Chapter 13
Chapter Thirteen
AVA
After dinner, I walk into the living room carrying a cinnamon bun cheesecake, the aroma wafting deliciously through the air. Dante stands at the kitchen counter, pouring freshly brewed coffee into mugs.
“Man, I’ve never eaten this good in my life!” Archer leans back on the couch, patting his flat stomach. “You two are unstoppable in the kitchen.”
A pleased grin spreads across my face as I set the cheesecake down on the coffee table. Dante carries over the mugs, handing one to Archer and one to me, his fingers brushing mine. Sparks tingle up my arm at his touch.
Archer takes a sip. “So Avs, tell me we’re celebrating. Anything new on the case?”
I grin at my brother, cutting into the cheesecake and serving up slices. “I got access into Thorne’s financial reports. Bad news is: I found no direct links to the girls who recanted.”
“So, he didn’t bribe them?” asks Dante.
“Not directly at least.” I raise a forefinger, excitement bubbling inside me. “There’s something else, though. I checked his investments. There are some shell companies raking in serious cash. I found no legitimate presence of these companies anywhere and the owners are all anonymous.”
Archer gapes at me. “I have no idea how to react. That’s good?”
Dante elbows him. “Yes, genius. Shell companies with no presence and anonymous owners? That level of secrecy is suspect as hell. And how is this companies making money if they’re not selling anything? No services?”
Archer’s lips drop into an O-shape. “I get it, I get it.” He grins. “Fuck, you’re onto something, aren’t you? Can you imagine? Getting an award for something like that? Is there an Oscar for journalism?”
I laugh. Pride surges through me at his words. “There is. Thanks for having faith in me.”
Archer polishes off his cheesecake and rises, stretching. “Of course I do. You’re the best.” He juts a thumb over his shoulder. “I’m gonna head out for a quick run before bed. Just leave the dishes. I’ll get them later.”
Archer grabs his hoodie and heads out the door as I eat. Then Dante and I are alone.
My heart rate quickens as Dante turns to me, his green eyes intense. “You know, Ava, your intelligence never ceases to amaze me. I agree with Archer. You’re onto something huge.”
I duck my head, warmth flooding my cheeks. “Thanks,” I breathe out, definitely not used to compliments.
Dante sets down his mug and leans in closer, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. His fingers linger, tracing the curve of my jaw. I shiver, goosebumps erupting across my skin.
“I mean it,” he murmurs, his voice low and husky. “You’re brilliant. I can’t stop thinking about you. About how brave you are through this whole shit.”
I swallow. “It’s easy to be this brave when I have you and Archer and the club keeping me safe.”
Dante shakes his head. “You were brave before that, Ava. You’ve been brave from the moment you decided to chase this story, even knowing you could get in trouble.” His gaze drops to my lips.
My heart races. I tilt my chin up. “I want to do something brave again.”
He traces my jaw with his calloused forefinger. “What is it?”
“I want to ask you to kiss me.”
Dante’s lips tilt sideways. He says nothing as he dips his head. His lips capture mine in a searing kiss, cutting off my breath. I melt into him, wrapping my arms around his neck.
Every sweep of his tongue ignites a fire inside me. I press my thighs together. Dante’s hands land on my hips and he pulls me onto his lap. His hands roam my curves, igniting flames everywhere he touches. I nip at his lower lip and he groans, deepening the kiss. Pleasure blooms between my thighs.
Dante’s lips trail down my neck, his stubble scraping deliciously against my sensitive skin. I arch into him, heat pooling low in my belly. His fingers skim under the hem of my shirt.
Heavy footfalls stomp just outside the front door. I snap my eyes open. Dante stares back at me, frozen.
It’s Archer.
I jump off his lap, running to the kitchen so fast I almost slam into the fridge. The door opens. Archer strides inside with a grin.
“Forgot my phone!” he says, as if commenting on the weather.
I glance at Dante, who has crossed his legs on the couch. His green eyes are on fire as he looks back at me.
And I’m certain he feels exactly the way I feel.