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I watch Lucas leave the room, my eyes following the way his body moves with such confidence and command. I can feel a familiar heat rising in my core as I let my mind wander to him. My thoughts are interrupted by the sound of someone else approaching. This time I know immediately that it's Antonio. He has a lighter step than Lucas, and it's as if he glides through the room like a shadow.
"Mia," he says softly.
I look up at him, and he smiles at me. I can't help but feel a flutter in my chest when he looks at me like that. There's a warmth in his eyes that makes me feel safe - like nothing bad could ever happen as long as he's around.
"I have something to show you," he takes the book out of my hands and sets it aside, pulling me to my feet. "Come on."
He takes my hand and leads me through the quiet halls of the mansion, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. We walk for what feels like forever, but I don't mind as long as I'm with him. Finally, we reach a door I've never seen before.
"Where are we?" I ask, looking up at him.
He smiles and opens the door to reveal a large studio filled with canvases, paints, fabrics, and all kinds of artistic supplies. My eyes widen at the sight of it all.
"This is yours," he says, gesturing to the space. "We put it together for you to pursue your passion for design."
My heart swells with gratitude as tears prickle in my eyes. "Antonio...this is amazing," I say softly.
"It's nothing compared to what you deserve," he replies, his eyes locking onto mine. There's a heat in his gaze that makes me feel alive and wanted.
Suddenly his lips are on mine, soft and gentle at first before deepening into a passionate kiss. I feel myself melting into his arms, completely lost in the moment.
As we break apart, he whispers in my ear, "I know you have a lot of designs swirling around in your head. Why don't you work on them here, where you have all the space and inspiration you could ever need?"
I nod eagerly, already feeling the ideas bubbling up inside me. The walls are adorned with sketches and paintings, and in the center of the room stands a drafting table complete with all the latest design software and hardware. There's a plush sofa tucked away in the corner for comfortable breaks from work and a mini fridge stocked with my favorite drinks.
"But... These fabrics must have cost a fortune!" I run my fingers across the different rolls. "Silk, satin, charmeuse!"
He chuckles. "Only you and Xavier could know a fabric by touching it. He wanted to make sure you had the finest materials."
Tears fill my eyes as I take it all in. "Thank you," I whisper, barely able to form the words.
Antonio wraps his arms around me from behind, holding me tightly. "Anything for you, Mia," he says, his lips brushing against my shoulder. "And if you ever get tired of designing, I know a wonderful designer in Italy who would love to create something for you."
I gasp, spinning around in his arms. "Really! Who?"
Laughing again, he kisses my nose. "I don't know him by name, Xavier does."
Which means I probably know him, too!
"This is beyond anything I've ever dreamed, Tony." I kiss him sweetly.
He hums against his lips. "Maybe you should try to dream bigger, sweetheart."
How can I ask for anything more than what I have now?
33
LUCAS
"Dinner?!" Mia repeats excitedly, grabbing my hand.
I laugh, reveling in her innocent joy. This is exactly what I need after the week I've had. "Yes, just the two of us."
A delighted grin spreads across her face as she replies, "And this one will be a real date?"
I bring her hand up for a kiss. "Was the last one not?"
"I have the perfect dress in mind!" Her smile widens, and she squeezes my hand.
