Chapter 60

Chapter 60

Gabriel Dantas

As soon as I step out of the car, the wind hits my face, and I look around. The mall is already buzzing, filled with hurried people, flashy storefronts, and the ambient sound of conversations and rushed footsteps echoing around.

My eyes lock onto Arthur, standing near the entrance, like a star waiting to be discovered. His fluffy pink coat draws attention from miles away.

Anyone who didn’t know him might swear he was about to walk the Paris runway.

I smile — it’s impossible not to. Inside, I’m amused by the involuntary show he puts on for the world.

— Damn, I thought you weren't coming anymore — he grumbles, impatient, adjusting his coat like it’s an extension of his soul.

— The traffic was impossible. Blame the taxi driver — I reply with a sigh loaded with calm.

Arthur pouts exaggeratedly, worthy of a Mexican soap opera.

— I’ll only forgive you because you promised to buy me whatever I want. So let's go spend, because my wardrobe is crying for help.

I laugh.

— You're terrible.

— Me? Terrible? No. Strategic. Smart. Visionary! — he fires back, throwing a dramatic look as we walk through the main entrance.

As we pass the first stores, he glides beside me like he’s on a red carpet.

— But tell me, you said you needed my help with something. What is it? — he asks, adjusting his sunglasses as if the sun were inside the mall.

I give a slight, more discreet smile.

— I'm thinking about buying... some more daring pieces.

His eyes widen, a mischievous glint appearing in his gaze.

— Daring like... lace boxers or glow-in-the-dark underwear?

I stifle a laugh.

— Something more... sophisticated. Lingerie. The masculine style, of course. I was thinking of something provocative, sensual, but classy.

Arthur stops walking for a second.

— Are you thinking about stockings too? Gabriel, tell me this includes garter belts, for the love of all Milan's designers. — His eyes widen even more, excited. — Trying to surprise the Big Boss, huh?

— Maybe... — I murmur, giving a discreet smile, but he's already vibrating like he’s discovered a state secret.

— I know the perfect place! Come with me, darling. The store’s on the second floor. The manager loves me; he even saves exclusive pieces when I show up.

We head to a hidden store, with a discreet facade but an interior that shines pure seduction. Dim lighting, hangers full of silk and lace fabrics. A paradise of male fetishes.

Arthur dives into the racks like a seasoned predator. He grabs one piece, examines it, discards it. Grabs another, studies it, smiles. Until he returns with a tiny piece in his hands.

— How about starting with this one? — he asks, showing me a black thong with velvet details and a cut that would leave anyone speechless.

I arch my eyebrows.

— That’s even too much for you, Arthur.

— Too much? Honey, this is basic. If I showed you what I have at home, you’d faint on the spot. Literally. — He winks and spins the piece on his finger. — But fine, let’s start light. How about this one with the front-lace vest?

— Are you trying to turn me into a birthday present?

— No, darling. A Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and national holiday present, all rolled into one. — He hands me another piece, more discreet, with elegant cuts, but still carrying that provocative air I’m looking for.

I try on a few pieces under his critical gaze, which doesn’t even forgive a crooked seam.

— Gabriel, that one doesn’t flatter your butt. Take it off.

— What do you mean it doesn't flatter? You want me to parade around here?

— If you want, I'll roll out a red carpet — he snaps back, making the sales assistant laugh from across the store.

We spend a good amount of time picking out pieces. When I finally finish selecting, Arthur looks radiant, as if he earned a commission.

— See? That’s why you call me. I turn any shopping trip into an unforgettable event.

— That's true. Now you just need to turn me into a luxury porn star.

— One step at a time, sweetheart. One step at a time — he says, throwing a provocative look as we head to the register.

And while I’m paying for the items, an idea starts to form in my mind. If Leonardo thinks he’s seen it all, he better brace himself. Because tonight, I’m the one calling the shots.

After hours walking around the mall, I finally get home carrying the shopping bags. The apartment is peaceful, silent, and I find Vânia putting on her coat, ready to leave. She shoots me a curious look.

— Heavy shopping or dangerous choices? — she asks, raising an eyebrow.

— A little of both. You're spending the night out, right?

— Of course, darling. As you requested, the apartment is all yours tonight. I’ll sleep at a friend’s place. Good luck with your cardiac assassination plan.

I let out a low laugh.

— If it works, tomorrow he’ll need resuscitation. — Vânia blows me a kiss in the air and disappears through the door, leaving me with the place all to myself.

I place the bag on the bed and spread the options across the duvet. Silk touches, fine lace, strategic cuts. Everything chosen with the precision of someone who knows the exact effect they want to cause. My eyes stop on the red lingerie. Classic, provocative, fatal. I smile. That’s the one.

I head to the bathroom, take a quick shower, and rub some jasmine-scented body oil into my skin, leaving it silky smooth.

Afterward, I slowly put on the chosen piece, watching in the mirror how every detail shapes my body. The fabric hugs my curves perfectly, and just imagining Leonardo’s face when he sees me like this makes heat rush up my spine.

I open the dresser drawer and pull out one of the silk robes he bought for me. A deep wine color, almost black, with subtle details on the sleeves. I wrap it around my body and leave it slightly open, revealing just enough.

Facing the mirror, I apply a little lip gloss. The minty touch gives my lips a natural plumpness and a tempting freshness.

I adjust my hair, running my fingers through the strands carefully, making sure they fall softly over my shoulders. I grab my favorite perfume — woody with a sweet undertone — and spray it on my neck, wrists, and collarbone.

I look myself up and down once again. I smile at my reflection, wearing that mischievous air that only appears when I feel completely in control.

— Tonight... I’m going to make Leonardo pass out. — I chuckle to myself, my heart already pounding in anticipation.

Time to set the mood.

I light the candles I spread around the living room, the golden points of light dancing on the walls, casting soft shadows. I put on some low, sultry instrumental music. Everything’s ready.

I sit on the arm of the sofa, elegantly crossing my legs, the robe slipping lightly off my thigh. The air smells like jasmine and pure desire.

The key turns in the lock. My heart races. The door opens slowly. The dim light dominates the space, only the candle flames and music filling the air.

Leonardo steps inside, his silhouette outlined by the faint glow. He freezes, confused.

— Gabriel? Are you there? What’s—

Before he can reach the light switch, my voice rises, soft, firm, and loaded with intention:

— No. Don’t turn on the light.

He freezes for a moment.

— Why not?

— Because I created this whole atmosphere just for us.

I can feel his silence from across the room. The slight sound of his hesitant steps. The air between us thickens, charged with something invisible, heavy, electric.

— This... — he begins, his voice a little hoarse — Is this for me?

I slowly rise, letting the robe slip further off my shoulders. I take two steps toward him, until the candlelight brushes his face lightly. He looks at me like he’s witnessing a miracle — or a delicious sin.

— Tonight — I whisper, getting even closer — you’re not in control. You just feel.

And his smile... oh, his smile confirms everything I hoped for. The night is just beginning.