43

MILLIE
The day unfolded, its canvas painted with ordinary moments, but beneath the surface, a secret thrived. After the morning’s reprieve, Gio’s absence left room for questioning, and Harper’s curiosity ignited the spark of disclosure. Nestled on a rooftop terrace, ensconced in our cocoon of trust, I confessed the truth that I’d held close. Harper’s disbelief transformed into a knowing gaze, her inquiries probing the depth of my emotions.
The intimacy shared earlier was now a tapestry woven into my words. Harper’s surprise was palpable, her queries sharp and unfiltered. My admission hung in the air, a confession of my willingness, of the intoxicating allure of what had transpired. Amidst my retelling, the rosy hue of my cheeks revealed the truth, the mingling of bashfulness and eagerness that had painted the encounter.
Harper leaned in, her curiosity piqued by my honest response. With a mixture of jealousy and grudging understanding, she acknowledged the complexity of the situation. In her gaze, I recognized both her concern and her realization that this connection was unique, born from a history that reached far beyond our present circumstances.
The conversation evolved, embracing a raw honesty. Harper’s visceral response was tinged with an edge of protectiveness, her concern for me juxtaposed against her disdain for Gio’s past. The question of further intimacy hung heavy, a decision yet to be made but teetering on the edge of inevitability.
With each word exchanged, a realm of sensations and emotions unfurled. The intensity of my confession was met with Harper’s unfiltered reactions, a testament to the depth of our friendship and the intricate dance of desire that defined our lives.
Harper’s expression was etched with a hint of uncertainty, her eyes searching mine for more details. “And?” she urged, a spark of curiosity in her voice. “You know I’m practically living vicariously through you here. I’m beyond fed up with this constant surveillance. I crave having a boyfriend, the intimacy, the passion, the orgasms.”
A stifled chuckle escaped me. “I highly doubt Father would condone any of that.”
She gave a nonchalant shrug, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. “I don’t plan on asking for his permission,” she retorted. “I’m here now, and there’s no one to stop me from having a bit of fun, right?”
My eyes widened in realization, my mind racing to the inevitable consequences. “Father would have my head if he found out I let you fraternize with guys while you’re under my care.”
Harper dismissed my concern with another casual shrug. “He doesn’t need to find out, does he?” Her tone was laced with a daring edge. “I mean, it’s not like I’ll be broadcasting it to him.”
I found myself gawking, then burst into laughter at the audacity of her proposition. “Well, unless you’re aiming to enchant Dario or Sebastian, your pool of options is pretty shallow.”
A disgruntled expression crossed her face. “Ugh, no thanks. I’m not interested in either of them. I want a regular guy. Someone who has no clue who I am.”
“Frankly, I’m not sure how we’d even go about finding such a guy for you.”
Harper’s grin was infectious, yet I couldn’t shake the anxiety that came with her knack for unconventional ideas. Though secretly, the idea of a night of carefree dancing intrigued me. I’d often fantasized about letting loose on a dance floor.
“Dario could tag along,” she suggested, as if contemplating a complex puzzle. Concern prickled my senses; I dreaded what wild scheme might be taking shape in her mind. It was strange how I found myself embracing the concept of a night out. The notion of dancing and shedding inhibitions was alluring.
“But then what?” I questioned, my tone laced with skepticism. “A hasty encounter in a restroom stall? Is that how you want to experience all your firsts?”
Her glare was sharp, laden with frustration. “At least it would be on my terms. My choice,” she retorted fiercely. “Unlike you, I wasn’t stripped of every choice by Gio and Father. How can you stay so composed about it all? Don’t you despise Gio?”
The query mirrored my own internal conflicts. “I should hate him,” I confessed softly.
Harper’s facade crumbled, revealing the raw vulnerability beneath. “But you don’t. Damn it, Millie, do you actually care for him? Love him?”
I pondered that same question at times. “Would it be better if I harbored hatred and suffered?”
Her gaze bore into mine, searching for answers I wasn’t sure I had. “He treats you like a captive. You can’t seriously believe Dario is just a guardian, can you? He’s there to ensure no one else gets close to you.”
Her words resonated; I knew the truth. “Let’s shift gears. How about a shopping spree?”
Her surprise was evident, followed by a teasing quip. “Really? Quite the trophy wife move.”
I countered her playfulness with a grin. “Hush now. We’re shopping for some sizzling outfits, getting all dolled up for tonight. Maybe we’ll hit one of Gio’s clubs.”
A devilish smirk spread across Harper’s face. “I want to wear something that’ll make guys drool just by looking at me.”
~*~
While we were out shopping, Dario had patiently waited just outside the store, an unassuming figure blending into the surroundings. Unbeknownst to us, he had likely scouted the area earlier, searching for potential escape routes in case they were needed. I had purposely kept him in the dark about our intention to head to a club later. I believed that springing it on him at the last moment would be the best course of action.
As I turned around, Harper let out a low whistle, her eyes appreciatively scanning my outfit. “Damn, you’re a knockout. More like a walking embodiment of desire. Although, knowing Gio, he might just turn into a raging storm at any guy who even glances your way.”
I rolled my eyes playfully, confident in my response. “Gio’s not the type to turn violent over innocent looks.”
She countered with a mischievous grin, her tone playful. “Wanna bet on that?”
The truth was, I wouldn’t take that bet. This was uncharted territory for me, stepping out in public dressed in something so alluring. The black leather pants clung to me like a second skin, leaving little to the imagination. The sheer, sleeveless black blouse I had tucked into my waistband revealed the sparkle of the push-up bra I wore underneath.
With a smirk, I gave her outfit a nod of approval. “Can’t deny that you’re turning heads too.”
Harper leaped up from the bed, a flirtatious energy emanating from her. “You really think so?” Her seductive smile could melt ice, and her black tights and leather hot pants only heightened her allure.
I retorted humorously, trying to keep things lighthearted. “Careful, you’re making me feel like a criminal. But at least we don’t have to worry about getting carded.” As we linked arms, I led her out of the bedroom and down the staircase.
Dario was seated on the sofa, meticulously cleaning a knife. Upon our entrance, his gaze darted up, freezing momentarily as he took in our transformed appearances. He hadn’t ever openly ogled me in such a way.
Teasingly, I inquired, “Enjoying the view?” There was something refreshing about seeing a fleeting hint of vulnerability in him.
He stood abruptly, sheathing the knife with practiced ease, but his eyes remained anchored to my face. “What’s going on?” A trace of tension underscored his words.
I approached him with an air of nonchalance, noting the slight tensing of his frame as if he anticipated my next move. It was almost amusing. “Harper and I are planning to hit Marquee tonight.” The hottest club in town, no less.
Dario shook his head, a hint of disapproval surfacing. “That’s under Bratva control.”
I challenged his stance, a spark of defiance in my tone. “Well then, what’s the hottest club under Familia’s influence?”