Mia nodded vigorously, her eyes shining with excitement. “More!” she demanded, her tiny voice full of determination.
I nodded, reaching for another puzzle piece. “Let’s do it, then,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. I glanced at Dante, who met my gaze with an understanding look, as if he knew exactly how I was feeling—lost in a mixture of hope and uncertainty.
As we worked on the puzzle, I found myself stealing glances at Dante. The way he interacted with Mia was different—compassionate and engaged. It made me think of what could be, what I wished for. If things had been different, if life had taken a turn towards this kind of normalcy, how different would it have been?
Dante seemed to sense the shift in the atmosphere, giving me a reassuring smile. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes. “You’re doing great, Mia,” he said softly, as if trying to convey that same reassurance to me.
When the puzzle was completed, Mia clapped her hands, her face lit up with joy. Dante’s eyes softened as he watched her, a look of genuine pride on his face. It was a fleeting moment, but one that made me realize just how rare and precious this was.
I felt a hand on my shoulder—Dante’s, offering a comfort I hadn’t known I needed. I looked up at him, meeting his gaze. “Thank you,” I said quietly, feeling the weight of my unspoken thoughts.
Dante nodded, his expression serious but kind. “I just want you and Mia to be safe and happy. That’s all that matters.”
As the evening wore on, I found myself watching Dante and Mia interact with a new perspective. The scene in front of me was a simple one, but it was enough to make me wonder about the future. Maybe, just maybe, this could be the start of something different, something better.
Dante and I hadn't been intimate since that first night.
I hadn't realized how much I’d missed the feel of him until now. Every day had been filled with worry and fear, leaving no room for anything else. But now, as I sat quietly in our shared space, my guards slowly falling, I couldn’t help but notice him in a way I hadn’t allowed myself to before.
Dante was something else entirely. At 6'2" with a medium brown complexion, he was a striking figure. His physique spoke of daily workouts—muscles defined and taut. There was a powerful grace to him, a physical presence that drew me in. His broad shoulders and strong chest were captivating, making me realize how very small I felt next to him.
It was the way his hands moved that held my attention the most. Those hands, so capable and intense, had a strength that was both reassuring and oddly intimate. They were the kind of hands that could easily overpower, but instead, they were always gentle with me. Each touch, each caress was deliberate, and it made me feel cherished and delicate. I hadn’t felt this way in a long time—his touch reminded me of the femininity I’d almost forgotten.
As I watched him, I felt a stirring inside me. There was something deeply addictive about him, a magnetism that went beyond mere attraction. It was the way he took care of me, how his gaze softened when he looked at me. Even in the quiet moments, when he was simply being present, he managed to make me feel safe and valued.
I found myself drawn to him, not just physically but emotionally. The way he moved, the way he held himself, was a stark contrast to everything I’d been through. He was not only a protector but someone who made me feel seen and understood. And as much as I tried to focus on the practicalities of our situation, it was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore how deeply I was drawn to him.
The fear and uncertainty of my past were still there, but with him, there was a glimpse of something different—a chance for something new. And it was becoming harder and harder to push aside the yearning I felt for him, the desire to be close to him in every way.
I caught myself admiring Dante more than I intended, a shy smile playing at my lips. With Mia engrossed in her toys nearby, I felt a playful impulse bubble up. I leaned closer to Dante, my voice soft but laced with flirtation.
"You know," I said, trying to keep my tone light and teasing, "if I didn't know any better, I'd think you were trying to win 'best husband' of the year with all this attention. But don’t worry, I'm not complaining."
His eyes met mine, a hint of amusement dancing in them. He leaned in just enough to make me feel his warmth, his hand brushing lightly against mine as he spoke. "Just doing what I can to make sure you feel appreciated. And trust me, I’m far from done trying to win you over."
I glanced over at Mia, making sure she was still absorbed in her toys, then let my gaze return to Dante. His intensity was both reassuring and irresistible.
Dante's smile grew warmer, and there was something in his eyes that made me feel like I was the only person in the world who mattered. The way he looked at me made my heart race a little faster, a stark contrast to the numbness I’d felt in the past.
“I have to admit,” I continued, letting a playful edge seep into my voice, “seeing you like this, so attentive and caring—it’s a nice change from what I’ve been used to.”
His gaze softened, and he moved closer, lowering his voice. “I’m glad to hear that. I think you deserve all the care and attention in the world.”
I couldn’t help but let out a soft, amused laugh. “Well, keep it up, and I might just start expecting this kind of treatment all the time.”
Dante chuckled, his hand gently brushing a stray lock of hair from my face. “Consider it a promise,” he said, his voice sincere. “As long as you’re here with me, I’ll do my best to make you feel cherished every single day.”
The warmth in his touch and the promise in his words made my heart swell. Even with Mia playing nearby, I felt like we were in our own little world. Dante’s presence was a steadying force, and for the first time in a long time, I allowed myself to savor the closeness between us, letting his affection wash over me.
Dante’s lips brushed gently against my shoulder, his kiss tender and warm. I shivered slightly at the contact, feeling a rush of comfort and desire all at once. His touch was so different from anything I’d experienced before, a stark contrast to the harshness of my past.
He pulled back just enough to look into my eyes, his expression serious yet filled with affection. “Genesis,” he began softly, “I know there’s a lot going on inside you, a lot of conflicting emotions. It’s like you’re at war with yourself.”
I nodded, swallowing hard as I met his gaze. “It’s true. There’s so much I’m still processing. I’ve been trying to shield myself from it all, but sometimes it feels overwhelming.”
Dante’s fingers traced a soothing line down my arm, his touch grounding me. “You don’t have to go through it alone. I’m here, and I want to help you through it all.”
The sincerity in his voice made my chest tighten with emotion. I took a deep breath, letting my vulnerability show. “I want you, Dante. I’ve never felt this way before. It’s like I’m starved for the kind of connection you’re offering me, and I don’t want to let go.”