Page 62 of His to Have
“Found it at Bash’s.” His eyes lifted, locking onto mine. “Figured you’d want it back.”
Teo gave me no time to reach for it, instead tugging at my wrist. His grip was firm but unhurried as he carefully fastened the clasp, securing the bracelet back in its rightful place. His fingers lingered. His thumb traced over my pulse points — slow, deliberate, and withafamiliar gentleness that made my heart race.Swallowing hard, I willed myself not to react. Praying my body didn’t betray me, and showed this man the kind of effect he still had over me. As his thumbs brushed overmy skin, I was unable to move, unable to breathe.Andthat’s how Corey found us. Still connected.
I didn’t even realize he had walked up until Teo’s expression shifted, his lips curling just slightly in amusement.
“Ayanna?” Corey hesitated, looking between the two of us, as Teo still held onto me. “Am... am I interrupting?”
“Nah, not at all bruh.”
Teo finally let my wrist go and stood, towering over Corey. And based on the way my boyfriend was looking at my childhood… associate, I knew he had questions about our relationship. But I also knew he would never ask Teo, and so did Teo, which is why he only smirked. Then shook his head.
“Your choices always baffle me.” He looked at me like a disappointed lover before turning to address Corey for the first time. “Y’all be easy.”
Just like that, he was off to attend whatever business meeting he and my brother had. But, that last look he delivered to me was unreadable… like always. Corey stood there—tense, silent, and trying to pretend like what just happened didn’t bother him.
But I knew better. And so did he.
That night was the first time Corey and I argued about Teo and my family, and his lack of knowledge of who all of my people were in my life. It was the first of many to come.
The memory faded, leaving me staring down at the bracelet, still clutched in my palm. Exhaling deeply, I placed it back in the box, clicking it shut. This bracelet was special, but wasn’t appropriate for this day.
Tasha and Sophia watched me closely, but before either of them could ask for details, the door swung open.
“It’s time,” Lidia announced. “Ladies, I need you all to come take your place.”
“Champagne, Mrs. Donatelli?” A server appeared beside me with a tray. I glanced at the bubbles dancing in the flute and smiled politely.
“No thank you, I’ve had enough.” I waved him off, placing the empty flute I was holding back on his tray, while practically staring a hole in my husband on the dance floor with one of his small cousins.
He looked devastatingly handsome in that all-black tux. The crisp white button-up, black bowtie, and white flower tucked perfectly in his breast pocket made him look like pure temptation wrapped in expensive fabrics. Watching him spin the giggling little girl around had me biting my lip hard. Then when he kneeled down to her level, adjusting her tiny dress with gentle hands, something twisted low in my stomach.
When he caught me staring, that slow smile spread across his face and he winked. My breath caught. The man knew exactly what he was doing to me.
Goodness gracious.
“He’s quite the charmer, isn’t he?” My mother stood beside me with that “I told you so’ grin on her face. She lifted the flute of champagne to her lips, and took a dainty sip. “The way he looks at you... and takes care of you, even from a distance. That’s a man who will always prioritize you, baby. He’s a good man.” She patted my hand gently, her eyes following Teo as he made his way back towards me.
Once he reached me, his fingers curled around my hand and he pulled me close. “Dance with me.”
That command snaked around my body and settled in the deepest pit of my belly. I barely had time to react before I was being pulled onto the dance floor and into his embrace.
His grip was firm, as his hands settled on my waist and his fingers pressed into my hips. Then his body leaned into mine, and I melted. Luther Vandross’s smooth tenor crooned ‘Endless Love’ in the background, and I couldn’t have asked for a more appropriate song.
Even in my heels, I only came to his chest, so I pulled him down closer, burying my nose in his neck.
God, he smelled incredible... like.... chocolate and a splash of woodsy spice.
It was nice swaying in his arms. I felt protected and oddly... loved. Safe in a way I’d never experienced before.
“Damn, you feel good,” he whispered against my ear, his voice deep and slightly throaty. “And this dress?” He added, stepping back to get a good look at me. His eyes roamed over the silk, molding to my frame as he twirled me around. “Makes me want to peel it off you.”
He pulled me back against him, his mouth close to my ear again. “You’re lucky we’re surrounded by family, Mrs. Donatelli, because the things I want to do to you right now...” His voice trailed off as his hand pressed firmly against the small of my back.
Without responding, my eyelids fell shut as I let him sway me across the dance floor, completely lost in this moment with him. When I finally opened my eyes to look up at him, he was already staring down at me. Possessively. “You’ve always been mine, Amore.”
Before I could respond, his lips captured mine in a kiss that was so electric it made me forget we had an audience. His tongue brushed against mine, slow and melodically, matching the rhythm of the tunes. And I was helpless.
“Damn, son, let her breathe!” Someone in the crowd screamed, their thick northern accent making everyone around us laugh. But Teo wasn’t phased. In fact, I think it spurred him on. He kissed me until he was good and ready to stop, and I could barely stand straight.
