Page 18 of Prince of Queens

“Gia,” I groan, my hands gripping her hips as I thrust up into her one last time, pushing her over the edge. “I-.”

Her eyes snap open, her body tightening around me, her release crashing over her in waves. She cries out my name, her nails digging into my chest as her climax takes her, and I follow her, my own release ripping through me like a storm.

As she collapses against me, her body still trembling, I hold her tight, my heart pounding in my chest. I’ve never felt anything like this before—this overwhelming need, this desire so deep it consumes me.

She’s mine. And I’ll never let her go.

Chapter 8

Gia

My body still tingles from Dominic's touch as I slip out of bed and pad to the bathroom. I splash some cool water on my face, trying to calm my racing heart. What just happened was... intense. Unlike anything I've ever experienced before. I know we had that one-night-stand I can’t forget. But tonight was different. Tonight was deeper.

I stare at my reflection in the mirror, noticing the flush in my cheeks, the slight swelling of my lips from Dominic's kisses. My hair is a mess, and there's a small mark on my neck that will definitely need concealer tomorrow. I can't help but smile at the memory of how it got there.

Shaking my head, I reach for my favorite silk robe. As I slip it on, the cool fabric is a stark contrast to the heat still coursing through my veins. I take a deep breath, trying to compose myself before facing Dominic again. Part of me hopes he's waiting for round two. Another part is terrified of what this all means.

Taking one last look in the mirror, I open the bathroom door, half-expecting to see Dominic lounging in my bed, his dark eyes full of promise.

Instead, I'm greeted by the sight of him standing with his pants already on, buttoning up his shirt with his back to me. My heart sinks.

"Leaving so soon?" I ask, trying to keep my voice light despite the disappointment settling in my stomach.

Dominic turns, his eyes raking over me in a way that makes me shiver despite myself. "You look beautiful," he says, his voice low and husky. Then he glances at his watch just as his phone dings. "Shit. It's Sal. I've got something I need to take care of."

I feel my face fall, unable to hide my disappointment. Was this all just a game to him? A conquest to be won and discarded? I wrap my arms around myself, suddenly feeling vulnerable in just my robe.

He must see the hurt in my eyes because he crosses the room in two quick strides, cupping my face in his hands. "Hey," he says softly, his thumbs caressing my cheeks, "this isn't what you think. I can’t wait to see you again. Tomorrow, let’s have lunch."

I raise an eyebrow, skeptical. "Oh?" I try to keep my voice neutral, but I can hear the doubt creeping in.

"Yes," he says, his thumb tracing my cheekbone in a way that makes my knees weak. "How about the Central Park Boathouse? I want to spend the day with you. If you're free, that is."

I search his eyes, looking for any sign of deception. But all I see is sincerity... and something else. Something that looks a lot like longing. It makes my heart skip a beat.

"Okay," I hear myself say before I can think better of it. "Lunch sounds good."

He grins, that devastating smile that first caught my attention at the bar. Leaning in, he kisses me softly, his lips barely brushing mine. It's tender, almost reverent, and it makes my head spin. "Perfect. I'll meet you there at noon."

And then he's gone, the sound of my front door closing echoing through the apartment. I'm left standing in my bedroom, wondering what the hell I've gotten myself into.

I sink onto the edge of my bed, my mind whirling. On one hand, the night was incredible. The way Dominic looked at me, touched me... it was like he could see right into my soul. The memory of his hands on my body, his lips on my skin, makes me flush all over again.

But on the other hand, he left so abruptly. And what was this mysterious "something" he had to take care of? I can't shake the nagging feeling that I'm getting in over my head. Dominic Esposito is not just any man. He's dangerous, powerful, with connections to a world I've always tried to avoid.

I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I need a second opinion.

Grabbing my phone, I text Sofia: "Went on a date with Dominic tonight."

Her response is almost immediate: "WHAT?! How was it? Details, now!"

I chuckle despite myself, typing out a response: "It was... intense. Amazing dinner, incredible chemistry. He wants to put the feud behind us for good. Ended up back at my place."

I hesitate before sending the next message: "But he left pretty abruptly. Said he had something to take care of. I'm worried I might have made a mistake. What if he was just using me?"

Sofia's reply comes quickly: "Oh, honey. I'm sorry. But don't jump to conclusions just yet. Did he say anything about seeing you again?"

"He wants to have lunch tomorrow. Spend the day together," I type back.

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