If Cesare wanted her to wear something special underneath, he could buy it himself.
The doorbell rang at exactly six o’clock, and Sabrina walked as calmly as she could to answer the door.
Cesare stood on her doorstep looking handsome as ever. His blue eyes darkened with desire as he looked her over. “You look beautiful, Sabrina.” He nodded approvingly.
Sabrina gave a playful twirl, her white-socked feet on the polished wood floor helping her spin like a ballerina. The black cocktail dress spun out just enough to make her feel like a princess, and her long hair swayed gently as she finished the pirouette with a pleased smile.
“You like it?” She smiled, taking a step forward as he leaned in and kissed the same cheek his lips had touched the day before.
“I do.” He nodded, breathing in her scent before pulling back with a roguish grin. “You smell amazing.”
Sabrina relaxed into the feeling of confidence and comfort that unfurled within her as he gave her his full and undivided attention.
“How do I smell?” She asked curiously.
“Like vanilla cake and homemade cannoli.” Cesare answered, continuing to take in every detail that was Sabrina.
“You don’t smell too bad yourself.” She answered, trailing a hand down the dress shirt he wore with rolled-up sleeves, tucked into trousers with a leather belt. He smelled musky and woodsy, with a hint of cedar, sandalwood, and pure male.
“Is that so?” He asked, his tone somehow smug and carefree at the same time. He kept a hand wrapped casually around her waist.
“Mmm.” Sabrina hummed. “But don’t tell anyone.” She reached up to touch his hair, lightly combing her fingers through it. “This is mine tonight.” She smiled mischievously.
He looked at her with an intensity that probably should have scared her. It didn’t, and she wondered ifthatwas something to be worried about.
Sabrina gave a slightly nervous huff at the intensity of herownneed and desire, and stepped back.
Cesare, sensing her skittishness, reached for her hand and gently pulled her back into his grip. “Hey.” He smiled, his dimple disarming her unfairly. “You’re okay. Do you trust me to take care of you, Sabrina?” He asked.
She nodded wordlessly and rewarded him with a shy smile.
“Words, baby.” He responded.
“I do.” She smiled shyly.
“Let’s go have some fun, then.” He answered, squeezing her hand. “You’re going to enjoy tonight.”
“We’ll see.” She answered with a teasing smile as she shut the door behind her.
“Sass.” He remarked teasingly.
Sabrina smiled mischievously in response. As she walked towards the car, he squeezed her hand and looked at the door with narrowed eyes. “Do you live alone?”
“I fail to see how that’s any of your business.” She retorted cheekily.
Cesare frowned. “I’m not returning you to an empty house that was unlocked all night.” He answered seriously.
“It’s fine, it’s really safe here.” Sabrina waved a hand. “Everyone knows everyone.”
Cesare shook his head. “I need to know you’re safe.”
Sabrina blinked at him owlishly for a moment. Some far-off, distant memory of her father saying something similar to her mother before they passed away, rose to the surface of her memory.
Sabrina swallowed the sudden lump in her throat as she turned wordlessly and locked the deadbolt, attempting to blink away the array of unexpected emotions welling up in the form of very inconvenient tears.
“Thank you. I just want you safe.” Cesare spoke into the sudden silence in a measured tone.
“I appreciate that.” Sabrina replied, her voice slightly hoarse. She squeezed his hand briefly. “Let’s go have some fun.” She smiled softly.
