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“Petra and I have known each other for years. We’re good friends, but there’s never been anything more between us.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry,” I mumble, my face burning even hotter now. “It’s none of my business, anyway.”
“Hey, it’s alright,” he reassures me. “I understand why you’d be curious. Besides, if there were something going on between Petra and me, do you really think I’d have reacted the way I did when I saw you in your underwear?”
I laugh at his teasing tone, feeling the tension between us dissipate as we share a playful moment. And though I know it’s dangerous to let myself get carried away, I can’t deny the magnetic pull that draws me ever closer to Benedict, tempting me to cross lines I never imagined I would.
“Wow,” I say, comparing images of Petra and Hudson in my mind’s eye. “I can’t believe I didn’t see it before. They do look alike.” I shake my head, still feeling embarrassed. “I’m sorry for jumping to conclusions.”
“Apology accepted,” Benedict replies. “Now that we’ve cleared that up, can I be honest about something?”
“Of course,” I answer, curiosity piqued.
There’s a slight pause before he talks. “When I kissed you earlier, it wasn’t a mistake. I did it because I couldn’t resist, and now all I can think about is doing it again.”
The door opens, and Benedict steps back inside. This time, it’s clear that it’s no accident that he’s seeing me in just some underwear.
My heart races at the intensity of his confession, and I struggle to keep my composure as he closes the door, standing so close to me that his breath tickles my neck. Part of me knows I shouldn’t let him continue, but another part—a part I’ve been trying to suppress for too long—urges me to give in to temptation.
“Harper,” he murmurs, his lips brushing against my skin as he speaks my name like a prayer. “Tell me if you want me to stop.”
“Stop?” I repeat, my voice barely a whisper, betraying my desire. “Why would I want that?”
His eyes meet mine, dark and full of lust, as he takes in my permission. The air around us crackles with electricity, and I know that from this moment on, everything will change.
“Then let’s not waste any more time talking,” he says, his voice husky and seductive.
With that, he pulls me closer, and our lips meet once more. All thoughts of reason and restraint are lost. Our mouths dance together, teeth tugging at lips, tongues exploring new depths.
My hands glide up his strong arms, over powerful muscles that flex beneath my touch, before sliding into his thick, dark hair. I pull him closer, desperate for more of him, for every last sensation he can give me. He responds in kind, his hands gripping my waist, pulling me flush against him.
“God, Harper,” he groans against my lips, stealing the breath from me. “You don’t know what you’re doing to me.”
“Show me,” I whisper, barely recognizing my own voice, laden with need. “Please, show me.”
Our kiss deepens, tongues tasting each other with wild abandon, as if trying to satiate an insatiable hunger. My heart races, pounding in time with his, and our breathing is ragged, mingling in the charged air between us.
14
ANTONIO
The bell above the door chimes, announcing my arrival. A gust of cold wind follows me into the boutique, and I pause for a moment to take in the warm, inviting atmosphere. The scent of rich leather and sultry perfume fills my nose, a stark contrast to the crisp winter air outside.
“Antonio!” Petra exclaims, her voice bright and full of enthusiasm. Her cheeks are flushed with excitement, and her eyes sparkle as she rushes over to greet me. It’s not hard to tell that she has a crush on me, and I can’t help but feel a pang of guilt about it. After all, she’s Hudson’s sister, and I have no intention of getting involved with her. But it’s not like I can tell her that either. From what I know of her, she’s incredibly sensitive.
“Hey, Petra,” I say warmly, offering her a friendly smile. Her happiness is infectious, even if I don’t share her romantic feelings. “I was hoping to catch Benedict around here today. Do you know where he is?”
“Sure,” she replies, slightly breathless from her sprint across the shop floor. Her gaze lingers on me just a moment too long, making it clear she’d like nothing more than to be the center of my attention. “He’s in the back with Harper. They’re going through clothes.”
The air is thick with the scent of burning candles and luxurious perfume, mixed with the faintest hint of leather from the boutique’s merchandise.
“Antonio,” she purrs, her voice like velvet. “You know, I’ve got a movie to catch later, but I was wondering if you’d like to join me.” She tilts her head, her dark curls cascading over one shoulder as her gaze lingers on mine. “It could be our little date.”
Here we go again. I’m not interested in the slightest, and not just because she’s Hudson’s little sister. Also, I’m not looking for a relationship right now. I force a polite smile, trying to let her down gently.
“Petra, you’re an amazing woman, but I can’t go on a date with you,” I confess, my voice somewhat strained. “I’m not really in a place for a relationship right now.”
Her eyes flicker with disappointment, but she maintains her composure. “I understand, Antonio,” she replies, offering me a small smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Just thought I’d ask. But one day, maybe you will be, so I’ll always ask. Anyways, I should go, just make sure to lock up, okay?”
