MILLIE
As twilight painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, Gio and I embarked on our journey back home, the comforting weight of food in our bellies from a quick stop en route. Our footsteps resonated through the corridors, echoing our shared contemplation. Eventually, we found ourselves atop the roof terrace, nestled comfortably on the rattan sofa overlooking the city’s shimmering lights, each of us cradling a glass of wine, the gentle clinking of our glasses intermingling with the soft evening breeze.
A sense of surprise lingered in the air as I finally broke the quietude. Gio and I sat in such proximity that our bodies almost brushed against each other. His arm casually draped over the sofa’s backrest, a gesture that teetered on the edge of restraint. “I must admit,” my words meandered as I observed our nearness, “I didn’t truly expect you to take the plunge.”
A subtle half-smile curved upon Gio’s lips, his gaze meeting mine with unwavering assurance. “I gave you my word, didn’t I? I’m a man of my promises.”
A chuckle danced at the corners of my lips, realizing the effort it must have entailed for him. I motioned to the space that separated us, a gesture laden with unspoken words. “I can only imagine the struggle this presents for you.”
A flicker of intensity illuminated Gio’s eyes as they bore into mine. “You have no idea. The desire to kiss you has been tormenting me.”
Amidst the mingling of uncertainty and temptation, a pause enveloped us. The memory of our shared kiss lingered, a sensation I couldn’t deny had stirred something pleasant within me. Setting down his glass, Gio inched closer, his fingers grazing my waist in a gentle caress. “Tell me, Millie,” his voice was a mere whisper, laden with both yearning and challenge, “that you don’t wish for me to kiss you.”
I parted my lips, yet words remained elusive, caught in the charged atmosphere between us. Gio’s gaze intensified, his body leaning closer until his lips found mine, igniting a torrent of sensations. In the embrace of his kiss, the world seemed to fade, leaving only the dance of our tongues and the warmth of his touch.
Gio’s advances were deliberate, his hand on my waist a tantalizing pressure, his fingers mapping secrets across my skin. The sensation, electric and maddeningly exquisite, sent shivers cascading down my spine, its intensity pooling between my legs, a fact I struggled to ignore.
Time held no dominion as I surrendered, reclining against the sofa while Gio hovered above, a silent understanding passing between us. My cheeks flushed with a mixture of anticipation and vulnerability as his lips reluctantly left mine, the promise of his return hanging in the air like an unanswered question.
“I could make you feel extraordinary, Millie,” his words, a murmur that hung heavy with intent, accompanied the tightening grip of his hand on my waist. “You ache for release, don’t you?”
The admission surged through me, a wildfire of need and longing. Every fiber of my being yearned for the gratification he offered, yet pride and determination waged a fierce battle. “I appreciate your offer,” I managed to respond, my voice a fragile facade concealing the raw desire beneath.
A soft laugh, rich with affection, escaped Gio’s lips. “Stubborn as ever.” His mouth claimed mine once more, a testament of his unwavering resolve to unravel my restraint. In those moments, I teetered on the precipice, the tension between yearning and self-control creating a symphony of sensations that pulsed within me.
As the night deepened, sleep eventually found us in each other’s arms, the press of Gio’s arousal a reminder of the uncharted territories we were navigating. And as dreams carried us away, the whisper of possibility lingered – the prospect that amidst these tumultuous desires and fragile boundaries, we might discover the harmony to truly make our marriage flourish.
~*~
The following morning greeted me with a sense of solitude as I stirred awake in my bed. The initial disappointment loomed over me, a subtle weight in my chest, as I realized that Gio hadn’t been the one to rouse me from slumber. With a sigh, I sat up, casting a glance around the room. But just as I began to slip out of the covers, the bedroom door swung open, and there stood Gio. His attire was striking an all-black ensemble, every inch of him seemingly prepared for whatever challenges the day might bring. A chest holster strapped across him, holding an assortment of lethal tools, while the hints of additional holsters peeked from beneath his clothing, a testament to the array of concealed weapons he carried.
“Leaving already?” I voiced my query, a mix of concern and curiosity tingeing my words.
He winced, his expression carrying the weight of the news he was about to share. “The Bratva took down one of our own. Left him in pieces near one of our clubs.”
A rush of dread washed over me, my heart sinking at the implications. “Someone I know?” I inquired, the answer already feared.
A solemn shake of his head confirmed my apprehensions. “No one from your circles.” His voice held a heavy resolve. “As for the police, I’ll do my best to keep them at bay.”
His hand cupped my face, the touch both reassuring and fleeting. “I’ll try to be back early, alright?”
A nod was all I managed, my gaze locked onto his as he leaned in, silently gauging my response. Our lips brushed, a brief connection that held promises of what we shared, yet was over before I could fully immerse myself. I watched him retreat, a pang of longing accompanying his departure. Alone now, I seized the phone and dialed Harper’s number.
Her first words were a mix of relief and mock reproach. “Thought you’d never dial my number.”
A smile curved my lips. “It’s barely eight in Chicago. You couldn’t have been waiting long.”
“You didn’t call yesterday, though. Had me worried sick. I couldn’t sleep, and you know how I hate being kept in the dark. Are you alright?”
“Yes, I am,” I reassured her, detailing my earlier exchange with Gio and our shared moments the day before.
Her voice dripped with a mix of sarcasm and affection. “How noble of our dear Gio to swear off infidelity and give the whole marriage thing an actual shot. Get that man a trophy.”
A wry chuckle escaped me. “He’s far from a saint, Harper. In our world, such distinctions hardly exist. But I believe he’s genuinely trying. And I want to as well.”
“Why not prod him about my visit? I’m basically dying of boredom here. Two weeks of zero school, and I’ve run out of things to keep me sane. How about a beach escapade to the Hamptons and some retail therapy in Manhattan?”
I voiced my concern. “What about Father? Did you discuss this with him?”
“He said to check with you and Gio.”
“I’ll bring it up with him. I think he’ll be okay with it. Lately, he’s hardly at home anyway. Most of the time, it’s just me and Dario.”
She prodded further. “Ever considered asking Gio if you could go to college? Your grades are perfect, and Columbia would be lucky to have you.”
A sigh escaped me. “What’s the point? I can’t have a normal career; it’s too risky.”
“Maybe you could assist Gio with his affairs. Be his right hand in the business. Staying cooped up in that penthouse isn’t good for anyone’s sanity.”
“I’ll manage, don’t worry,” I replied, though a seed of doubt lingered. Harper had a valid point. “I’ll discuss your visit with Gio. Now, I need to freshen up and grab a bite.”
“Call me pronto. I need to book a flight.”
A smile played on my lips. “I will. Just stay out of trouble.”
“Likewise.”