Page 41 of Fatal Sloth

“I can see why this is your favorite. It’s delicious,” she hums before going in for a second bite.

She’s only missing the Torta Caprese for dessert, and from the looks of how she crumples the bag after plating the food, I'd say it's not in there.

“So much better than Padrino’s," I tell her as I pop the bruschetta in my mouth.

“How did you know what to get?” I finally ask, looking up at her as she shuts the dishwasher. She hesitates for a second, a slight blush coating her cheeks. I give her a sly smirk, loving how bashful she's getting as I lean against the counter.

“Well, Nico told me about Marcos while we were at lunch. And on the way home, I bugged Daren enough, and he told me what you always get. And the bruschetta because it’s my favorite appetizer,” she provides, unaware that bruschetta is also my favorite.

“Thank you.” I want to say more but don't.

“They were out of the chocolate thing you like, or I would have gotten that as well,” she says as she walks to the refrigerator. “So, I made you one, instead,” she adds, turning with a Torta Caprese in hand.

Damn, did la piccola ballerina bake this just for me? It looks almost like the one at Marcos. “You made this? For me?” I nearly stutter out.

“I did. I googled a recipe and asked Yusuf to bring me to the store. When I was getting ready to leave, Nico popped in. I told him I was leaving, and he insisted on joining. And don't worry, Daren was there too.”

Relief floods me, knowing that Nico invited himself—both times, from lunch to errands with Mia. I’m not sure why the thought of Mia inviting him gets to me, but it just does.

"Who knew you could bake?" I quip, trying to lighten the atmosphere despite the strange emotions swirling inside me, emotions I'm not quite sure how to handle.

“That’s still to be determined. I've never baked before, so I hope I don't kill you with this.” She chuckles while plating the dessert.

Fuck, that laugh has my dick ready to spring free from my pants. I don't even care if she borderline poisons me tonight.

The sun has set, so we decide to stay in and eat our dessert at the kitchen island. With each bite, I find myself unable to resist going back for more until my plate is empty. Then, shamelessly, I go back for a second piece. It's not just about the taste but the effort and thoughtfulness that went into making it.

I follow Mia to the sink, watching her like a lion creeping on his prey. As she reaches for the dishwasher, I close the distance between us, standing close behind her. Suddenly, she turns around, startled by my close presence, and her hands instantly find their way to my chest.

Without a thought, I grab her by the waist and lift her effortlessly onto the counter, her surprised yelp turning into a soft gasp. Our eyes lock, and in that moment, all hesitation fades away. Leaning in, I capture her lips with mine, feeling the warmth of her mouth against mine.

Her lips are soft and inviting, and as she responds eagerly to my kiss, I deepen it, tasting the sweetness of her mouth. A soft moan escapes her lips, driving me further into the moment. I feel her hands move to the back of my neck, pulling me closer and allowing my tongue to explore her mouth.

My hands roam over her body, finding their way to her ass, pulling her closer to the edge of the counter. Heat radiates from her body as she presses against me, her legs wrapping around my waist, pulling me closer.

My dick is rock hard, ready to break through my zipper. I position her so she can feel what she does to me, making her gasp in my mouth. It takes every ounce of restraint I possess not to tear her clothes off and fuck her right here and now, but I know she's not ready for that yet.

Instead, I break the intense kiss, trailing small kisses down her neck before I move my head back slightly to admire her swollen lips and flushed cheeks. Then, I lean in once more, pressing a soft kiss to her lips.

Ring Ring.

The ring from my phone interrupts our brief moment. I reluctantly let go of Mia and reach into my pocket, finding Enzo's name flashing on the screen.

"I have to take this," I say, shooting her an emotionless glance before stepping away from the kitchen. She watches me, confusion etching across her face as I make my way to my office.

“What did you find?” I ask in a way of greeting.

25

Mia

Sebastiano's kiss leaves a lingering warmth on my lips, flooding my cheeks with a rosy hue as I sit rooted on the kitchen counter. This evening felt intimate, almost like a date, although that wasn't my original intention. All I wanted was to do something nice for Sebastiano, surprise him with dinner after working all night, and perhaps enjoy the gardens.

Now, I'm sitting alone with an ache in my core that only Sebastiano seems satiate, remembering Nico's words from earlier today, "Don't expect anything from him. You'll just end up disappointed," I replay. His voice was barely there, as if he didn't want me to hear it. When I asked him about it, he brushed it off, saying it was nothing. We were in the middle of the market, and I didn’t want to make it into a big deal, so I let it go. But I wonder if my actions were misinterpreted.

The tingling sensation on my lips, lingering from his kiss, triggers a surge of excitement within me. Despite the swirling confusion, I find myself eagerly grasping every interaction we have. Whether it's sharing meals or recent gym encounters, I cling to these moments before he inevitably disappears at night.

There's something about him that has awakened a newfound curiosity within me, a desire to unravel the layers of mystery surrounding my husband. It all started with our unexpected heart-to-heart in the bathroom a few weeks ago. Since then, I've sensed a shift in our relationship, a subtle change that leaves me craving more.

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