Fragile Longing

I closed my eyes, letting his mouth work its magic. “We should return to the party before people get suspicious.”

“Let them get suspicious. We’re married. We can do whatever we please. What we do in private is our business.”

Goosebumps rose on my skin as I considered the options.

I scooted off his lap before I could lose myself completely, but Danilo caught my wrist and pulled me down so he could murmur in my ear. “How are those panties? Soaking wet?”

My eyes widened, surprised by his directness. I wanted to be just as bold. Looking around, I reached under my dress and dragged down my panties. With a coy smile, I stuffed them into his pocket. He froze, and I worried I’d crossed a line, or done something disgusting, then he jerked me against him and kissed me hard. I gasped and pulled away.

“We should get back.”

Danilo shoved his hand into the pocket with my panties and groaned. “Sofia, fuck, what are you doing to me?”

I stepped back. The air against my pussy felt strange. The thought of spending the night bare almost made me regret my little stunt, until I saw Danilo looking at me as if he wanted to devour me.

On our way back to the banquet room, Anna intercepted me. Danilo went ahead as Anna and I made our way to the restroom. The moment we were alone, I blurted, “I’m not wearing panties.” I wasn’t sure what made me say it—perhaps it was the effect of the nervous energy buzzing under my skin since I’d lost the barrier between my throbbing flesh and the air.

Anna’s brown eyebrows shot up. “Good for you!”

I covered my eyes and giggled. “I think I’m losing my mind.”

“All because of a kiss? Or did you two have a quickie in a dark corner before I caught you?” She pulled my hand down, forcing me to meet her curious gaze.

“That was only our second kiss. We haven’t really done more . . . unless you count the party.”

“It doesn’t count,” Anna muttered. “But you two looked awfully cozy, not at all like people who wanted to stop at kissing.”

“I didn’t. I don’t.” I sighed. “I don’t want to rush into things after everything.”

“Then don’t. Or try to separate lust from love. You could start by having great sex with Danilo and then slowly work your way up to an emotional connection.”

“I doubt that’s going to work. I can’t separate sex from emotions.”

“If you say so, but from what I saw I can tell that you won’t be able to resist much longer. Walking around without panties doesn’t really scream abstinence, you know?”

I gave her an indignant look, which turned her grin dirtier. “Come on, Sofia. I’m right, don’t deny it.”

“I wanted to tease Danilo, to make the wait harder for him.”

“Looks like you made him hard.” She winked. “And made it harder for yourself as well.”

“Your wordplays are worse than Leonas’s.”

She bumped her shoulder against mine. “Let’s get you back to your husband. I’m sure he’s been guarding your panties with his life.”

“Anna, don’t say anything to anyone.”

She rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry, your good-girl reputation is safe with me. I have practice keeping a white vest. Life’s all about enjoying the little freedoms.”

I huffed as she dragged me back to the party.

Danilo was talking to my dad and Samuel. He looked my way when we entered. Heat washed down my body, amplified by knowing my panties were in his pocket.

“I give it two weeks tops before you rip his clothes off.”Anna came dangerously close to being right. Danilo and I kissed often, and it got more difficult to pull back. He never tried to further things, and I figured he was waiting for a sign from me.

Danilo and I fell into a tentative routine. Every morning, we had breakfast together, which Danilo made, of course. Afterward, he left for work meetings, and I took care of my social responsibilities, worked out, met with the chef who was teaching me to cook—I had a talent for desserts, especially patisserie—and worked on my college applications. When Danilo got home late afternoon, we fed the koi together and usually ended up kissing. We then had dinner, which I sometimes cooked, and then settled on the couch to talk or watch movies. Danilo liked the old classics, especially European productions, which was a new experience for me.

The atmosphere always became tense when we get to bed, mostly because I became tense. That was probably why we never kissed in bed.

Two weeks after Samuel’s and Emma’s wedding, I decided to throw caution to the wind. When Danilo settled beside me under the covers, I scooted over to him and kissed him.

He didn’t hesitate to wrap his arms around me and pull me against me, deepening the kiss. Our legs became entangled, and Danilo’s hands roamed my back, sliding under my chemise to my naked skin. As always when we kissed, I was soaked. I stroked Danilo’s strong back, following his flexing muscles.