24. Lennie
TWENTY-FOUR
LENNIE
There Dante was, looking sexy as hell in a bespoke black suit and black shirt with the top button undone.
He exuded dominance in the way he moved and the way his hair was tousled just enough to make me want to run my hands through the strands.
His eyes seemed to darken behind his glasses as they raked over me while he approached.
I felt my feet move of their own accord, drawing me to him like a moth to a flame.
His chiseled jaw was covered in stubble, and although he looked tired, he was still the most breathtaking man I had ever seen.
My inner monologue fought every step of the way. This was wrong. I shouldn’t want this man. He stalked me. He created an illusion that he was a safe space and then broke my heart when that illusion shattered.
But my heart propelled me further, getting closer with every step.
We stopped inches apart and gazed into each other's eyes.
“You came,” I said a little breathlessly. Why had I said that? Why did I want to be near this man so badly? He was bad news. But when I heard his voice, it sent a shiver of pleasure down my spine.
“I did,” he said in his deep, sultry voice.
He leaned down, and at first, I thought he was going to kiss me, but instead he leaned to my ear and whispered, “You look absolutely breathtaking,” before pressing a soft kiss to my cheek. His words were like honey. Smooth and tantalizing.
I felt my cheeks get warm and met his eyes once more. I felt my inner thoughts start to adapt. Maybe this time apart had changed him in some way? I needed to find out so I could stop the war raging within me.
“You don’t look too bad yourself,” I said quietly. I was so turned on by everything about him that I thought I might come if he so much as touched me. This was exactly why I’d avoided him for nine months. Well, that and the fact that he was a crazy stalker.
He gave me a knowing smirk. Was there a thought bubble above my head showing him all the filthy things that I wanted him to do to me?
Dante’s face went solemn, and before I could say or do anything, he spoke.
“I want to apologize for everything,” he started as his eyes bore into mine.
“You didn’t deserve me keeping anything from you, especially after everything you had been through.
I want to be your safe space, I want you to fully understand when I say, I would do anything and I mean anything to keep you safe and free of the nightmares that keep you up at night.
I want to be your comfort but I also want to be your undoing.
I want to give you so much pleasure that all the bad in this world fades away and never finds you again, Please, forgive me Lennie.
I promise on my life I will never lie to you again.
” He pressed his forehead to mine. “Let me show you what it’s like to be completely and utterly cherished. ”
My heart ached at his words. I wanted to tell him that I forgave him.
That I wanted to start over. Deep in my being I believed everything he was saying.
I could see it in his eyes and face that he was being sincere.
But before I could answer, there was a commotion where Kade and Machine were talking.
Badger came running out of the bathroom, letting Kade know that Evelyn was in labor. Minutes later, Evelyn was getting carried out of the club as she cried out in pain from a contraction.
I watched as Dante followed the couple to the car, no doubt making sure she was alright.
Well, this night was certainly getting interesting.
After constantly looking at my phone for an update from Kade, I finally got a text.
Kade:
Evelyn and baby girl are doing great.
Following the text was a picture of an exhausted-looking Evelyn holding a tiny baby in a light-pink blanket.
I paraded around the room showing Jax, Evan, and Gwen the picture of the baby.
I forwarded the text to Ollie, who couldn’t make it due to a family emergency.
But being a mother herself, I knew she would love to see the baby as much as I had.
When I was finally done freaking out over the little bundle of joy, Evan began to introduce me to people, specifically to the Elite Squad.
Chief was extremely nice, and Buddha had a charm about him that would make anyone feel comfortable.
I knew Badger well enough at that point because of Evelyn, and because I was helping find Badger’s kidnapped sister.
Everyone was so genuine and made me feel like they had known me forever.
For a brief moment, I wondered what it would have been like to meet Arrow.
If his team was this lovely, I could only imagine what a wonderful man he was.
The whole night, I felt Dante’s eyes on me. Every time I glanced toward him, I found him looking at me from the corner of his eye, even when he was amidst a conversation. I hadn’t been able to answer him, however I could tell that he could see how I felt by the longing stares I was giving him.
As I exited the restroom later in the evening, Dante was leaning against the hallway wall, looking down at his phone. When he heard my footsteps, he looked up and pocketed the device, giving one of his signature smirks that sent heat through my core.
When I went to walk past him, he darted out his hand, grabbed my arm, and hauled me to him. Before I knew what was happening, I was pinned up against the wall and his lips were a centimeter away from mine.
“I missed you, kitten,” he said. “Tell me you missed me; tell me you’ll give me another chance.”
My core clenched and wetness began to pool between my legs. The nine months I’d spent without talking to him did nothing to stop the flood of feelings that rushed through me.
I arched into him, delighting in the way my body felt against his. With his free hand, he swept a loose curl behind my ear. I closed my eyes, soaking in the sparks that danced between us.
I tried to move, but the effort was futile against his strong hands.
“Mmm,” he growled, “Your body is saying that you missed me too. But I want words, kitten.
“I forgive you, Dante. I want you and missed you.”
The darker side of me understood Dante. Understood that he was protective over what he wanted. Deep down I believed him that he was sorry. I was tired of being angry with him. I wanted to give into these feelings between us.
He pressed his lips to mine, soft at first before he deepened the kiss. A moan of desire before tangling my tongue with his. He let out a growl as he wrapped his free hand around my throat. A gasp escaped my lips, surprised by his show of dominance. But I loved it. Craved it. Needed it.
Dante drew back, leaving both of us breathless, and released my wrists. My hands instantly went to his chest, where I felt his heart hammering. Oh yeah, he wanted me just as bad as I wanted him.
He pressed his forehead to mine before looking into my eyes.
“This is how this is going to go,” Dante started, his voice low and menacing.
“First, you are going to take your panties off right here and give them to me. Then we are going to enjoy the party for another half hour, after which you will meet me out front, and I will take you home. Do you understand, kitten?”
I nodded, then pressed my lips to his in a chaste kiss before sliding my underwear off and setting them in his waiting palm. He placed the black-lace thong into his pocket and then gave me a smirk.
“I’ll see you in thirty minutes.”