Page 115 of The One
“Have I ever done anything half-assed when I’m sure of something?”
Romeo scrunches up his nose, pretending to be deep in thought. But before he can answer, a sound from the top of the stairs captures my attention.
I turn, and the breath leaves my lungs.
Mousy,my ass.
She is a vision. I’m rendered completely speechless.
My heart stutters in my chest as Mariella pauses and then begins to descend the stairs, radiating a quiet confidence that outshines the sun. She’s luminous, her beauty and presence magnetic. And I’m utterly helpless, caught in her orbit.
And I’ll gladly circle her, worship her, love her every single day for the rest of my life.
For a moment, the world seems to narrow, all my attention drawn to her and her alone.
The soft shimmer of her dress catches the light with every step. It’s hugging her in all the right places, highlighting her delicate curves and long, slender legs.
The silver heels add three inches to her height, and her dark, long hair cascades past her shoulders in soft waves.
She’s changed her makeup, looking more like herself again. Don’t get me wrong, she looked hotearlier, all femme fatale with that dramatic makeup.
But that wasn’t her.
Not the Mari I’ve gotten to know over the past few days. The Mari I’ve fallen for, head over heels.
And that’s the Mari I want by my side tonight.
Her makeup now enhances her features, making them pop without being overwhelming. Dark eyes that draw me in. Soft red lips that beg to be kissed. Absolute perfection.
My suit pants grow uncomfortably tight, and I resist the urge to adjust myself, not wanting to scare her off with my desire for her.
I smile at her softly and reach for her hand as she steps off the last stair. She takes it with the slightest hesitation, but I don’t dwell on it. My focus shifts to her palm against mine. It feels natural, like that’s exactly where it belongs.
I pull her closer until our bodies touch, locking eyes with her soft brown gaze.
“You look like a dream,dolce mia,” I murmur, my voice low.
Lifting her hand to my lips, I place a gentle kiss on her knuckles, feeling the quick rhythm of her pulse beneath my fingertips. It’s a mirror of my own racing heart.
Unable to resist, I lean in and brush my lips lightly against hers, the brief contact sending a jolt through me.
I can’t help it. I can’tnotkiss or touch this woman.
That soft pink blush I’ve grown to adore spreads across her cheeks, making her even more breathtaking.
“I feel like I’m in a dream,” she replies with a shy smile, her voice soft. “Thank you for all of this,” she adds, gesturing to her outfit. “I’ve only ever dreamed of wearing something so exquisitely made.”
“I want to make all your dreams come true,” I say, resting my forehead against hers.
As my One, I will give her the world. Anything she wants, it’s hers.
She pulls away with a wobbly giggle, her gaze skittering away from mine. I don’t think she believes me, but that’s okay. I’ll show her.
Still holding her hand, I lead her to the SUV parked in front of the house, help her inside, and slide in beside her.
The car ride to the club is quiet. I keep stealing glances at her. She’s fucking stunning. It’s like I’m floating ten feet above the ground.
The need to kiss her again writhes inside me. It’s almost unbearable. But with Salvatore driving and Romeo in the front, I doubt Mari would appreciate the public display of affection.
