Antonio's eyes were on me, and all I could do was stare back. So dark… yet so mesmerizing.
"Velvet?" he asked.
I fumbled. "Oh! yeah, I had fun. What about you? How come you're here? I didn't take you for someone interested in street racing."
Then I narrowed my eyes. "Were you watching me?"
He chuckled. "Why do you think that, Velvet? And what exactly do you think I'm interested in?"
God, I hated how he made my mind go blank and my body react without permission.
I smiled lightly. "That's for you to decide."
I held Lucy, ready to leave, but he interrupted, "Don't worry about your friend. James will take her home."
"And why would he do that?" I asked.
"Because you're coming with me."
Another command.
And yet… I didn't want to refuse.
Before I could respond, he was already moving. He took my hand , gently this time and led me to the car.
"Sit."
There was still anger in him. I could feel it, even if I didn't understand why.
I paused. "Is that a request… or an order?"
He stepped closer. "Velvet, today is one of those days where I feel like I could lose control. And do you know why? Because you decided to wear this and come here."
"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?"
He leaned in slightly. "There's something called irresistible… and you, baby, are exactly that. So if you understand, I'd prefer you sit in the car and keep that pretty mouth of yours reserved."
I was shocked at how shameless he was… but still, I gave in.
With him, I always did.
He got into the driver's seat.
"No driver today?" I said.
He smirked. "You like privacy, don't you?"
I turned away, slightly embarrassed.
As we drove, my eyes drifted… lower than they should have. I stared a second too long.
He noticed.
"Want to do something about it, Velvet?"
Before I could react, he made a sharp turn, and suddenly we were in a quiet, dark alley.
Everything felt heavier there.
He pulled me closer, one hand at my neck, and kissed me. It was slow… controlled… but possessive.
I pulled back slightly. "Are you married?" I whispered.
"No."
That was all it took.
The rest of my thoughts disappeared.I reached for him, my hands moving before my thoughts could catch up. The moment felt too heavy to resist.
He inhaled sharply as I got closer, his fingers tightening in my hair, guiding, controlling yet not rushing me.
A low sound escaped him, rough and unfiltered.
"Velvet…"
The way he said my name sent a shiver down my spine.
But just when I thought I understood the rhythm between us, he shifted everything.
In one swift movement, he pulled me up against him, my breath hitching as I felt the intensity of his touch. His hands moved with urgency now, no longer patient, no longer controlled.
I gasped, gripping onto him, my body reacting faster than my mind could keep up.
I was right there on the edge
And then he stopped.
"Not now, Velvet,You seemed unsatisfied with me can't let that happen again can we?" he murmured, his voice low, strained laced with sarcasm .
He knew I was lying such a jerk .
The pause only made everything worse.
Before I could even protest, he pulled me closer again, closing the distance completely, leaving no space between us. The tension snapped, and everything that followed felt overwhelming, consuming—like neither of us was holding back anymore.
My breath broke first.
His came slower, heavier.
When it was over, the silence between us felt just as intense as everything before it.
"You don't know what you do to me, Velvet," he said, his voice quieter now… but no less dangerous.
We finally settled ourselves and decided to go for dinner.
I hope you are satisfied this time?
I laughed it off .
But now… I had questions.
Questions I should have asked before any of this.
We drove to a place close to my area but far more expensive than anything I could afford. Instead of stopping at a restaurant, he took me up to a penthouse.
"Sit," he said. "I'll make dinner."
"I thought we were eating out."
He glanced back. "You thought wrong. Sit… and do whatever you want."
I waited, scrolling through my phone occasionally.
It took him around twenty minutes to prepare something simple, pasta and wine.
We sat down.
And finally…
It was time to get the answers I needed.