Chapter 18: Chapter 18

PRESLEY

Presley was nervous but excited. She’d watched Santino all night, her anticipation building as they finally walked through her front door.

Santino carried the champagne into the kitchen, popping the cork and pouring two small glasses. She smiled when he handed her one.

“Congrats, sweetheart,” Santino said, clinking his glass to hers. “Tonight was a huge success because of you.”

“It was successful because of you, Sonny. You created an amazing club,” she said, rising up to kiss him on the cheek.

They took their champagne to the living room. Presley grabbed a small gift bag she’d hidden earlier from beside the couch as they sat.

“Okay, so I have something for you.”

She was nervous and hoped he liked her present. She passed him the bag, grinning at his surprised look. He pulled out the dark box with a recognizable logo emblazoned on it.

“Presley—”

“Just open it.” She chewed on her lip.

The beautiful black, gold, and diamond timepiece nestled in the box was masculine and elegant. His fingers traced along it as he took it out and slipped it on.

“It’s stunning, sweetheart. Thank you just doesn’t seem like enough.”

“I thought it was just so you.”

“I love it. Thank you. I have something for you too.” He grinned at her as he pulled a slim box out of his jacket pocket.

Presley gasped, her eyes darting up to his. “Sonny—”

“I wanted to thank you for all that you’ve done for the club. For being a constant joy and bringing so much more good into my life.” He put the box in her hand. “Open it.”

She slowly opened the lid to reveal a beautiful tennis bracelet with channel-set diamonds and bright, blue sapphires.

“It’s gorgeous, Sonny. Just gorgeous.”

She looked at the bracelet and pulled it out, holding it up in the light and watching the gems sparkle. She leaned in and kissed him passionately.

“I love you, Presley,” Santino whispered against her lips. “Consider this a promise for the future.”

She pulled back slightly and opened her mouth several times to speak but couldn’t find the words. She had not been prepared for him to declare his feelings.

“I love you too, Santino,” she said at last.

He grinned and grabbed her, pulling her into his lap. Their lips met, and a slow, sweet tension started to build between them. His hands spread across her back, pulling her tighter against his chest.

They separated, breathing heavily. Excitement bubbled through her as she took a couple of deep breaths.

“I’m going to take a shower,” she whispered, a sly smile crossing her face. “Maybe you should watch?”

He scooped her up off the couch, and she started laughing. He deposited her in her bathroom and ran back out to grab something to sit on. A moment later, he returned with a chair and their champagne, taking a seat as she pulled off her lace shirt and dropped it to the floor.

She took her time piling her hair on top of her head, enjoying Santino’s complete attention. She turned, glancing at him over her bare shoulder. He shifted in his chair, dark eyes taking her in hungrily.

Presley started to unlace the back of her pants when she felt another pair of hands helping to untie the strings. She smiled and leaned back into him.

His lips were on her neck as he slowly pulled them loose. A groan escaped him as she stepped away and returned to his seat.

The visual torture she was causing him gave her a shiver of delight as she eased the pants off. She turned, opening the shower door and catching the sexy smile on his face.

The hot water hit her shoulders, and she moaned. Santino muttered something, adjusting himself as he watched her under the spray. Taking her time, she loaded a sea sponge with shower gel and slowly washed her body.

She was relaxed and felt sexy. Santino’s burning stare trailed along her skin as she gave him a show.

He sipped another glass of champagne, eyes never leaving her. When she turned off the shower and stepped out, he sighed heavily, leaning over and placing his forearms on his knees.

He groaned again, scrubbing his face as she wrapped a towel around herself. She rubbed oil into her skin before dropping the towel and slipping on a short robe. He stared at his shoes, leg bouncing with anxious energy.

“What’s the matter?” she asked.

He cleared his throat and swallowed.

“Nothing,” he mumbled, draining his glass.

“It’s okay if you’re nervous, or if you’re not ready,” she said, stepping closer to him. “We don’t have to.”

He started laughing. “That is not the issue, sweetheart. I…I don’t have any condoms.”

He toyed with his empty champagne glass, leaning back and staring at her with a heated gaze. She gave him a playful smile and stepped between his legs.

“Is this when I should tell you that I’m on the pill?”

He growled and grabbed her, pulling her onto his lap. She straddled him and their lips crashed together. His hands slipped under the bottom of her robe and gripped her ass. She gently bit his lower lip as his hips flexed against her. They both moaned.

Presley was on fire, her body a mass of excitement. She was in love and trusted him. She wanted him and was ready to take their relationship to the next level.

Her fingers played along the edge of his pants, her teeth grazing against his jaw. His grip anchored her to his lap.

“Should we move this to the bedroom?” she asked in a breathless whisper.

He stood up and carried her to the bed. He took his time getting to know her body, taking her to the edge several times and playing an erotic game of touch and taste.

The sun was rising as she moaned his name through another earth-shattering orgasm. This time, he followed her, emptying himself deep inside. His hips moved gently as they came down from their ecstasy-induced high.