𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐢'𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐯

the second the front door clicked shut behind the last guest, i could feel a shift in the atmosphere—a heavy, intoxicating tension hanging in the air, as if the whole room had been holding its breath, waiting for this moment.

my gaze locked onto skai, who was standing just a few feet away, her chest rising and falling with shallow breaths. her eyes were on me, dark and stormy, filled with a mix of anticipation and something else—something that sent a jolt of electricity straight through me.

my eyes gazed down to the red mark that was now forming on her neck and couldn't help but grin.

without a word, i crossed the room and found myself standing in front of her. our eyes locked, and the air seemed to vibrate with unspoken words.

i leaned down, in a teasing manner, my lips hovering over hers. i could feel her shaky breath as it fanned my top lip.

"hey, i need to smoke real quick," i said suddenly, my voice breaking the silence. skai's eyes followed me as i turned and walked out of the kitchen, heading towards the back patio.

the cool night air greeted me with a refreshing bite as i stepped outside. i reached into my pocket and pulled out a blunt, the familiar weight reassuring as i rolled it between my fingers.

i heard the sliding door open behind me and turned to see skai stepping onto the patio. she moved causally, but the way her eyes darted around the garden told me she was feeling the same knot of tension in her chest. she stayed awkwardly at the door.

"come here." i murmured and she didn't hesitate to follow my instructions. when she was close enough, i gently took a hold of her arm and placed her directly in front of me, in between my parted legs.

"here," i said, holding out the lighter. "light it for me mama."

"okay." she says in a small nod. i securely hold the blunt in between my lips as she carefully lights it.

i take a slow, deliberate drag and savouring the calming rush of smoke. she hands me back the lighter which i tuck into my pocket as i leaned against the railing, the tension in my shoulders easing with each puff. i motion the blunt for her to take.

"thanks." she took it with a nod, and we stood together in silence as my hands wrapped around her lower back. i couldn't help but look at her entire body carefully, she deserved to be in a museum.

i watched as skai's gaze softened, her shoulders relaxing slightly with each drag. i leaned in, my lips brushing against her ear as i exhaled, sending a thin stream of smoke across her cheek.

"you look too good tonight," i murmured. skai turned her head slightly, her lips brushing mine as she exhaled into my mouth. i seamlessly inhaled the smoke.

"you didn't seem to think so a few hours before," she whispered back, her voice laced with a playful edge.

"you know damn well the only person i was really aware of was you." i said and she smirks. "from the moment you came in, all i could think about was how easy it will be to rip this dress."

"will be? like you could see in the future?" she asks with a raised eyebrow.

"oh darlin', i already knew you would end up back in my bed by the end of the night."

without responding, skai leans forward, her lips brushing mine softly at first. the moment our mouths meet, i can feel the heat between us building. our kiss is tentative, slow—lips moving carefully as if testing the waters. her lips are soft, slightly parted, and i press against them with just enough pressure to feel her responding.

her hand slides up to my neck, her fingertips grazing my skin as she pulls me in closer. our lips start moving in sync, mouths parting a little more with each pass, until her tongue grazes mine, tentative at first, before pushing deeper. the kiss becomes more deliberate, each press of her lips firmer than the last.

i can taste the smoke on her breath, a mix of sweetness and bitterness from the blunt we've been passing between us. the acrid scent of it hangs in the air as i inhale, feeling her tongue flick against mine in rhythm.

our lips slide together, wet and warm, as the smoke curls between us, adding a heady thickness to the moment. as we kissed, the smoke swirled around us, wrapping us in a haze that seemed to amplify the electric spark between us.

her teeth graze my bottom lip as she bites down softly, tugging before releasing me, her breath catching as i slide my hand up the curve of her back.

her fingers tangle in my hair, tightening as she deepens the kiss. she pulls me down more, her lips pressing harder, tongues sliding against each other with a desperate, hungry edge.

i take the blunt from her fingers, bringing it to my lips for a final inhale. i take in the bitter taste, feeling it fill my lungs before i press my mouth back to hers, exhaling through the kiss, sharing the smoke between us.

she pulls it in, her breath mingling with mine, and for a moment, we're lost in the exchange, lips parting just enough for the smoke to pass before they seal together again.

her body presses fully against mine now, her chest rising and falling quickly as our mouths stay locked together, kissing deeper and harder. my hands move down, gripping her waist, feeling her skin through the thin fabric of her dress as i pull her closer still.

suddenly, i pulled away just enough to take the blunt from her fingers. with a decisive movement, i squished it against the wall, extinguishing the ember with a faint hiss.

skai looked up at me, her eyes dark with a mix of desire and surprise. before she could say anything, i lifted her effortlessly into my arms.

her legs instinctively wrapped around my waist as i carried her inside. her soft, breathless laughter mingled with the lingering haze of the smoke, and her arms tightened around my neck.

i moved quickly through the darkened hallway, my eyes never leaving hers. her fingers were tangled in my hair, tugging gently, her body moulding perfectly to mine as if we were made to fit together.

i pushed open the door to the living room, where the soft glow of the streetlights outside cast a dim, golden hue over the room.

with a swift movement, i turned and pressed her back against the wall, pinning her there with my body. i could feel her heart beating wildly against my chest, could feel the heat radiating off her skin, seeping into me, pulling me in deeper.

"do you have any idea what you do to me?" i muttered, my voice thick with desire, my lips brushing against her jaw, trailing down her neck to that perfect red mark i'd left earlier.

skai's eyes fluttered shut, her lips parting slightly as she let out a soft sigh. "why don't you show me?" she whispered, her voice low, a challenge threaded with urgency.

i grinned against her skin, my teeth grazing the delicate curve of her collarbone. "oh, i plan to," i murmured, before capturing her lips again in a deep, hungry kiss.

my hands slid up her thighs, hitching her dress higher, my fingers digging into her soft skin as i pulled her tighter against me. she moaned softly into my mouth, the sound sending a rush of heat straight through me.

i broke the kiss just long enough to gaze into her eyes, the hazy smoke still lingering between us, making everything feel surreal, dreamlike.

