Sugar, Spice & Secrets

57

As Zoe and Laura bid me farewell, their laughter fading into the night as the disappeared into the hotel. Without a word, he started the engine, the car pulling away from the curb with a smooth, effortless grace.

The drive was silent, the only sound the low hum of the engine and the rhythmic thud of my heartbeat echoing in my ears whenever he traced weird shapes on my thighs. I stole glances at Gabriele from the corner of my eye, trying to decipher the emotions flickering across his features.

His jaw was clenched, his hands tight on the steering wheel as he drove through the darkened streets with practiced ease. I couldn't help but wonder what was going through his mind, what thoughts raced behind those deep hazel eyes.

My pulse quickened with excitement as the at finally came to a stop, anticipation coiling tight in the pit of my stomach as we finally arrived at our destination. Still, he hadn't said a word, but I didn't mind. I'd come to realize that he was a man of few words, especially when his emotions were at their most extreme.

Stepping out of the car, I followed him obediently as led me through the sleek, modern lobby, his hand never leaving mine as we rode the elevator up to his floor.

The moment the elevator doors slid shut, he wasted no time in pulling me into his arms. Ding. His lips and body sought mine with a hunger that mirrored my own. I latched onto him desperately, as if afraid that he would disappear if I let go.

"I... I missed you," I drew out, my voice barely above a whisper as I met his kisses.

His response was a low growl of approval, his hands roaming eagerly over my body as he pulled me closer, his touch setting my skin ablaze with desire. With a gentle tug, he teased my bottom lip, sending shivers of pleasure racing down my spine.

His touch was like a drug, intoxicating and addictive, leaving me craving more with each passing moment. "I missed you too," he murmured against my lips, his voice husky bouncing off my skin as he trailed kisses along my jawline.

Stopping at the base of my neck, he sucked on it, causing him to push my chest closer to him while I tipped my head back. The ride to his floor suddenly felt longer than usual, or maybe–

Ding.

The sound of the elevator's arrival only seemed to fuel Gabriele, his desire burning even hotter as he hoisted me up into his arms with effortless strength. Despite my weight, he held me with ease, his touch both tender and possessive as he carried me towards his apartment.

With a hungry urgency, he carried me down the hallway to his apartment, his lips never leaving mine or the skin around my neck as he devoured me with a primal need that left me breathless and helpless. The fabric of my dress hitched up around my thighs, the cool air kissing my heated skin as he pressed me against the door.

With a swift motion, he unlocked the door and pushed it open, the darkness of the apartment enveloping us like a warm embrace. Still not breaking contact of his lips, he carried me inside, his movements confident and purposeful as he made his way towards his bed.

I clung to him, long lost in the haze of desire and longing as he laid me down on the bed. He moved to hover above me, his gaze dark with desire as he took in my hardened nipples that were threatening to pop out of the dress.

"Is this what you wore?" He murmured, his voice husky with desire as he trailed his fingers over the fabric of my dress, teasing my sensitive nipples.

I bit my lip, a thrill racing through me at the hunger in his gaze. "You like it?" I replied, my voice barely above a whisper as I met his gaze head-on.

"I like them off you," he growled, his voice low and husky with desire as he leaned in to capture my lips in another searing kiss.

In one swift movement, he shifted beneath me, guiding me until I straddled his hips, our bodies pressed together in a sensual dance of desire. I could feel the heat and strength of his arousal against my core, poking to get out of his sweatpants. A sigh of approval escaped me at the contact.