Chapter Thirteen
Adriana
The scent of garlic and herbs hits me as I step into the kitchen. My eyes widen at the sight before me - Dante, sleeves rolled up, muscles flexing as he chops vegetables with practiced precision. His brow furrows in concentration, completely absorbed in his task.
My heart skips a beat. He remembered. He’s actually cooking for me, just like he promised that night at the restaurant.
I clear my throat softly. “This is a nice surprise.”
Dante looks up, his intense gaze softening as it lands on me. A small smirk plays at the corner of his lips. “I always keep my promises, cara mia.”
Heat rises to my cheeks at the endearment. I move closer, peering at the array of ingredients spread across the counter. “It smells amazing already. I had no idea you were such a chef.”
He chuckles, the low sexy sound giving me butterflies. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me yet.” His eyes darken. “But you will.”
The weight of his words hangs between us. I swallow hard, torn between nervousness and anticipation.
Dante sets down his knife, turning to face me fully. “You know, preparing a meal like this deserves a proper reward.”
My pulse quickens. “Oh? And what did you have in mind?”
He leans in close, his voice velvety smooth as he says, “I’m sure we can think of something… mutually satisfying.”
I can’t help the giggle that escapes me, equal parts giddy and flustered. Before I can overthink it, I stretch up on my toes and press a quick kiss to his stubbled cheek.
Dante freezes for a moment, clearly not expecting such boldness from me. Then his arms snake around my waist, pulling me flush against his solid chest.
“Teasing minx,” he growls playfully. “You’ll pay for that later.”
A thrill of excitement courses through me at the promise in his voice. What have I gotten myself into?
With a final smoldering look, Dante releases me and turns back to the stove. I watch, mesmerized, as his hands move with practiced efficiency. The sizzle of oil in the pan and the rich aroma of garlic and herbs fill the air.
Minutes later, Dante presents the first course with a flourish. “Seared scallops with a lemon beurre blanc,” he announces, his accent caressing each syllable.
I stare in awe at the perfectly golden scallops nestled on a bed of vibrant greens. “This looks incredible,” I breathe, truly impressed.
Dante’s eyes gleam with satisfaction as he pours us each a glass of crisp white wine. “Try it,” he urges.
I take a delicate bite, closing my eyes as flavors explode across my tongue. “Oh my god,” I moan, forgetting my usual reserve. “This is amazing.”
His lips quirk in a pleased smile. “I’m glad you approve.”
While we savour the dish, the conversation flows easily between us. It’s strange how comfortable I feel, given our tumultuous beginning.
“So,” he says, setting down his fork, “tell me about your day. Any breakthroughs with your latest webtoon?”
I can’t help but smile. It still surprises me that he takes an interest in my work. “Actually, yes. I finally figured out how to resolve the conflict between the dragon princess and the knight. It involves a magical pearl and—” I catch myself, cheeks flushing. “Sorry, I’m probably boring you.”
Dante leans forward, his gaze intent. “Never. I love seeing you passionate about something. Keep going.”
As I describe my plotline, gesturing with my hands, I notice the way his eyes follow my movements. There’s hunger there, but not just physical. He seems to genuinely drink in my words, my enthusiasm.
“What about you?” I ask, suddenly eager to know more about his world, despite the danger it represents. “Any… interesting business today?”
His expression shutters slightly, reminding me of the boundaries between us. “Nothing you need to worry about, cara. Just the usual meetings.”
I nod, a familiar unease settling in my stomach. Part of me wants to press further, but I know better. Instead, I focus on savoring the last bites of the exquisite meal he’s prepared.
When we finish, I stand, gathering plates. “Let me help clean up,” I offer, craving some semblance of normalcy.
Dante’s hand catches mine, his touch electric. “You don’t have to,” he says.
“I want to,” I insist, meeting his gaze. For a moment, we’re just a couple, sharing a simple domestic task.
While I load the last dish into the dishwasher, I feel Dante’s presence behind me, his body heat radiating against my back. My pulse quickens.
“You know,” he says, his voice low and honeyed, “I think I deserve another reward for all this cooking.”
I turn, finding myself trapped between his arms as he leans against the counter. “Oh? And what did you have in mind?” I ask, aiming for playful but hearing the slight tremor in my voice.
