Page 15 of Beneath the Sapphire Sky

Cheeky bastard.

She waited until the popping slowed enough, that point just before it starts to burn, and tipped it into a clear plastic bowl.

She sat near Dante, but not too close. He’d already gotten the movie ready and waiting, the only light being the floor lamp in the corner.

He reached for some popcorn, and she yanked it out of his way.

“I made it, it’s mine.”

“She has a point, Dante.” Ria leaned against the doorway to the hall, Leo leaning over her head. “We heard you guys comehome. Thought we’d join you if you popped on a movie.” She motioned at the TV and glanced up at her big brother. Leo nodded in agreement.

Belle tossed some popcorn into her mouth and chewed loudly, smug at herself for evading Dante.

Leo’s eyes narrowed and a sly grin ticked his mouth up. “I wouldn’t stand for that, bro. Hogging all the popcorn isn’t on.”

Belle hugged it closer, chewed harder, and swallowed. The delicious, hot, savoury smell made her stomach rumble loudly.

“She’ll eat the whole lot if you’re not careful.”

“You be quiet, Leonardo Casellati.” Belle leaned back into the plush lounge. “You’re not getting any, either.”

Dante made a swipe for the bowl and Belle held it out to the side, laughing, out of his reach. “Give it here, brat.”

Leo laughed. “There’s only one sure way to make sure you get some of that popcorn, you know.”

Dante twisted to look at him. “Which is?”

Leo’s grin turned sassy. “Kiss her.”

Belle burst out laughing so hard she snorted. She laughed so hard she almost forgot to hold the popcorn out of Dante’s way.

“Not in a million years, Leo,” she managed around her chuckles.

Dante’s expression morphed from shell-shocked to contemplative. “Is that right?”

Belle wiped her face and grinned at him. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

Dante raised an eyebrow. “You asked for it.”

He lunged forward and grabbed her head in both hands. His mouth hit hers before she could take a breath, her eyes wide in shock.

He tilted his head and softened his lips, opening them slightly. Belle’s eyes closed.

Good Lord above.

Shivers danced down her spine and spread out over her entire body. Her stomach somersaulted and twisted tight. She responded without thinking. Her mouth moved in time with his. She gasped when the tip of his tongue touched her lip.

Hell yes!

She couldn’t breathe. Thinking was impossible. All that existed was Dante and the sweet taste of his mouth.

He moved slightly, his grip on her head changing and lessening. He pulled back the tiniest amount then swiped his tongue to touch hers.

Heat pooled deep in her belly. She wanted to squeeze her thighs together with the intensity.

She wantedhim.

Belle jerked back, shocked at how fast her treacherous body gave in to him. Dante leaned back, his eyes slightly glazed in the dim living room light. He licked his bottom lip, and a shudder ran through her, so strong it almost shook her bones.

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