's love for adrenaline, I can't help but tease her. "So, you're more into the tame stuff, like the Wonder Wheel, Teacups, maybe?"

She gasps, eyes wide, practically bouncing with excitement when I glace at her. "Are you kidding me?! I've been dreaming of riding the legendary Cyclone, Astro Tower, and the Slingshot forever!"

I laugh, shaking my head. "Alright, thrill-seeker, let's make it happen. Hope you're ready for some serious adrenaline."

"Think you can keep up?"