Dante’s eyes darken. “A real kiss,” he says, leaning in. “Not one of those chaste pecks you’ve been teasing me with.”
The air between us crackles with tension. I lick my lips, my pulse quickening. “Okay,” I respond, surprising myself. “Show me what a real kiss is.”
Dante’s eyes flash with hunger, but as he leans in, a sudden burst of playfulness overtakes me. I duck under his arm, giggling as I dart away.
“You’ll have to catch me first,” I challenge, surprising myself with my boldness.
A predatory grin spreads across Dante’s face. “Oh, cara,” he says, “You should know better than to run from me.”
I dart out of the kitchen, and weave through the house, my laughter bubbling up uncontrollably. It’s been so long since I’ve felt this light, this free. For a moment, I can pretend we’re just a normal couple, chasing each other like lovestruck teenagers.
I round a corner, nearly slipping on the floor. Dante’s footsteps echo behind me, deliberate and measured. He’s toying with me, I realize. My heart races as I climb the stairs, taking them two at a time.
“Adriana,” he calls out, his voice a blend of amusement and hunger that sets my heart pounding. “You can’t run or hide from me forever.”
I sprint up the stairs, pulse thundering in my ears. “Watch me try!”
But as I enter our bedroom, strong arms encircle my waist, lifting me off my feet. I shriek with surprised laughter as Dante spins me around.
“Caught you,” he growls, pressing me against the bedroom door.
Our eyes lock, and suddenly the playfulness evaporates. The air feels thick, charged with something dangerous and thrilling. I can’t look away from the intensity in his gaze.
“Now,” Dante says softly, one hand coming up to cradle my face. “About that kiss…”
My heart skips a beat as I gaze into Dante’s eyes which are filled with intense desire. The playfulness from moments ago has vanished, replaced by a crackling tension that makes my skin tingle.
Something shifts inside me, a boldness I didn’t know I possessed rising to the surface. Before I can second-guess myself, I slowly sink to my knees, my gaze never leaving his.
Dante’s sharp intake of breath is loud in the silent room. “Adriana,” he says, voice rough. “You don’t have to—”
“I want to,” I interrupt, surprised by my own certainty. My hands tremble slightly as I reach for his belt buckle. “I… I’ve never done this before, but I want to try. For you.”
His hand cups my cheek, thumb touching my lower lip. “Sei sicura, tesoro?”
I nod, fighting the nervous flutter in my stomach as I undo his trousers. My fingers hesitate at the waistband of his boxers. This is uncharted territory for me, worlds away from the romantic fantasies I draw in my webtoon.
“It’s okay,” Dante says, his usual commanding tone softened. “Take your time, baby.”
Steeling my nerves, I gently tug his boxers down. My eyes widen as his cock springs free, thick and already hard. It looks so big and intimidating up close to my face. I lick my lips nervously and wrap my hand around it hesitantly, marveling at the contrast of soft skin over rigid steel.
“Like this?” I ask, glancing up at Dante.
His jaw is clenched, eyes burning as he looks down at me. “Just like that,” he moans. “Now, use your mouth. Gently.”
I lean forward, my heart pounding, and tentatively take him between my lips.
I feel Dante’s fingers thread through my hair as I take him deeper, encouraged by his low groan. His grip tightens, not painfully, but guiding me.
“That’s it, tesoro,” he rasps. “You’re doing so well.”
His praise sends a thrill through me. I hollow my cheeks, trying to remember what I’ve read in steamy romance novels.
Dante’s hips twitch. “Fuck,” he hisses. “Adriana, your mouth…”
I look up, meeting his intense gaze. His eyes are dark with desire, a muscle jumping in his jaw. It’s intoxicating, knowing I can affect this powerful man so deeply.
“Use your tongue,” he instructs, voice strained. “Along the underside—yes, just like that.”
I follow his guidance, exploring with growing confidence. His breathing becomes ragged, punctuated by Italian curses.
Suddenly, Dante grasps my shoulders. “Enough,” he pants, pulling me up.
Before I can react, his mouth crashes into mine. The kiss is fierce, almost desperate. His hands roam my body, stripping away my clothes with practiced efficiency.
“On the bed,” he commands, voice rough. “Now.”
