AG

She looked so relaxed, sitting in the passenger seat of my car, scrolling through her phone, her thighs brushing against mine. I knew I had to get her back to my place. "So, what's the plan?" she asked, looking up with those beautiful eyes. "I believe you owe me a scalp massage, baby," I smirked.

The penthouse was exactly as I left it, the smell of leather and cologne lingering in the air.

Nova went to the bedroom. She slipped off her shoes, letting her bare feet sink into the plush carpet, and changed into some tiny shorts and a T-shirt, her curvy figure on full display. I followed her lead, stripping down to my basketball shorts and socks. The weight of the day's work lifted off my shoulders as I sank into the cool fabric.

We settled onto the couch, our silence thick with unspoken emotions. I could feel her eyes on me, watching me as I studied my own thoughts. After a moment, I looked at her, her fingers playing with a loose thread on her shirt. "What's on your mind?" I asked, my voice low and gentle. I lay on the couch nestled between her legs, my head resting on her stomach, her soft hands idly running through my dreads. It felt so good; I don't think she knows how relaxing her touch is. A moan escaped my throat; she leaned down and kissed my third eye.

Her eyes met mine, and she took a deep breath. "I never thought I'd find 'this,' you know," she said. A connection with someone genuinely interested in my well-being. I feel like you understand me and see me beyond my physical attributes." She chortled. You see my talent and encourage me; you're tough on me sometimes, but I know it comes from a good place." "Artis, I don't want to lose you, baby."

Hearing those words come from her mouth--made my chest ache. It's taking everything in me not to turn around and give her my soul. Give her my heart. fuck it, she can have it all. My chest tightened. Shit.

"Nova," I began, my voice a low rumble, "since the day you walked into my studio and didn't take my shit. I knew you were different." I sat up, facing her, my hand reaching up to cup her cheek. "You're not just another face, not just another body to me. You're...my heart." "You stay on my mind constantly, baby; that trip to LA almost killed me; I wanted you so bad, to hug you, feel your presence."

Her eyes searched mine, looking for any hint of a lie. But all she'd find is the raw, unfiltered truth. "I've never felt like this before," I admitted, the words catching in my throat. "You're not just my engineer; you're my muse, my partner, my Queen; one day, you will be my wife, Nova. I love you, baby."

Nova's eyes shined, glistening with unshed tears. She leaned into my touch. "I love you too, Artis," she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur. "Thank you for seeing me," she said. "You've always been seen; most people are cowards and haters, so they pretend not to see you, but actually, that's all they see... is you." "I'm not a hater, baby." I chuckled. "You caught me beating my dick, and instead of me being downright embarrassed, the wheels turned in my head. I had to have you; You're like a magnet."

I leaned in and kissed her, our love a silent declaration that didn't need an audience or fanfare. Our connection was strong, a bond formed in the sanctity of music and passion.

She smiled and wiped the stray tears from her face. I could tell she was processing what I'd just confessed to her. She's so damn sexy when she's thinking. Her breathing slows to a controlled, erotic pace. Her eyes blink slowly; when she stares off into the distance, she randomly darts the tip of that tongue out and wet the corner of her mouth; it's all so erotic. The shit makes my dick hard.

"Why haven't you... you know," she stuttered, her cheeks flushing a shade darker. "Why haven't you made love to me?" she finally managed to ask.

I pulled her closer, my heart racing in my chest. "Because, baby," I began, "I want us to be solid before I claim what's mine." I kissed the tears that spilled down her cheeks. "I need to know that you're with me for me. I confessed that to her, and I know that's not what she wanted to hear, but it's the truth.

Her eyes searched mine, a hint of understanding flickering in their depths. "I understand, baby," she whispered, her voice shaky. "But I want you." she pouted.

"And I want you," I replied, my voice thick with desire. "But I want more than just your body, Nova. I want your heart; I want everything. I want us to be unshakeable before we cross that line."

Nova took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving mine. "Okay," she said, her voice a whisper. "I get it."

With that promise hanging in the air, we continued our evening. We talked about music, life, and everything in between. Our conversations flowed like the notes of a perfectly crafted melody. We were in sync, a duet of souls finding harmony in each other's company.

As the night grew late, we lay in bed, her head on my chest, listening to the rhythm of my heart. "I'm scared," she confessed, her voice barely audible. "Scared of what?" I asked, stroking her hair.

"Scared of what happens after we take that step," she replied, trembling. "I've seen the industry chew people up and spit them out. I don't want that for us."

I kissed the top of her head. "We're different," I assured her. "We've got something real here. And I'll protect it with everything I have; I'll protect you. I will burn this muh'fucka to ashes before a hair on your head is harmed, my love. Do you understand?" She nodded and placed a slow lingerie kiss on my chest.. on my heart. "I love you," I rumbled. She sniffled, "I love you too, baby."