Page 9 of Spark

What Mia didn't anticipate was for the phone to ring. Her heart stilled as the phone's ringtone broke the quiet. She held a breath as she slid her thumb to answer.

“Hello?” Her heart began to beat hard in her chest.

“Hello, beautiful.” Silky smooth, Aurelio's voice floated to her ears. “It's so lovely to hear your voice.”

Her smile was wide and involuntary as she felt giddy goosebumps rise along her skin. “It's nice to hear your voice, too,” she responded, her voice timid. Chiding herself, Mia cleared her throat before continuing, “I'm surprised you called.”

“Well, honestly, I was driving myself crazy trying to imagine what the voice of an angel would sound like.” His smile was apparent in his voice.

“An angel, huh?” Mia sat up on the bed. “I don't know about that. Angels are supposed to be much softer spoken and more breathier than me.”

“Oh, I could make you sound breathier.” Heat rose on her cheeks as words escaped her, and silence filled the space left behind from such a forward comment. “But let's save that for later, beautiful.” He gave a soft chuckle. “What are you up to?”

Such an innocuous question after the way he had rocked her boat. Steading her nerves, Mia shrugged as she answered, “Nothing at the moment. I spent the day running some errands.” She paused, biting her lip before adding, “I just got out of the shower.”

His groan sent a wave of desire through Mia. The way he sounded like her words were torturing him, made her thighs clench.

“Tub talk and now a shower? You will be the death of me, and we haven't even met yet.” The words sent her floating. “Thanks for the picture, by the way.” The grin was back in his voice. Momentary panic took over as Mia tore the phone from her ear. She flicked through the app to make sure she hadn't sent the nudes by accident. It was only the selfie she had sent earlier. Quickly, she removed the nude photo from the send box and closed the app before placing the phone back to her ear.

“You are truly beautiful,” he added.

“Thanks,” she replied, a small quiver in her voice. “You're not so bad yourself.” She traced a bead of water across her leg as her hair dripped more droplets on her skin.

“I think we will make quite the pretty pair, Mia.” Her name sounded like sin on his lips. “I would be honored to have you on my arm.”

Drawing a hand up her stomach, Mia let her fingers graze the underside of her breast. “That's actually really sweet, Aurelio.” His name was like sugar on her tongue as the syllables rolled out.

He took a deep breath. “Say my name again,” he requested, his voice sounding tight. “Please.”

Giggling, her fingers grazed her skin. “Aurelio,” she said it softly, quieter than the first time. “Aurelio.” The word was like candy, sweet and succulent, making her mouth water.

“If I could leap through this phone, you would be in trouble, beautiful.” Aurelio's voice was somehow even deeper, with a hint of a growl embedded in the words.

“If you could come through the phone, I would need to get dressed rather quickly.” A harsh intake of breath made Mia realize what she had revealed to him.

“Mia,” he growled. “Do not tell me you are naked.”

“I told you,” she answered slowly. “I just got out of the shower.” She lifted a finger to follow the curve of her breast. The tip traced a pattern that steadily got smaller until she felt the hard ridge of her erect nipple.

“Mia, I…” He took in a shallow breath, and she could almost feel the air as he breathed out deeply. “I need to go,” he announced abruptly.

“What? Wait, I'm sorry…” she began, her hand dropped to her lap as shame crept up her cheeks.

A loud bang sounded through the phone as Aurelio let out a curse. “Don't be, beautiful.” His voice was ragged. “If I could, Iwould stay on the phone all day.” A second bang, like a gunshot, sounded louder and closer in the background.

“Aurelio, are you okay?” Mia felt cold panic skate along her skin. “That sounded like gunshots.”

“I'm fine. The shop's in a bad part of town,” Aurelio replied quickly. “I really gotta go, though. Can I call later?”

Mia paused, her response on the tip of her tongue. Rough neighborhood? Those did not sound like shots outside.

“Mia?” he asked like a prayer. “Can I call later?”

“Yes.” She let the answer spill free, pushing the fear down. There was something here, a spark. She needed to know more.

“Till then, beautiful.” With a click, he was gone.

Chapter Five

---