ECHOES OF US | 18+ ✔️

CHAPTER 19

DANTÉ

Halfway home, the skies suddenly open up, unleashing a downpour. The rain hits hard and fast, and I'm grateful that we're both wearing leather jackets. By the time we reach the parking garage, the rain has soaked us from the waist down, our clothes clinging to our legs.

After securing my bike, we proceed to the private elevator, and I enter my access code. With a sudden burst of energy, it comes alive, its metallic hum filling the quietness as we rapidly ascend to the penthouse on the 38th floor. Mia is unusually quiet, her body trembling slightly as the coldness sets in. When we enter my apartment, I immediately crank up the heat. But before the warmth can chase away the chill, she's captivated by the sight of my apartment, the cold and wetness quickly forgotten.

"Wow, this apartment is luxurious and incredibly spacious for just one person," she breathes, her eyes wide with amazement.

"Yeah, I like having the extra space. It gives me room to breathe and relax."

Her excitement bubbles over as she notices the floor-to-ceiling windows. "Oh, my God! I love these windows, and you even have a balcony," she exclaims, hurrying toward the glass windows. "And you've got a view of the Hudson River!"

As she remains captivated by the breathtaking view, I take advantage of the moment to quietly slip off my sneakers, shedding my leather jacket, t-shirt, and jeans.

"The view is always stunning, especially at sunset," I remark with a playful grin, anticipating her reaction when she turns around. "And now I finally have someone to share it with."

"So, you're saying," she asks, her voice tinged with curiosity, "I'm the only woman you've brought here?"

"That's right. You're the first," I reply, pride evident in my voice, having a first of my own. Dressed only in my boxers now, I move closer to her, the warmth of the room contrasting with the coolness of my skin. "I wanted it to mean something when I brought someone here, and you're that someone."

"I'm glad it's me and we're sh—" she starts to say, but her words catch in her throat when she turns to face me. "Holy fuck!" she exclaims, her eyes widening as her hand quickly covers her mouth.

My lips curve into a knowing smile as her gaze glides down my torso, lingering at the V below my abs.

"As promised," I murmur, catching Mia's brows furrow as she drags her eyes back to mine. Her hand slips away from her lips, leaving her mouth hanging open. "My tattoos," I gesture to my chest and arms.

I can almost hear her swallow as her eyes roam over me again, and close the distance between us, stopping just a breath away. Silence stretches between us until I break it with a question.

"Like what you see?"

Her instinctive nod and the way her teeth catch her bottom lip tell me all I need to know. It would be impossible not to like what she sees, or to remain unaffected by my half-naked body.

"Let's get you out of those wet clothes before you catch a cold, amore mio," I say, slipping her jacket off. The moment my fingers graze her skin, goosebumps rise under my touch.

Mia, usually so quick with a witty comeback, is uncharacteristically silent, her usual fire subdued in a way that sends a charge through the air between us.

Dropping her jacket to the floor, I lock my gaze with her, and there's a flicker of desire burning in them. Without breaking eye contact, I lift her crop top over her head, letting it fall to the ground beside her jacket.

A flush spreads across her cheeks as I unzip her pants, sliding them down her shapely legs. When I find my face inches away from her pussy, the scent of arousal teases my senses and gets me going. My tongue darts out to wet my lips, and I struggle to stifle a groan, imagining how she'll taste.