Page 52 of Their Reckless Thief
“Yes,” she muttered, tracing idle patterns on the blanket. “Although, he doesn’t know I got caught breaking into Moretti’s mansion. At least, I don’t think he does. I’ll never be fully free of him. Not unless I... I don’t know, disappear.”
Something in my chest twisted. The thought of Celeste trapped, her life being dictated by someone who didn’t give a damn about her, made my blood boil. I reached out without thinking and gently stroked her arm with the tips of my fingers. She didn’t pull away, and the warmth of her skin sent a shiver through me.
“Fuck that,” I said, watching her face. “You deserve better.”
She gave a half-smile, but her eyes were locked on the TV. “Better doesn’t exist for people like me.”
I shook my head, drawing small circles on the inside of her wrist with my thumb. I wanted her. Not just her body—though the gods knew that was part of it—butallof her. Her strength, her fire, and her determination. The way she fought like hell even when the odds were stacked against her.
“You deserve the fucking world, Celeste,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “Roberto doesn’t get to decide your life.”
Her breath caught, and she turned to look at me, her eyes searching mine. For what, I didn’t know. Something shifted between us, something deeper than mere attraction. I trailed my hand up to her shoulder, my fingers brushing along the soft skin of her neck. Her pulse raced under my touch, and fuck, I was losing it.
She was so damn gorgeous. So godsdamn strong and fierce, but underneath it all, there was a softness she didn’t let anyone see. Except now, she let it through. For me.
She broke the silence first, her voice soft, almost hesitant. “Any leads on the missing women and the drugs?”
I hesitated for a second, then nodded. “We’re getting closer. But it’s a fucking mess, love. Whoever’s behind this, they’re good at covering their tracks. And the drugs... they’re everywhere now.”
She nodded, her eyes darkening. She knew what those drugs could do. She had firsthand experience with addiction. I traced my fingers up her arm again, letting them linger at the curve of her shoulder, and she leaned slightly into the touch.
Gods, I could live forever in this moment, just her and me. No mafia. No missions.
Just us.
“You know,” I said softly, leaning in a little closer, “I could get used to this.”
She arched one perfect eyebrow. “Used to what?”
“Being here with you. Talking. Watching shitty TV. It’s... nice.”
She scoffed, but her expression softened. “You’re an idiot.”
“Maybe.” I grinned, leaning in even closer, so my breath ghosted over her skin. “But you love it.”
Her breath hitched, and for a moment, I thought she’d kiss me. I wanted her to. Fuck, I wanted her more than I’d everwanted anyone. She didn’t. Celeste pulled away slightly and stared at the TV.
Even that didn’t break the tension between us. It hummed, tangible and electric, like a wire pulled too tight.
Gods, I was falling for her. Fast.
Celeste looked at me—actually looked directly into my eyes. She didn’t say anything, just looked at me with a desperation that made my breath catch in my throat. Without uttering a single word, she told me everything I needed to know. She gave me her permission, and I didn’t hesitate
Slowly, I promised myself as I leaned in to brush my lips against hers.
She turned her head abruptly and put her hand on my chest, holding me back. “No, Dorian. You can’t kiss me. Not on the lips.”
“The fuck I can’t.” I pulled her closer, but she only turned away again.
“I’m serious. It’s a rule of mine. No kissing on the lips. It’s too personal.”
I tried not to let the hurt show in my expression. Instead, I pulled her to me and kissed her cheek. “May I kiss you… elsewhere?”
She nodded, a coy smile spreading across her lips. My heart thudded wildly as I trailed kisses from her cheek down her neck, stopping over her heart and licking gently. Every thought vanished from my mind, and the world around us faded away. She threaded her hands into my hair, fingers tangling in the messy strands as I sucked on her neck, careful not to nip too hard. I groaned, unable to contain myself any longer. My free hand slipped to her waist, and I pulled her even closer. She fit perfectly against me, like she had been created just for me.
The taste of her skin sent shockwaves through my system, and I moaned as she gripped my neck. It felt so fucking good,like coming home after a long, exhausting journey. Our hands moved hungrily over each other’s bodies, desperately searching for more contact. I dug my fingers into her sides before stroking up her spine to the back of her neck. She tasted so godsdamn sweet, and it reminded me how much I wanted to protect her. To please her.
Her hands snaked down my chest, stopping at the hem of my shirt before she slowly tugged it over my head. She pulled back, her gaze roaming over my bare chest. Something flashed in her eyes, and I wasveryfamiliar with that look. It was pure, unadulterated lust. Seeing that, from Celeste, filled me with unparalleled satisfaction. I surged forward and nipped at her lip. It wasn’t a kiss—I wouldn’t want to break her rules—but a gentle nibble that was just enough to make her gasp. I pulled back slightly, just enough to pull her shirt over her head.
