He didn’t respond, and we remained silent for the longest time. Just standing there, soaking up the tension that always seemed to surround us whenever we were together. No matter the situation we found ourselves in, the air between us was always laden with sexual intensity. It was almost too hard to breathe within the silence.
Saint straightened. “I want to take you out on a date.”
“A what?” I frowned.
“A date. A proper New York date.”
“Saint, I think we’re past that stage.”
He shook his head and took a step closer. “Not past. We skipped it.”
I scoffed. “We did do everything kind of backwards, didn’t we?”
“Let me take you out tonight. Just dinner. And then…” His voice trailed off, and he swallowed.
“And then what?”
He glanced around as if he was trying to find the words. “Then…” he inhaled sharply, “I’ll tell you why I hate my father so much.”
Instantly, I stood up straight. “Are you—”
“Be ready at eight.” He walked off with fast, calculated steps, as if he made his escape before he lost his nerve.
I watched as he sauntered down the hall and rounded the corner, out of sight. Was this really it? Was he finally going to tell me the reason our entire journey together had been put into motion? Why he was so hellbent on ruining his father?
But the better question was…how would this revelation affect us?
12
Saint
It wasone of those rare moments that managed to take my breath away. A moment when my life came to a halt, minutes turning into hours, and hours turning into seconds. My past disappeared, and so did the present—except for that exact moment when Mila came walking into the foyer.
My gaze dropped to the black stiletto heels on her feet, slowly drifting upward, over the perfect lines and curves of her naked legs that seemed to go on for miles. The hem of her royal blue dress touched just above her knees, the elegant chiffon skirt falling in soft waves around her hips. The more I drank her in, the more I admired how exquisite she truly was. The plunging v-neckline of the dress dipped all the way down to where the dress-skirt started to flare. Luckily, the sheer inset between her breasts kept the thin spaghetti straps from slipping out of place.
Her wild curls pinned into a neat updo ensured I’d never take my eyes off the skin of her neck, every line of her delicate throat bound to tease me the entire night.
“Bellissima.” It was the only word that came to mind.
She nervously brushed her palm down the chiffon fabric. “I figured within a couple of weeks I won’t be able to wear a dress like this. Might as well wear it while I still can.”
“You are a beautiful woman, Mila. But you will be exquisite once the entire world can see you are carrying my child. I have no doubt.”
Her cheeks flushed a healthy pink, and her eyes were a radiant sea green paired with the royal blue color of her dress.
I slanted a brow. “I can’t help but wonder whether your choice in color is purposefully made because you’re still slightly pissed off at me.”
“Slightly?” She frowned, and I snickered. She shifted from one leg to the other, the movement demanding my attention. “Where are we going?” she asked, clutching her black purse in her hands.
“Not far.” I held out my arm, and she gracefully hooked her hand into my elbow. The subtle scent of her perfume had me taking a deep breath, relishing the enticing scent of vanilla and musk. It took every ounce of self-control for me to not tear that dress off her body and make her come against the large white pillar in the middle of the fucking foyer. I had to make the conscious decision to not think of her face glistening with sweat while I pushed and pulled her body to and from the edge for hours. Tonight wasn’t about that. It wasn’t about the carnal yearning that constantly burned with vigor between us. Or the desire that pulsed like an electric current from my body to hers. It was about us, about me finally letting her in.
Tonight was about finally exposing my scars to the woman I loved. But first, I had to make her believe in my love for her.
I led her to the spiral staircase and smiled when I noticed the confusion on her face.
“I thought you were taking me on a date?”
“I am.” I pointed to the rooftop deck. “I also said we’re not going far.”