Page 68 of Third Degree

“You know who I am, amore.” I scooted closer to her. “You know my every thought. You know me more than anyone has ever known me. I will make it up to you.”

She looked back towards the window, and I reached down and grabbed her hand. I felt her white-knuckle the bag, and I peeled her fingers off the handle.

“We are going to go to a hotel I had set up. I figured you would be tired, and then tomorrow we can go to San Diego.” No reaction. “Is that okay?”

“Hmm?” She looked down at my hand that was gripping hers. “Now you are asking permission?”

I shot her a pointed look but didn’t let go of her hand. As we kept driving toward the penthouse I had in the city of Chicago, I felt her hand loosen underneath mine, and eventually, she intertwined our fingers.

We arrived at the hotel, a sleek and modern masterpiece that oozed style and sophistication.

“Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Marchetti.” We were greeted immediately and whisked into the lobby. Gianna winced the first time someone recognized us as married, but I gave her hand a small squeeze.

We were guided straight to the elevators. I could tell Gianna was anxious. She hadn’t let go of my fingers this entire time.

With each passing floor, our anticipation grew, fueling the mixture of thrill and nerves that coursed through our veins. It had been twelve very long years of being alone, and tonight, the anticipation of what was expected of us grew.

As the elevator doors opened, we were greeted by a sight that left us speechless.

The penthouse sprawled before us in all its grandeur, a seamless blend of modern design and cozy comfort. The open layout beckoned us to explore, revealing two exquisitely decorated bedrooms and a spacious sitting area. The soft lighting cast a warm and intimate glow over the space.

Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the cityscape stretched out, a tapestry of twinkling lights that painted the night sky. It was a breathtaking backdrop, reminding us of the vibrant world beyond our sanctuary. The penthouse was an indulgence, a place where we could revel in the joy and intimacy of our new chapter together.

But I wouldn’t push her, no. I had purposefully asked for a suite with two bedrooms so she could escape if needed.

I turned to the bellman. “That will be all. Please send up our dinner order.”

He nodded and then left after taking the tip.

I looked down and found Gianna was still holding onto my hand.

“This is… breathtaking,” she finally breathed.

“You like it, amore?” I lifted her hand to my lips and pressed a kiss to her palm.

As if she realized her hand was still connected with mine, she pulled away from me and immediately started to walk away. She stood looking out the window as I remained in the middle of the room.

“Two months, Elio.” She folded her hands across her chest, her back still toward me. Her voice cracked when she said my name.

“I know.” I carefully treaded toward her. She turned around so her amber-filled eyes were looking straight into mine.

“This is… overwhelming,” she confessed, her voice trembling with vulnerability.

All I wanted was to hold her in my arms and assure her that everything would be okay, but deep down, I knew she needed space. I had to respect that, regardless of my desires and selfish needs.

“I guess you expect us to have sex now,” she said, her eyes filled with confusion and sadness, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“Amore, as much as I want to take you to bed and show you one of the best benefits of being married, right now, you are distraught.” The sides of her lips twitched upward. “I am not a sadist. I would very much prefer you moaning my name in pleasure, not simply fulfilling an obligation because it’s part of whatever transaction you seem to believe this was.”

Closing the distance between us, I sought to feel the energy emanating from her.

“Because I promise you when you’re moaning my name, it will be because you can’t get enough of me,” I whispered, causing a shiver to run through her body.

Our moment, however, was abruptly interrupted by a knock on the door.

“I’ll get it.” She ran ahead of me and opened the door to an array of room service entrées that I’d ordered prior to us pulling up. “Jesus, Elio. Did you seriously order the whole menu?”

The carts kept coming in. When they left, we were surrounded by a feast of anything and everything imaginable.

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