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Despite every painting in here, she was the masterpiece.

Eleanor and I had been fueled by lust and tension from the moment we met, but tonight, it was different—deeper. I enjoyed the simple pleasure of walking by her side, sharing a meal, and savoring the fact that we were out in public together. People stared, speaking to their curiosity about seeing me attending one of these events as a pair—I knew because I’d caught a few whispers.

Good.

They all knew that Eleanor was off-limits, at least for tonight.

“Let’s head outside,” I suggested, feeling the need for fresh air.

Eleanor tilted her head, studying me with a curious expression. When she didn’t find the answer she was looking for, she gave in, standing from her chair. I mirrored her movement, offering my arm for her to take. She hooked her elbow in mine, and together, we made our way to a discrete set of stairs tucked away in the corner of the room.

This building wasn’t always an art gallery—it’d been transformed for the night.

There was a secluded balcony outside, occasionally used for private events. Tonight, everything was centered inside. I’d been here once before, years ago, which is why I knew about this hidden spot.

My hope was that no one else did, allowing us a stolen moment of solitude—just Eleanor and me, away from the watchful eyes.

The cool night air wrapped around us, a welcome relief to the warmth inside. We strolled to the overlook, the city lights stretching below in a vibrant, chaotic display—a stark contrast to the serene ranch landscapes I was accustomed to. The quiet was replaced by the hum of bustling streets and distant noise.

“This reminds me of my city,” Eleanor said softly, her hands resting on the railing. I moved to her side, wrapping my arm around her shoulders and pulling her gently against me. She leaned into my embrace, resting her head against me.

“Does seeing this make you miss it more?” I asked, my voice low and curious.

She shrugged slightly. “I don’t think so.”

Her words stirred something deep within me, a warmth that swelled in my chest at her confession. I rubbed her upper arm in slow, soothing strokes. “Thank you for coming with me tonight,” I murmured.

“I had fun,” she replied, placing her hand on my stomach. The simple touch sent a ripple through me, my muscles tensing instinctively under her palm. She turned in my arms, facing me now, her eyes sparkling under the starlight, a faint smile playing at her lips.

Her fingers reached up, cupping my jaw as her thumb traced the stubble along my cheek. The flicker of vulnerability under her gaze was a rare openness that only she could draw out. The city noises faded into the background, leaving only us in the quiet intimacy of the moment.

Eleanor tilted her face toward mine, her eyes fluttering shut as she leaned in. I followed, closing the distance until our lips met in a soft, tentative brush. The contact sent a shiver down my spine, a spark igniting where our skin touched.

Nothing else mattered. I melted into her, our lips moving together in a dance of passion and longing. My hand slid to the back of her head, cradling her, pulling her closer as our kiss deepened. Her mouth parted, welcoming my tongue, and the taste of her filled my senses. Her breath mingled with mine, each exhale drawing us deeper into the moment, into each other.

My free hand found the small of her back, desperate for the rest of her to be pressed against me.

“I need you,” she said against my lips in between breathless kisses. “Now.”

I groaned against her because those words were all I had to hear. Since I’d been here before, I also knew there was an empty storage room, and the entrance was not too far from where we were currently standing.

“Are those panties soaked for me, Eleanor?” I growled.

“What panties?”

That revelation sent my head tilting back, a silent prayer slipping from my lips to anyone up there listening. If I’d known this little detail earlier, it would’ve shifted the entire night.

I lowered my hand from her head, intertwining my fingers with hers and began to walk backward, guiding her toward the room. After a few steps, I turned, pulling her along with me, a playful urgency in my movements.

Taking Eleanor in random, spontaneous places had become our pattern, our secret thrill. We’d only fucked in a bed once, and even then, it hadn’t been to the degree I longed for. One day, I would cherish her properly, savor every inch of her and take my time exploring her sweet body the way she deserved.

With deliberate steps, I led us into the darkness which enveloped us. The only light came from a window at the far end, casting a faint glow that barely illuminated the space. It was just enough to ensure I wouldn’t stumble.

Once inside, I released her hand and continued across the room, my heart pounding in anticipation. The soft click of her heels didn’t follow, making me pause. Turning back, I found Eleanor standing near the door, about ten feet away. Her clutch slipped from her fingers, landing on the floor with a soft thud as her chest rose and fell, her breaths deep and steady.

She was silent, her eyes locked on me, her mind seemingly racing with unspoken thoughts.

“Cat got your tongue, Sunshine?” I teased, my voice a gentle coaxing in the quiet room, eager to draw her closer, to unravel whatever was stirring inside her.