Bridging Hearts

21. Next time, Petardo.

Disclaimer : This chapter may have some scenes that may not be suitable for all audience. 

Him

I sat at my desk, scrolling through emails when Arjun walked in, his face tight with focus. I could already tell he was going to ask for something big.

"Dante, can we talk for a minute?" His tone was clipped, way more formal than usual.

I leaned back in my chair, crossing my arms. "Yeah, what's going on?"

He sat down across from me, rubbing his neck like he was prepping for some awkward confession. "I have to go to Paris. One of our tech partners is giving us trouble, and I need to sort it out in person."

I nodded, not seeing the problem yet. "Okay, so when are you leaving?"

"Tomorrow morning. It's a mess, and I need to be on the first flight."

That raised my eyebrows. "Alright, and why are you telling me this?"

Arjun hesitated, then said, "I need you to take care of Tara while I'm gone."

I blinked. Did I hear that right? "What?"

He leaned forward, speaking faster now, like he had to convince me. "Look, I know you're not her biggest fan or whatever, but she's still kinda new to London. She's... adjusting, and I need someone to keep an eye on her."

I stared at him, trying to sound not too excited. "You want me to babysit your sister?"

"Not babysit. Just... be there for her. She might need help with stuff, and I'd feel better knowing someone I trust is looking after her." He paused. "I'd do it myself, but I can't be in two places at once."

I leaned back, running a hand through my hair, considering it. Spending a week with Tara? Yeah, that wasn't exactly a problem for me, but I wasn't about to let Arjun know that. I kept my expression neutral. "Alright, I'll look after her. Don't worry about it."

Relief flooded his face. "Thanks, man. I owe you big time."

"No problem," I said, brushing it off. "When's your flight?"

"First thing tomorrow. Just make sure she's okay. I'll check in when I can."

"I got it," I replied, holding back a grin.

As he left my office, I couldn't help but think of how perfect this worked out. A whole week with Tara, no need to sneak around or pretend. Tomorrow was going to be a good day.

----

The next morning, I watched from a distance as Arjun hugged Tara goodbye. She waved as his car disappeared down the road, a small frown on her face. The second he was out of sight, I wasted no time.

I walked up behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her close. "Finally," I murmured into her ear, "I've got you all to myself."

Tara stiffened at first but then relaxed, resting her head against my chest. "You're so bad," she whispered, her voice full of laughter.

"Maybe," I said, kissing the top of her head. "But you like it."

She tilted her head back to look up at me, her eyes soft and warm. "Yeah, I do."

I couldn't resist leaning down and brushing my lips against hers, just a light kiss, enough to remind her who she belonged to. She sighed into it, her body pressing closer to mine.

"Come on," I said, pulling back reluctantly. "We've got to go to the office. Can't be late, can we?"

She made a face, half-annoyed, half-amused. "You mean I have to put up with you all day?"

I smirked, squeezing her waist. "You know you love it."

She swatted my chest, a playful gleam in her eye. "You're impossible."

I laughed, letting her go. "And you're stuck with me."

Tara shook her head, her smile widening as she started walking back toward the house. I followed, my mind already racing with the possibilities of the next few days. No Arjun. No hiding. Just me and her.

It was going to be one hell of a week.

Her

I watched him drive, my eyes trailing down the length of his strong arms under his rolled sleeves, his veins visible under the skin, his hands gripping the wheel.

I had an idea. I reached out and placed my hand on his thigh, slowly trailing it up. I saw him grit his teeth, his eyes never leaving the road. I kept going until I felt something hard. I rubbed him gently, and he groaned.

"Eyes on the road, Mr. Grump."

I smirked at him.

He adjusted himself in his seat, his breathing labored. "Are you done?" His voice was deep and husky.

"No," I replied. I continued rubbing him, and he groaned again.

He adjusted himself in his seat again, and I felt his hand on my knee. I looked down and saw his hand slowly creeping up my leg.

"What are you doing?" I squeaked.

"Tit for tat, Miss. Innocent."

"Oh," I said, trying to play it cool.

His hand slipped under the hem of my skirt, and he stroked my inner thigh gently. I squirmed on the seat, trying to ignore what he was making me feel. He chuckled and continued stroking me. His touch was soft, gentle, sending shivers down my spine. He went higher and higher until he reached my panties, his finger tracing the edge of it. 

"Stop it," I said.

"No," he whispered, his voice sending chills down my spine.

He continued, now circling my clit with his fingers and I whimpered. It felt so good. He suddenly stopped, and I pouted. "What?" I asked him.

"We're here."

I looked out the window and saw the tall building in front of us, the words QuantumTech written on it.

"Oh," I said, smoothing out my skirt.

Dante leaned forward and pressed a kiss on my neck. "Next time, Petardo," he whispered in my ear.  I shivered at his words and got out of the car.

*************

Brb, gonna get back from cringing real hard. 😭😭😭😭

Look I (Insert awkward chuckle) am seriously really really not the gal who can write really good sexual scenes but I will try my best, okay ? Now stop judging me, I can feel your side eyes on me.