A Candlelight Surprise
With Lucas' help, Cee quickly ordered decorations, food, and a gift. They worked together, setting up a simple yet elegant candlelight dinner in the apartment. The warm glow of the candles, the soft scent of flowers, and the carefully wrapped gift all created an atmosphere of intimacy and warmth.
When everything was set, Lucas stretched and grabbed his coat.
"Well, my work here is done. I have a… meeting."
Cee gave him a knowing look. "You're just leaving to give us space, aren't you?"
Lucas winked. "Smart girl. Enjoy the night."
And with that, he was gone.
Minutes later, the door clicked open.
Carlos stepped in, looking exhausted from the day—until his eyes landed on her. Until he saw the candlelit table, the decorations, and the way she was standing there, waiting for him.
His brows lifted. "What is all this?"
Cee smiled, walking up to him. "Happy birthday, Carlos."
He barely had time to react before she pressed a kiss to his lips.
But she had underestimated just how much he had been holding back all day.
Carlos didn't let her go.
The second their lips met, he took control—pulling her closer, deepening the kiss with a hunger that sent shivers down her spine. His hands wrapped around her waist, fingers pressing into her back as he ravaged her mouth, like he was making up for all the lost time.
By the time he finally pulled away, they were both breathless.
His thumb brushed against her swollen lips as he whispered, "That's the best birthday gift I've ever gotten."
Cee felt warmth spread across her cheeks.
Carlos studied her for a moment, then asked, "So… what's your answer?"
Her heart pounded.
For the past month, she had told herself she was just testing the waters, seeing if this could work. But deep down, she had known the truth for a while now.
She looked up at him, her voice soft but sure.
"I want to keep going. I want us to continue."
Something dark and intense flickered in Carlos' gaze before he pulled her in again, capturing her lips in another deep, lingering kiss—one that left no room for doubt.
When they finally separated, he smirked. "Good, because there was no way in hell I was letting you go."
They spent the night enjoying the candlelight dinner, laughing, teasing, and sharing stories. The night was filled with warmth, soft glances, and subtle touches that meant more than words ever could.
And as Carlos pulled her into his arms later, holding her close like he never wanted to let go, Cee realized something.
She hadn't just given him an answer tonight.
She had given him her heart.
Cee's heart pounded as she looked into Carlos' darkened eyes. The candlelight cast soft shadows across his face, making his chiseled features look even more breathtaking. His gaze, filled with heat and longing, locked onto hers as he slowly reached for her.
It was as if an invisible thread pulled them together.
She leaned in first, her lips brushing his in the softest, most teasing way—but Carlos didn't let her stay in control for long. His fingers curled into her hair, tilting her head as he deepened the kiss, his lips moving over hers with a desperate hunger.
Her hands found their way to his chest, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath his shirt. His heartbeat was fast, just like hers, a silent confession of his desire.
Carlos pulled her closer, pressing her body against his as the kiss turned into something more. His hands skimmed down her back, molding her to him, leaving a trail of heat in their wake.
The world around them melted. There was only the sound of their breathing, the quiet flicker of candlelight, and the deep pull of longing between them.
Then, without breaking the kiss, Carlos lifted her effortlessly into his arms.
Cee gasped, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as he carried her into his room.
The moment her back met the softness of the bed, he hovered over her, his gaze devouring every inch of her flushed face. He traced a finger down her cheek, his touch both gentle and possessive.
"Tell me you want this," he whispered, his voice husky.
Cee swallowed, her body already aching for more. Her eyes locked with his as she gave the softest nod.
That was all it took.
Carlos leaned in, kissing her deeply before trailing his lips down her jaw, her throat, pressing open-mouthed kisses that made her shiver. His hands moved to the hem of her dress, slowly sliding it up, revealing her skin inch by inch.
Cee's breath hitched as he peeled the fabric away, his eyes darkening at the sight of her.
"You're beautiful," he murmured, his lips brushing against her collarbone.
Heat flooded her cheeks, but she didn't have time to respond before his mouth moved lower.
She gasped, she was whimpering beneath him, her fingers tangling in his hair.
The pleasure was new, overwhelming, and intoxicating.
"Carlos..." she breathed, her voice filled with need.
His response was a deep growl against her skin as he trailed lower, kissing down her stomach, his lips pressing a lingering kiss to her belly button before venturing further.
Cee's entire body was on fire.
And when his hands parted her thighs, his eyes filled with pure devotion and desire, she knew—this night, this moment, belonged to them alone.
Carlos could feel the heat radiating from her skin, her breath coming in soft pants as he continued his slow, deliberate movements. Every sound she made, every tremor in her body, only fueled his desire to cherish her more.
His lips trailed lower, his fingers teasingly spreading her thighs apart, and...., Cee's sharp intake of breath turned into a desperate moan. Her hands gripped his shoulders, her body arching into him, craving more of the pleasure he was giving her.
Carlos took his time, savoring her reactions, bringing her to the peak again and again until she was completely undone beneath him.
She was beautiful—so responsive, so vulnerable, trusting him in a way that made his chest tighten.
When he finally moved to position himself between her legs, pressing against her entrance, he hesitated for a moment. He could feel how ready she was for him, how wet she had become under his touch. But as he pushed in slowly, he caught the sudden flicker of pain in her eyes.