But I do. Because in this moment, with Christmas looming just outside these walls, I realize Luca has become the warmth I didn’t know I needed. The safety I didn’t expect to find. Like the glow of the tree in the corner, soft and steady, he’s the one thing keeping the cold at bay.
I shift slightly in the tub. The warmth is starting to fade as the water cools. The muscles in my legs ache, the kind of deep soreness that won’t leave easily. I know I should get out, but the thought of moving feels like too much.
“Why don’t you stop standing there doing nothing and help me out, already?” I’m joking with him, but mean, I really might need a little extra help.
He’s still near the door, watching me with those light, steady eyes and cracks a smile, perhaps happy some of my sassy attitude is back. He steps forward, his expression shifting from concern to something softer. “I’d love to, madame.”
“I know I sound like an old lady, but I’m not sure I can get my short ass out of here right now after everything.”
“It’s a garden tub, Fiamma, not a pool. But, I got you.”
I laugh softly, more at the absurdity of the situation than anything. “Well, thank goodness you’re here. I might be stuck here for hours.”
He moves closer, his strong hands reaching out to help me. “Alright, let’s take this slow.”
I grip his hands as he pulls me gently from the water, handing me a towel as I stand. As I wrap the towel around me, my foot slips on the slick porcelain, and for a moment, I lose my balance. I gasp, reaching for something to steady myself, but Luca’s already there, his arms wrapping around me, pulling me against him. The water sloshes against the sides of the tub, but I barely notice it.
For a moment, we both freeze, and then we laugh—soft, breathless laughter that fills the small space between us.
“Guess I’m not as graceful as I thought,” I mutter, but I don’t move. His arms are strong, steady, holding me in place, and I feel… safe. Not just from the physical slip, but from everything.
“Not to worry. I’ve got you,” he murmurs, his voice low, his breath warm against my ear. His hands tighten slightly around my waist, keeping me from slipping again.
And then, suddenly, it’s not just about getting out of the tub anymore. The air between us shifts, the laughter fading into something deeper. I step out, my bare feet touching the cool floor, but his arms don’t leave me. They stay there, holding me close, keeping me steady.
I don’t pull away.
Instead, I lean into him, my body falling into the curve of his chest, feeling the solid strength of him against me. His warmth seeps through the towel wrapped around me and my heart beats a little faster as the moment takes on a life of its own. It’s not supposed to be like this, not right now, but it is.
I tilt my head up, marveling at his strong jawline and perfect, olive skin. There is something there that draws me in. His gaze is intense, but not in the way that makes me want to run. It’s the intensity that makes me want to stay right here, wrapped up with him.
He says nothing. He just looks at me, his fingers brushing lightly against the small of my back, his touch gentle, but enough to send a shiver up my spine. I lean in closer, my chest pressing against his, and the air between us becomes electric, heavy with unspoken words.
My breath catches as I stare into his beautiful greens, and before I can stop myself, I rise up on my toes, my lips brushing against his in a kiss that feels as inevitable as it is unexpected.
He responds immediately, his hands moving to cup my face, pulling me in deeper, the kiss growing more urgent, more necessary. I melt into him, my fingers gripping his arms, holding on like he’s the only thing keeping me grounded. I’m pretty sure he is.
His lips on mine feel like a promise, a vow that whatever happens next, we’ll face it together. The kiss deepens, his tongue slipping past my lips with a hunger that takes my breath away. I cling to him, my fingers tangling in his hair, pulling him closer, like I can’t get enough of him, like I’ll never get enough.
He breaks the kiss just long enough to scoop me up into his arms, the towel that’s wrapped around me falling away as he carries me to the bed. I feel weightless, safe in his powerful embrace, and the cool air against my damp skin does nothing to dampen the heat that’s building inside me.
The sheets are cool against my back as he lays me down, his body following mine, his lips never leaving my skin. He kisses his way down my body, starting at my belly button, his tongue tracing a path that sends shivers up my spine. His hands follow suit, fingers dancing over my skin, leaving a trail of fire in their wake.
I moan as he reaches my inner thighs, his breath hot against my most sensitive area. His tongue flicks out, teasing me, tasting me, and I can’t help but arch my back, my body begging for more.
And he gives it to me. His mouth claims me with a hunger that sets my soul on fire. He licks and kisses and sucks, his fingers joining in, sliding inside me with a skill that leaves me breathless. The pleasure builds, each thrust of his fingers, each lap of his tongue pushing me closer and closer to the edge.
When the orgasm hits, it’s like nothing I’ve ever felt before. It crashes over me, wave after wave of pure, unadulterated bliss, and I cry out, my fingers gripping the sheets, my body writhing beneath him.
“Luca! Oh, my GOD! Fuck, yes!”
But he doesn’t stop there. He moves over me, his body aligning with mine, and with one swift motion, he’s rams himself inside me, filling me, stretching me in the most delicious way. He is rough but somehow it feels sensual.
He starts to move, his thrusts wild and deep, and I match him, my hips rising to meet his, our bodies moving in perfect sync.
“You feel so fucking good,” he growls in my ear, his voice thick with desire as he continues to pound into me. Hegrips onto my waist just above my hips and pulls me in to him further.
“Don’t stop,” I whisper back, my nails raking down his back, my legs wrapped tightly around his waist, pulling him in deeper. “Harder, Luca. I want to feel you for days.”