I comply, heart pounding as I lie back on the cool sheets. Dante removes the rest of his clothes. I admire his taut muscles, the way they flex as he stalks toward me. Dante looms over me, eyes raking hungrily over my naked form.
“Beautiful,” he mutters, lowering his head to trail kisses along my collarbone.
I gasp as his lips move lower, arching into his touch. A shiver courses through me as Dante’s hands explore my body, his touch sparking a fire within me I never knew existed. I tremble and pant when he caresses my breasts, teasing and pinching until I’m writhing beneath him.
“Dante,” I whimper, overwhelmed by the sensations.
He chuckles darkly. “Patience, tesoro. I want to savor every inch of you.”
His mouth continues its torturous journey south. I squirm beneath him, torn between embarrassment and desperate need.
“Don’t hide from me,” Dante commands, gently spreading my legs.
The first touch of his tongue makes me cry out. I grip the sheets, overwhelmed by the sensations he’s evoking.
“That’s it,” he says against my thigh. “Let me hear you.”
I lose myself in the pleasure, my world narrowing to Dante’s touch. My fingers tangle in his hair, holding him close as pleasure courses through me.
“Please,” I beg, though I’m not sure what I’m asking for.
Dante lifts his head, eyes gleaming. “Tell me what you want, Adriana.”
I swallow hard, finding my voice. “I want you. All of you.”
A growl rumbles in his chest as he positions himself between my thighs. I cry out when he pushes inside, the stretch and burn is almost too much. I grip his shoulders, nails digging into his skin.
“Okay?” he asks, his voice strained.
I nod, pulling him closer. “More.”
I gasp as Dante starts to move, his hips rolling against mine in a steady rhythm. The room fills with our mingled breaths and soft moans.
“Adriana,” he groans, burying his face in my neck. “You feel incredible.”
I wrap my legs around him, urging him deeper. Every thrust sends sparks of pleasure through my body. I’m dimly aware of the headboard thumping against the wall, but I can’t bring myself to care.
“Mine,” Dante growls, nipping at my neck. “Say it, Adriana. Tell me you’re mine.”
“Yours,” I gasp, lost in the intensity of our connection. “I’m yours, Dante.”
“Fuck,” he groans. “You feel so good.”
His thrusts quicken, and I match his rhythm instinctively.
“Dante,” I whimper, digging my nails into his back. “I’m close…”
He lifts his head, darkened eyes boring into mine. “Come for me, tesoro. Let go.”
His hand snakes between us, fingers finding that sensitive bundle of nerves. The added stimulation pushes me over the edge. I cry out, my body arching off the bed as waves of ecstasy crash over me.
Dante follows soon after, his movements becoming erratic as he cums inside me. He collapses on top of me, both of us panting heavily.
For a long moment, we lie there in silence, our bodies slick with sweat, hearts still racing. The aftershocks of our lovemaking ripple through me, leaving me trembling and raw. Dante rolls to the side, pulling me against his chest. I trace idle patterns on his chest, marveling at how safe I feel in the arms of a man I once feared.
“What are you thinking?” Dante asks, pressing a kiss to my temple.
I hesitate, unsure how to voice the jumble of emotions swirling inside me. “I never expected this,” I finally admit. “Us. To feel this way about you.”
I feel Dante tense slightly at my words. His fingers tighten on my hip, possessive.
“And how do you feel about me, dolcezza?” he asks, voice low and cautious.
My heart races. I’ve revealed too much, made myself vulnerable. But there’s no taking it back now.
“I…” I swallow hard. “I care for you. More than I should.”
Dante’s breath hitches. For a moment, silence hangs heavy between us. Then he speaks, “You’re mine, Adriana. Mine to protect, to cherish.” His voice grows husky.
“Dante, I—”
“Shh,” he murmurs, pressing a finger to my lips. “Don’t speak. Just feel.”
He pulls me closer, our bodies flush against each other. I can feel his heartbeat, strong and steady. It grounds me, even as my mind reels.
“From the moment I saw you,” Dante continues, “I knew you were meant to be mine. My wife. My queen.”
His possessiveness should frighten me. Instead, it makes my chest warm. I’ve never felt so wanted, so treasured.
“I’ll burn this city to the ground before I let anyone take you from me,” he vows.