I press my lips together, trying to hide the smile I can’t stop from forming.
With a chuckle, Lucian walks back to the bathroom.
I move the closet, and opening it, I remove a pair of shorts and a t-shirt for myself. Then I stare at my underwear.
Should I wear a bra to bed?
I take a pair of panties and decide against the bra, wanting to be comfortable while sleeping.
I sit down on the bed and glance around the room while waiting for Lucian to finish showering.
Then the thought hits.
Lucian’s naked in there.
My lips curve up at the thought, and I even find myself leaning a little to the side, but not able to see anything, I straighten up again.
Minutes later, he comes out, dressed only in a pair of sweatpants. His hair is wet, and there are still some drops on his shoulders and chest. “The shower’s yours.”
I get up, and as I walk past Lucian, his fresh scent carries to me.
God, he smells good.
I find all my toiletries in the bathroom. I tie my hair in a ponytail and brush my teeth. There’s no door to close between the bedroom and bathroom, and it makes me a little nervous as I strip out of my clothes.
I turn on the faucets and step into the spray. Closing my eyes, I relax under the warm water.
While I wash my body, I think about the day. Everything was beautiful, and the wedding cake was delicious. Dante dying was the highlight of my day, though. I don’t care if it makes me a bad person for being glad he’s dead.
Now I can bury him along with all the traumatic memories he left me with.
I rinse the suds from my skin, and closing the faucets, I step out of the shower and quickly dry myself. I get dressed then glance at the archway between the rooms.
This is it. Our first night sleeping in the same bed.
I take a deep breath to steel myself and walk out of the bathroom. Lucian’s nowhere to be found, and I begin to frown, but then he comes back into the room with a glass of water. His eyes drift over me, and after he places the glass on the bedside table, he says, “In case you get thirsty.”
It’s on the right side of the bed. “Thank you. You’re taking the left side?” I ask to be sure.
He pulls the covers back. “Yes, so I’m closest to the door.”
My heart melts.
I walk around the bed, and I feel a little awkward as I climb under the covers.
Lucian turns off the lights, and then I feel the mattress dip as he sits down.
With my eyes not used to the darkness yet, all my other senses sharpen. My body becomes aware of Lucian’s as he lies down, and then his arm wraps around my lower back, and he pulls me right against him.
My skin tingles everywhere we touch. The air is filled with his scent. My hands are stuck between my chest and his rock-solid one.
“Wrap your arm around me,” he murmurs.
I do as he says, and splaying my fingers over his back, my palm takes in the feel of him. My lips curve up, and turning my head, I rest my cheek against his warm skin. I close my eyes, thinking I’ll fall asleep quickly, but being highly conscious of Lucian, I lay awake.
Lucian begins to rub his hand up and down the length of my back, then he whispers, “Relax, amore mio.”
“I am.” I hesitate for a moment but then admit, “It’s hard to fall asleep.”
“Why?”
I lift my head to glance up at Lucian, but I can only make out his profile. “It’s the first time I’m sleeping with someone.” My eyes widen, and I quickly correct myself, “I mean… in the same bed. Just sleeping.”
He’s quiet for a while, then he asks, “Are you a virgin?”
I squeeze my eyes shut, and my face reddens. “No.”
“Alfonso?” he asks.
“Yes.”
Lucian moves his hand up and wraps his fingers around the back of my neck. “Sleep, amore mio. You’re safe with me.”
I rest my cheek against his chest again, and listening to the strong rhythm of his heartbeat, I’m eventually lulled into a peaceful slumber.
LUCIAN
Two weeks have passed since our wedding day. It’s been a challenge, to say the least.
Every night I hold Elena, it takes all my willpower to hold back. I have to see her dressed in those cotton shorts which frame her ass perfectly, and the t-shirt does nothing to hide her nipples when she’s not wearing a bra.
Her laughter fills the house. Her soft scent is everywhere.
My wife is happy, and all I want to do is fuck her.
I gave Elena a credit card, and with my aunt’s help, she’s getting comfortable using it. Every time I’m notified of a payment on my phone, it draws a smile from me.