THE SECOND DATE #2
“I just came by to send you off with some auntly wisdom,” she said.
“Come in,” I urged, stepping aside as she entered the room.
We both settled on the edge of my bed. “You look so much like your mother,” she said softly.
There was a pause before she continued. “Don’t tell your father this, but Nico reminds me so much of him.”
“Really? How so?”
“He was very protective of your mother to the point of obsession. But unlike Nico, he managed to keep that obsession under control. Yet I can’t help but notice how Nico looks at you.”
“Like he wants to kill me,” I said with a laugh.
Valarie shook her head. “No. Like he would set this world on fire for you. To protect you from the things in this world that will threaten your mere existence and happiness.”
Her words hung in the air, settling around us as I took in their meaning.
There had always been an undeniable connection between Nico and me, stirring up feelings I didn’t even realize I could ever feel. It felt as if fate had woven our paths together for a reason, a bond written in the stars. Maybe Tabi was right when she said Nico and I were destined for each other.
“Kind of like it’s written in the stars, right?” I said.
She chuckled softly. “Yes, just like that. Now come on,” she said, rising to her feet and taking my hand. “Your man is waiting for you downstairs.”
As we stepped out of the room and into the hall, I glanced over my shoulder to see Tabi and Mya were practically beaming with happiness like kids who’d just been handed a bag of candy.
“Have fun, sweetheart. Please call me afterward; I want to hear all about it,” Valarie said, kissing my cheek.
Miguel waited for me at the top of the stairs. His smile was warm, but I could see the hesitation in his eyes, that silent struggle of wanting to say something but holding back for fear of Nico’s reaction.
He gestured for me to proceed, falling behind me as I descended the steps slowly.
I held my purse tightly against my chest, my other hand gliding along the smooth railing for balance.
As my foot hit the last step, a sharp breath caught in my throat, the sight before me stealing away all coherent thoughts.
Oh. My. God.
Nico looked scrumptious. A few buttons were undone to reveal a glimpse of his tattoos and a glint of silver from the necklace that rested against his chest. His black slacks fit like they were tailored just for him, accentuating his strong thighs in a way that made my heart race.
His hair was styled to perfection, and the stubble he grew made him look even more irresistible.
His gaze traveled up slowly from my heels, lingering just a moment too long, and then finally met my eyes. The heat in his expression promised he intended to savor every moment, and I felt a rush of heat flood my cheeks.
Yep. I was going to lose this game.
NICO
I couldn’t think straight. My mind was a fucking mess.
Suddenly, my pants felt uncomfortably tight. I both hated and loved the effect she had on me. It was as if she held the power to pull me under, and all I wanted was to drop to my knees before her, to plead for redemption for my sins that had caused her so much pain.
The beast inside me was going ballistic, desperate to break free and claim what it desired. Gigi . But this night wasn’t about me; it was about my angel.
My eyes trailed down to her delicate feet adorned with black heels. I imagined her wearing them while I fucked her. And her toes—I’d worship each of them with my lips.
I took in her smooth legs—legs I missed having wrapped around my neck while I ate her out—to her breasts that were begging to be devoured.
But when I finally met her gaze, my world stood still. Her beauty was breathtaking, a force to be reckoned with, leaving me speechless. She was my temptation and was now the object of my obsession.
Her red mini dress molded to her body, leaving one shoulder bare, while a single long sleeve draped delicately down her arm. She was a forbidden gift, a temptation wrapped in the seductive guise of a secret.
“Fuck, Gigi, you’re so beautiful,” I said breathlessly.
A soft pink flush crept across her cheeks, and she flashed me a radiant smile, her golden eyes sparkling. “Thank you. You look handsome.”
Retrieving her coat from the closet, I held it open for her. “Ready?”
She gracefully slipped into her coat. I ran my fingers down her arm, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath the fabric. When she turned to face me, I found myself lost in her golden orbs, searching for something deeper. She quickly averted her gaze as if it had been too intense, too intimate.
Taking the hint, I slid into my coat and opened the door for her, my heart pounding with anticipation.
Gigi stopped at the door. “Are you sure it’s safe to go out?”
“Yes. I have snipers stationed around the perimeter and on the roofs at the restaurant.”
Her eyes widened “Seriously?”
“Seriously,” I responded. “We’ll have guards following closely behind. You’re safe, I promise.”
