Intense (Dark Hearts)

“Do I look okay?”

“Beautiful, as always.” We enter the restaurant, and I’m grinning from ear to ear. We take a seat, and both of our parents are questioning our sudden outburst and return.

“Sorry, Jake was texting me.”

“It was him. I thought I saw him when we were walking from the restroom.”

“Of course he picks tonight of all nights to come here.”

“It’s fine. It’s not like he could know we would come. It was a last-minute thing for us. Besides, he’s brought a date, so behave,” I warn Roman.

“Yes, Princess.”

“That means stop glaring at him.”

“Fine.”

“Now, can we please enjoy the rest of our evening? Ooh, speaking of enjoying.” I rub my hands together as our server and another employee bring our meal. “Wow, this smells so good.” The pizza’s massive, and they set it in the center of the table with the pasta to the side.

“This is huge. Maybe the breadsticks weren’t necessary.”

“We’ll take the rest to go for sure,” my mother says.

“Dig in,” my stepfather adds when I don’t grab a slice.

“Aren’t you hungry?” Roman asks.

“I’m just amazed at the size.” I feel like I set myself up for the joke, but everyone at the table holds back their laughs and then I let out the first giggle. “That’s what she said,” I whisper, making everyone crack up. The sound of Roman laughing huskily stops me in my tracks, and I sneakily reach between us and give his hand a squeeze. He turns and looks at me with a bit of shock. He intertwines our fingers and then brings my hand to his lips, giving it a kiss in front of our parents.

“Enough with the hand holding. You can’t eat like that,” his dad says.

We stop, and the rest of the meal is met with small talk and delicious food. By the time we’re done, I’m full and ready to fall asleep. Roman grabs the check before his dad can and pays the bill. Roman just rolls his eyes at his father’s glare. Once the waitress returns with his receipt and our boxed-up food, we head to the front door.

Roman presses his hand to the small of my back, leans down, and whispers, “If I eat your pussy all night long, will you make those same throaty sounds?” I nearly drop my small box.

In retaliation, I reply, “We’ll have to see.” I saunter ahead, giggling as I walk with my mom. “Did you have a nice night?”

“Yes. The two of you make it entertaining.”

“Sorry. It was my fault. I shouldn’t have been responding to Jake’s texts.”

“Girl, okay. You’re getting yourself in trouble. You shouldn’t have. Texting a man while you’re with another? Next time, just keep your phone off.”

“I’ve already blocked Jake. There wasn’t anything wrong with my messages.”

“Yes, but he didn’t know that. All he knows is that you’re texting a guy you dated while sitting with him. For someone already on edge, I’m surprised he behaved so well. I’m not saying he shouldn’t trust you, but the man is already trying hard by learning how to trust. Don’t make it harder than it has to be.”

“I know.”

“Also don’t take his shit either.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“Now, your stepfather and I are going to watch a movie in the den if you two want to join us.”

“I suppose that’s a good idea to settle our food.”

“Since you paid the bill, I’m driving.”

“Fine.” We slide into the backseat together, and he slides his hand in mine. I lean over and rest my head on his shoulder. I feel so happy and relaxed. He wraps his arm around my shoulder and holds me all the way home. I jolt up, not sure when I fell asleep, but it’s just Roman and me in the car.

“Where’s everyone?”

“They went in to start the movie night. Are you sure you’re up for it?”

“Yesss,” I yawn.

“Okay, sleeping beauty. We’ll see how long you last.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry, Princess. I’m not going anywhere.” He scoops me up in his arms and carries me into the house. “Shall I take you to bed, or do you want to watch the movie?”

“Will you stay with me?”

“Of course. We’re sleeping in my bed tonight.”

“Okay. Bed.”

“Dad, Rachel, the princess is ready for bed. Goodnight.” He carries me around as though I weigh nothing and then opens up his bedroom door, not stopping until he sets me on the bed.

“Do you still want…?”

“Amelia, no. We’re going to get some rest, and then when you’re ready, I’m going to make you scream my name over and over again. Understand?”

“Yes,” I sigh, feeling very tired. I stand up, and he slides my dress down and off my body.

“Oh my goodness,” he grunts. I just remember he’s never seen me naked. Well, he did see my ass, and he liked that. “Fuck me.” He bites his knuckles. “Let’s get you in some clothes before I forget what I just promised.” He walks over to his suitcase and pulls out one of his undershirts. I slip it on, and it’s loose except on my breasts.