CONSUMED By The Past | 18+ (Ongoing)

CHAPTER 23

DANTÉ

After our wild rendezvous in the ladies' room, Mia slips out first, making sure the coast is clear for me to follow. Her parting glance is playful, but calculated—ensuring we don't draw any unwanted attention. I suggest she head back to our table and order food while I freshen up, hunger stirring in me after all the excitement.

The scent of sex still clings to me, and I can't have the gossips catching a whiff when I show up at the station. I duck into the men's room, splashing cold water on my face and cleaning myself up. Five minutes later, I rejoin Mia, trading my cold coffee for a glass of ice water.

Mia's sitting there, glowing, her skin still flushed and warm from our encounter. There's a red mark on her neck, serving as a reminder of the spot I sensually nibbled. The intensity of her gaze is mesmerizing, and I find myself unable to avert my eyes. It appears that she shares the same sentiment, given the spark I see in her eyes. Reaching out, I take her hand in mine, my thumb brushing softly over her smooth skin.

"You make me extremely happy, amore mio," I coo, my voice soft, but full of meaning as I gaze into her ocean-blue eyes. "And I don't want to spend a single moment without you. I want you close... every day... every night. Please move in with me?"

She bites her lip, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Danté Deluca... I've wanted this for so long and don't want to be apart from you, either." Her fingers tighten around mine, warmth spreading through my chest. "Yes... I'll move in with you." Her voice is tender, filled with emotion, her eyes never leaving mine.

A slow grin stretches across my face as I lift her hand, brushing a tender kiss against her skin. "You have no idea how happy that makes me, Mia," I murmur, my voice thick with emotion. My thumb traces slow circles on the back of her hand, my gaze filled with warmth and affection. "This is just the beginning, amore mio. Our beginning."

The moment is briefly interrupted when the waiter arrives with our food, but the smile never leaves our faces. We dig in, both still basking in what just happened. Between bites, we talk about her plans—how she'll continue helping Maggie with the kids and chores. I tell her there won't be much to worry about at my place, mentioning the housekeeper who handles the cleaning, groceries, and even the occasional meal.

Despite the simplicity, I know our life together will be anything but boring.

As we savor the last of our meal, my phone pings, the sound sharp and jarring. I glance at the screen, and the name flashing across it makes my stomach twist, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. My mood shifts instantly, but I ignore the message, flipping the phone face down on the table. I don't want anything ruining this perfect afternoon with my woman. Another ping follows shortly, but I refuse to acknowledge it.

"I don't mind if you get that, Danté," Mia says with a soft smile. "I understand my lieutenant boyfriend is highly sought after."

But I mind.

"It's no one important," I reply, doing my best to keep my voice steady, hiding the irritation bubbling beneath the surface. Then my phone rings.

"Please get it, handsome," she urges, concern flickering in her eyes. "It might be important."

Reluctantly, I pick up my phone, and it's the same damn name flashing on the screen, igniting a slow-burning rage inside me. Isn't ignoring the messages enough of a sign that I'm busy, or don't want any contact?

"Excuse me," I mutter, standing and striding toward the restrooms, the weight of her worried gaze following me. Once I'm far enough from her, I answer. "What do you want?"

The voice on the other end begins speaking, and as I listen, my chest tightens. I check my email as instructed, my breath catching when I see the pictures—photos of Mia and me, taken during our lunch. My heart races, pounding in my ears, and I glance back toward her, making sure she's safe.