Page 32 of Beneath the Sapphire Sky

“Like what you see, Miss B?”

An answering smile widened her mouth as she looked at him. “You could say that. That’s an impressive set of abs you have going there.”

The cheeky glint in his eyes sent butterflies tumbling through her belly. “Just the abs?”

She tried to hide her grin but failed catastrophically and pushed at his shoulder playfully. “Stop it. You know you’re hot.”

A self-satisfied light entered his eyes. “Glad you think so.”

She had to change the subject. “So. I wanna try being on top. It always looked like fun.”

Dante blinked, blindsided. He sat back on his heels. “You want me to stay?” A tiny thread of uncertainty sounded in his voice.

Surely he hadn’t been worried she’d send him packing?

“If you’d like to. If you’d rather not—”

He threw himself onto his back and spread his arms wide on the bed, his golden skin a stark contrast to the crisp white of the sheets, looking far too pleased with himself. A massive grin engulfed his face.

“Have at it, babe.”

Chapter Ten

Alight, warmkiss to Belle’s shoulder had a smile winding across her mouth.

The first dim streaks of dawn brightened the huge windows across from the bed, enabling her to make out semi-distinct shapes in the gloom.

“I should go. You know, get out before the local busybodies see us leaving together and have the rumours flying all around town before breakfast.”

She turned her head to see him watching her. A gentleness that she hadn’t noticed before softened his face as he looked at her.

“We have to keep your good reputation intact, now.”

Belle laughed and rolled onto her back. She stroked his face, comforted that he turned his cheek into her palm, his eyes closed.

“I guess we do.”

He opened his eyes, deep pools of dark blue in the dim room. “I don’t want this to be awkward, but… thank you. You shared something pretty amazing with me last night. And I’m… ah… glad you chose me.”

Belle wanted to giggle at the sheer embarrassment flooding his face. Dantenevergot embarrassed. She hadn’t thought it was in his DNA.

“I should be thanking you for relieving my little issue.”

His expression grew serious. “While it wasn’t anything to be embarrassed by, I’m happy to repeat said relief any time you want.”

Surprise widened her eyes, while sheer delight surged through her. She hadn’t expected that. She’d thought he most likely had said yes because he felt sorry for the sad little virgin, and hey, who said no to uncomplicated sex?

He tapped her bottom lip. “I mean it. I’m not saying that to smooth things over. If you want…me… I’m in.”

Belle nodded, unable to do anything else. Dante leaned in and kissed her, his lips so soft they almost seemed ethereal. A shudder ran through him and he pulled back. He rolled over and pushed up out of the bed.

He glanced at her while shoving his costume and bits and pieces into his bag, not taking the time to fold or be careful with the items.

“If I don’t go now, I won’t go at all. And I don’t think either of us, or our families, want to deal with snarky comments or rumours at the moment.”

Belle sat up and watched as he finished. He tied his shoelaces and stood straight.

“I’ll see you later, okay? I know you’re working tonight, so if it’s not today, then definitely tomorrow.”

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