Page 71 of Sexting My Ex's Dad
As I’m about to walk past him, he grabs my arm, not rough in the slightest. “I don’t want you to leave.”
I don’t think I’ve ever heard his voice so genuine. It shouldn’t matter – nothing he says should matter, but when I look into those eyes, I find myself becoming lost. Why do I continue to let this man have such a strong affect on me?Is it because I want to be something more?Yes. “Then what do you want?”
“You.”
His answer shocks me. “I don’t get you. First, you’re pushing me away and then you’re telling me that you want me?”
“I don’t get it either,” he admits, dropping my arm, not that it matters. I’m not going anywhere. “All I know is that I want you.”
“So you think there’s a future for us?”
“No.” His answer is blunt.
He just keeps getting more and more confusing. “Then why…?”
“Because I can’t see you with another man, Stella. I won’t. You don’t belong with anyone but me, even if this thing crashes and burns, I will have you by my side. I’m a selfish man, Stella, and I understand that but I’m done caring.”
Does that mean he has feelings for me? My heart flutters at the thought. “But if we’re going to be together, it has to be real. I don’t just want sex.”
He swallows. “I know you don’t.”
“And there are things I want to know.”
“Like what?”
I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the question that has weighed on my mind since I learned about his strained relationship with Owen. “I want to know about the rift between you and Owen,” I say quietly, feeling the weight of those words in the air.
“He blames me for his mother’s death.”
That’s heavier than I expected, and, for a moment, I consider backing down but I’ve already made it this far. “Why?”
Elio’s face tightens, the pain behind his eyes unmistakable. But he doesn’t look away or try to evade my question. Instead, he takes a moment to collect himself before answering, his voice low and filled with regret. “It was during a raid. She’d been shot and killed, and I... I didn’t protect her.”
His admission sends a chill down my spine, the gravity of his words echoing in the silence that follows. I want to ask more questions, to delve deeper into the shadows of his past, but the raw hurt etched across his features stays my tongue. He’s sharing a part of himself he’s likely kept hidden for years, and I can’t help but feel humbled by his trust.
“Is... is that enough for now?” he asks hesitantly, as if bracing himself for the onslaught of further inquiries.
I nod gently, offering him a small, supportive smile. “Yes, Elio. That’s enough for now.” The relief that washes over his face is palpable, and I can’t help but reach out, placing my hand reassuringly on his arm.
A spark of determination ignites in Elio’s eyes, as if the weight of our previous conversation has been lifted. “Good,” he says firmly, and before I can react, his strong hands grab my waist, pulling me close to him.
“Stella, I want to show my girlfriend a few new things,” he whispers into my ear, his voice a tantalizing blend of playfulness and desire. My heart skips a beat at the word “girlfriend” – it’s the first time he’s referred to me that way, and the sound of it sends a thrill racing through my veins.
“Your girlfriend? I like the sound of that,” I reply with a grin, feeling a newfound sense of belonging and partnership.
“Then let’s make it official,” Elio whispers, pressing a tender kiss to my temple.
“And how do we do that?”
He smirks. “I think you know exactly how.” Then he starts attacking my neck with kisses.
I can’t believe it. After all this time… Elio Lombardi is officially my boyfriend.
42
ELIO
Ireach for the buttons of her blouse, one by one revealing the delicate lace that lies beneath. Her chest rises and falls rapidly, betraying her own desire. I take a moment to appreciate the way the fabric clings to her body before I slide it off her shoulders, leaving her in only her bra.
