Page 53 of Salvation

I glance at the helmet in my hands, then back at Dante.

I put the helmet onto my head, securing the strap under my chin and mounting the back of the motorcycle. I wrap my arms around his waist. Dante kicks the stand, and the engine comes to life.

With a throaty roar, the motorcycle leaps into motion. Dante weaves through traffic with an easy confidence that keeps my heart from leaping into my throat. We leave the hustle and bustle of the town behind, the landscape shifting as the buildings thin out. The road becomes a winding, narrow strip of asphalt, snaking its way through lush green forests on either side.

“Where are we going?” I bellow over the engine.

“It’s a secret, little doe,” he calls back.

Dante’s answer does nothing to quell the uncertainty in my stomach, but I choose to trust him. He turns off into the woods, shadowing us in darkness. After venturing into the woods for a few minutes, he pulls up to a secluded log cabin amidst the trees.

We both hop off the bike.

The home is a modern, almost out-of-place structure juxtaposed against the dense, ancient woods. It’s oddly beautiful. “Welcome to our little slice of heaven,” Dante says.

“What do you mean?”

He holds up a set of keys. “I mean, it’s ours. Our new home.”

My eyes widen as it’s beautiful. “Seriously?”

“Seriously,” Dante repeats.

“How did you even find this place?”

“I commissioned it to be built quite a few years ago. I wanted it as a little retreat from the church in case things got too heavy.” His eyes darken. “It’s secluded, perfect for us to have fun.”

I swallow hard and nod. “Good.”

Dante grins, a hint of mischief playing in his eyes as he unlocks the cabin door. “I think you’re going to like this place,” he says as he nudges the door open, revealing a modern, rustic interior.

Bare logs form the walls and ceiling, and the polished wooden floors gleam in the soft lighting. A stone fireplace sits against one wall, and windows reveal the surrounding woods in untouched glory. The furniture is all made of wood, from the coffee table to the plush sofa, covered in rustic plaid-patterned fabric.

“I love it,” I breathe, absorbing the warm, cozy feel of the place.

Dante places an arm around my waist, pulling me closer to him. “I knew you would,” he says, his lips brushing against my ear.

And there, surrounded by our new home and the serenity of nature, I feel at peace. All doubts and worries melt away as we embrace each other, basking in our love. This is our sanctuary, our perfect little hideaway where we can truly be ourselves.

I look up at Dante, my eyes shining with unshed tears. “Thank you,” I whisper.

“I would go to the ends of the earth for you,” he says, barely above a whisper.

I press my body closer to his, savoring the warmth of his embrace.

His eyes flit to my lips, and I see the familiar hunger in them. But tonight, it’s different. It’s not just about our ‘games’; it’s about us, our love.

“I know,” I reply, my heart pounding. “And I would do the same for you.”

We stay like that for a while, holding each other in the comforting silence of our cabin.

The glow from the fireplace he must have lit before he picked me up cast dancing shadows on the walls, creating an atmosphere of warmth and intimacy.

I rest my head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart, a sound that brings me an inexplicable sense of peace. Dante finally breaks the silence, “I love you,” he whispers.

I close my eyes, contented and safe in his arms, ready to face whatever the future brings. Because no matter what, I am certain of one thing. I’m his, and he’s mine. Forever.

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