Sinful Heaven

**9- Lingering Kiss

As they settled into their meal, Eleanor couldn't shake the memory of the kiss on her forehead from Leonardo, Alejandro, and Roberto. She took a deep breath, her fingers tracing the rim of her glass absentmindedly. "You know," she began, her voice softening, "I keep thinking about the way they kissed my forehead. It felt... different. It was like they were trying to communicate something deeper without words."

Blake raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "Different how? Was it sweet? Intense?"

Eleanor smiled at the memory, warmth flooding her cheeks. "It was both, I think. Sweet but also protective. I felt like they were shielding me from something, almost as if they were promising to take care of me. It was comforting, but also confusing."

"Confusing because you didn't expect it?" Blake asked, leaning in, eager to hear more.

"Exactly," she said, nodding. "I've always kept my distance from relationships because of past experiences. I never imagined I'd have three powerful men expressing interest in me all at once, let alone in such an intimate way. It makes me wonder if I can trust them, even as I feel drawn to them."

Blake's expression turned serious. "Trust is important, El. But you're also smart. If you're feeling something good, you owe it to yourself to explore it. Just take your time."

Eleanor considered his words as she took a bite of her lunch. "I guess I'm scared of getting hurt again. But at the same time, their attention is unlike anything I've ever experienced. It's exhilarating."

"Sounds like you're caught in a bit of a whirlwind," Blake said with a knowing smile. "But hey, don't forget you're still in control of this situation. If you feel the need to put your walls up, do it. But if you feel ready to let them down, you should also embrace that."

Eleanor leaned back in her chair, contemplating the weight of his advice. "You're right. I shouldn't let my past dictate my present or my future. That kiss was a reminder that maybe I can let someone in again. It's just... scary, you know?"

Blake reached out again, squeezing her hand gently. "Of course, it is. But remember, you're not alone in this. I'm here for you no matter what you decide."

"Thank you, Blake. I really appreciate it," she said, her heart swelling with gratitude. "I'll try to keep an open mind and see where things go. Who knows? Maybe these men are exactly what I need in my life."

With that thought lingering in her mind, Eleanor finished her meal feeling lighter, her heart daring to entertain the possibilities ahead.

Leonardo leaned back in his chair, swirling the amber liquid in his glass as he regarded Alejandro and Roberto with a satisfied smirk. "She took the news better than we expected," he said, a hint of admiration in his voice.

Roberto chuckled, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. "I think her shock was actually a good sign. She didn't run away screaming. In fact, she seemed genuinely intrigued."

Alejandro nodded, taking a sip from his own glass. "I felt a shift in her energy when we kissed her forehead. It was as if she was beginning to understand that we aren't just powerful men; we're men who want to protect her. That connection is vital."

Leonardo leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "But we have to be careful. She's innocent in many ways, and while it's refreshing, we can't rush her into anything she's not ready for. We need her to see that we're serious about our intentions."

Roberto's gaze flickered thoughtfully. "It's true. Eleanor's trust is crucial, and we can't afford to break it. She's never been in a relationship, and this is all new territory for her. If we push too hard, we might scare her away."

Alejandro, ever the strategist, interjected, "Let's give her space for now. We've made our feelings clear, and she knows we want her. We can show her through our actions. Little gestures, maybe even more time together-without the pressure of expectation. Let her come to us when she's ready."

Leonardo smiled, appreciating Alejandro's pragmatic approach. "I like that. We'll let her feel the warmth of our interest without overwhelming her. And who knows? The more time she spends with us, the more she might realize how much she needs us in her life."

Roberto raised his glass, a gleam of excitement lighting up his eyes. "To patience, then. We've waited this long; a little more time won't hurt. And in the meantime, let's show her what it means to have three men in her corner."

"Cheers to that," Leonardo said, clinking his glass against the others. "Let's make her feel cherished and valued. She deserves nothing less."

As they finished their drinks, the trio shared a conspiratorial grin, each of them eager to see how their new dynamic with Eleanor would unfold. They knew that with patience and care, they could help her navigate the complexities of their world, forging a bond that could withstand the trials to come.

The trio sat in their office, the atmosphere thick with unspoken thoughts as they reflected on their past experiences. Each of them had their fair share of flings-fleeting encounters that came with thrills and excitement but ultimately left them feeling hollow.

Leonardo broke the silence, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms. "You know, all those nights with other women? They never felt meaningful. They were just distractions, nothing more than a quick fix for the loneliness that comes with this life."

Roberto nodded, his brow furrowing in contemplation. "Exactly. It was always about the chase or the thrill. But with Eleanor, it's different. There's something real there. Something that makes me want to be a better man."

Alejandro leaned forward, his piercing gaze locked on his friends. "We've had beautiful women, and we've indulged in pleasure, but none of it compares to what we feel for her. With Eleanor, it's as if the universe aligned, and everything just makes sense. She's like a breath of fresh air in our otherwise chaotic lives."

Leonardo sighed, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. "But that makes it all the more terrifying, doesn't it? She's innocent and so unaware of the effect she has on us. How do we balance our feelings for her with the danger that surrounds us?"

Roberto's expression shifted to one of determination. "We take it slow. We allow her to discover who we are while we show her our world. We need her to understand that we aren't just the mafia men people fear. We're also men who can care deeply, who can provide love and safety."

Alejandro smirked, his usual cocky demeanor returning. "And we will have our work cut out for us. Convincing her that we're more than just our reputations will be a challenge. But I think she has the strength to handle it. She just needs to see that we're not like the others."

"Agreed," Leonardo said, a smile creeping onto his lips. "We've all been in shallow waters, but with Eleanor, we're ready to dive deep. There's so much potential for something real. I don't want to lose that."

Roberto raised his glass again, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. "To Eleanor, then! The only woman who has ever made us rethink everything we've known about love and relationships."

The others joined in the toast, their glasses clinking together, sealing their newfound resolve. Each of them felt a surge of excitement and determination as they envisioned the path ahead with Eleanor. They knew the journey would be fraught with challenges, but the prospect of building a meaningful relationship with her was a risk they were more than willing to take.