She hesitated for a moment and nodded.
We walked down the steps together until I led her to my two-door Aston Martin.
“Is this new?”
A grin spread across my face as I swung the door open wide. “Not quite. I just thought it was time to let him come out and play.”
Her playful curiosity danced in her expression as she climbed into the car, and I closed the door, stealing a glance at Miguel.
“Are the men in position?" I asked in a low tone.
“Yes, boss. We’ll stay right behind, and one vehicle will take the lead ahead of you,” he answered.
I nodded curtly and climbed into the driver's seat. I fired up the engine and glanced at her, waiting for the familiar click of her seatbelt. As soon as I heard it, my fingers found the remote in my pocket, and with a sly smile, I pressed the button.
“Oh, shit!” she exclaimed, her body jerking slightly. “Damn you, Nico!”
I bit my lip to suppress a laugh, feeling my body’s immediate response to her reaction. I shifted in my seat, trying to regain my focus on the road. “You alright over there, baby?” I teased, glancing at her briefly.
“You asshole!” she hissed.
I chuckled, resisting the urge to take things further. I wanted to play with her a little longer, though, so I kept the anticipation building by pressing the button again.
“Oh, my God,” Gigi moaned, gripping the car door like it would give her relief.
I switched off the remote.
“I hate you,” she whispered, a mix of frustration and desire dancing in her voice.
“Making you come isn’t the purpose.”
She shot me a look that said I'm going to kill you in your sleep . “Really? Then what the hell is the point of this?”
I smirked, leaning back in my seat and enjoying our little game. If only she knew what I had planned for her.
The rest of the drive to the restaurant was met with silence. The only sounds came from the bustling city of Chicago. I stole glances at my angel, but she remained absorbed in the world outside the window.
Then, in a fleeting moment, our eyes met through the reflection in the glass. Time slowed, and the city noises faded into a distant echo. I felt the brief connection in my bones.
As we pulled up to the entrance of the restaurant, I parked the car.
“Wow,” Gigi murmured. “This place is beautiful.”
And all was forgotten.
The restaurant featured private dining options and two penthouses.
Usually, a building contained only one penthouse, but this hotel was spacious enough to provide two, with multiple private rooms for visitors.
I had booked one of the penthouses for the night, hoping to have a moment alone with her without interruptions.
I stepped out of the car and approached Gigi’s side. I extended my hand toward her, and warmth spread across my chest at the softness of her skin against mine.
A valet worker smiled and greeted me. “Mr. Moretti, welcome.”
I handed him my keys and placed my hand on Gigi’s lower back, a rush of electricity coursing through me. It was a familiar spark I always felt when we were together.
The owner, Mr. Fiori, was waiting at the door, his expression welcoming. “Ah, Mr. Moretti! It’s a pleasure to have you with us tonight,” he said, extending his hand.
“Thank you, Mr. Fiori. This is Gigi,” I said, gesturing toward her. “Gigi, this is Mr. Fiori, the owner.”
“Nice to meet you,” Gigi replied.
Mr. Fiori took her hand and pressed a soft kiss to it, the movement stirring a primal possessiveness within me.
It was stupid, considering the man was old enough to be my grandfather, but the thought of another man’s lips or hands on my girl drove me batshit crazy.
I clenched my jaw, trying to rein in my jealousy.
“Please, come this way,” he said as he led us through the restaurant.
The interior exuded modern elegance, with warm brown and maroon tones. The dim lighting created a romantic ambiance, perfect for intimate conversations.
As we stepped into the private dining room, the soft lighting, elegant decor, and sense of seclusion made it feel like we were in our own little world. There were only a few guests scattered around the six tables, but I had reserved the chef’s booth that offered just the right amount of privacy.
I watched as Gigi slid into the booth, her back gently resting against the plush cushion. I took my seat across from her.
“Take your time ordering and enjoy your evening,” Mr. Fiore said.
“Thank you,” I replied, my gaze shifting back to Gigi. She was looking at me with an intensity that made my heart race. The woman had the power to weaken me.
I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat a reminder of how much I missed the way we used to be. Reaching for the glass of water, I took a sip, savoring the coolness. As always, they had prepared ice water and a basket of warm bread drizzled with olive oil.
“Are you hungry?” I asked, eager to gauge her mood.
“I am,” she replied. “What’s good on the menu?” Gigi asked, scanning the options.