"tell me what you want," i breathed, my voice rough, raw with need. "i want to hear you say it."

"i want you," she said, her voice barely more than a whisper, but it was enough—enough to set me on fire, to make every nerve in my body scream with the need to touch her, to feel her, to make her mine.

"say it again," i demanded, my lips trailing down her neck, nipping at her skin, feeling her pulse quicken beneath my touch.

"i want you, dani," she repeated, a little louder this time, her fingers gripping my shoulders, her nails digging into my skin. "i want all of you."

that was all i needed to hear. i slipped my hands under her dress, sliding them up the back of her thighs, feeling the silky smoothness of her skin beneath my fingers.

i found the thin strap of her panties and hooked my fingers under it, pulling them down slowly, teasingly, watching as her eyes fluttered, her breath catching in her throat.

i let the panties drop to the floor and ran my hands back up her thighs, lifting her higher against the wall. she wrapped her legs tighter around my waist, her body pressing closer, every inch of her aligned with mine.

"shit," i groaned, the feel of her so close, so warm, nearly undoing me.

"take me, dani... right here, right now." she whispered, her voice breathless, filled with urgency, her hips grinding against mine in a slow, deliberate rhythm.

a wicked grin spread across my lips as i let her down slowly, her feet touching the floor again. "stay right there," i whispered, brushing a soft kiss against her lips, my hand trailing down her arm. "i need to get somethin' that'll make this even better."

her eyes followed me, curious and dark with anticipation as i crossed the room and reached into the small drawer by the couch. i pulled out the harness and strap, feeling a surge of excitement shoot through me as i turned back to face her.

skai's eyes widened slightly, and a slow smile spread across her lips. "oh... so that's how you wanna play it?" she teased, her voice low and sultry, sending a fresh wave of heat straight to my core.

"you said you wanted all of me," i replied, my voice dropping to a husky whisper as i began to fasten the harness around my hips, tightening it just enough to feel secure. "i'm just makin' sure you get exactly what you asked for."

i watched as her gaze darkened with desire, her breath hitching in her throat. "so you've upgraded huh? come here," she says softly, her tone filled with a mix of impatience and longing.

i moved back to her, the weight of the strap pressing against me, heightening my own arousal.

i positioned myself between her legs, feeling the heat of her skin, the dampness radiating from her. "you ready?" i whispered, leaning in, my lips brushing her ear, my voice dripping with promise.

"for you, always," she murmured, her hands slipping around my neck, pulling me closer, her lips finding mine again in a bruising kiss. i could feel her hunger, her need, and it matched my own.

i guided the strap between her thighs, teasing her with the tip, feeling the way her body reacted, the way she shifted against me, eager, impatient.

"you feel that?" i whispered against her lips. "this is all for you."

"dani, please," she gasped, her voice barely holding back the urgency, her hips moving forward, seeking more. "i need you... now."

i didn't make her wait any longer. with a steady push, i slid inside her, feeling the resistance, the heat, the way her body welcomed me. she moaned, a low, breathy sound that sent shivers racing through me. i moved slowly at first, savouring the sensation, the way she clenched around me, her body arching into mine, urging me deeper.

"fuck, you feel so good," i muttered, my hands gripping her hips, pulling her closer, harder against me. "you like that, don't you?"

"yes... god, yes..." she moaned, her fingers tangling in my hair, her back arching off the wall. "don't stop..."

i picked up the pace, each thrust more urgent, more intense, pushing her harder against the wall. i could feel her breath coming faster, her moans growing louder, more desperate, the pounding sound of slapping skin and the wall driving me wild.

"look at me," i whispered, my voice rough, commanding. "i want to see how much you need me."

her eyes fluttered open, her gaze locking with mine, dark and heavy with desire. "i love it," she panted, her hips moving in time with mine, matching every thrust, every push.

her words sent a surge of heat through me, my movements growing more frantic, more intense, every thrust pushing her higher, closer to the edge.

"that's it, baby... let go for me," i whispered, feeling her tighten around me, knowing she was close.

"dani, i'm so close," she breathed, her voice a high, desperate whimper that sent a rush of adrenaline through me.

"come for me, skai," i urged, thrusting harder, deeper, feeling her body begin to tremble, to shake. "let me feel you..."

and then she was there, her head falling back against the wall, her body arching, her moans filling the room as she shattered around me, her climax washing over her in waves. i kept moving, riding out her release, feeling her clench and spasm around me, her body pulling me deeper, holding me tight.

i pressed my lips to hers, swallowing her moans, my hands roaming her body, grounding her, holding her steady as she came down from her high.

slowly, i pulled back, my breath ragged, my heart racing. i looked into her eyes, seeing the satisfaction, the pleasure, the love. "you okay?" i whispered, my voice still rough, my hands caressing her sides.

"never better," she whispered back, a small, satisfied smile playing on her lips.

i carried her body to the sofa and undid the harness before joining her in a lying down position. for a long time, we just lay there, tangled together, the only sound our ragged breathing, the faint hum of the city outside a distant background noise.

i held her close, my lips pressing soft kisses against her temple, her hair, her shoulder, not wanting to let go, not wanting this moment to end.

but eventually, exhaustion claimed us, and we fell asleep like that, wrapped around each other, the intensity of the night leaving us both spent and content.

***

when i woke up the next morning, the bed was cold, the space beside me empty. panic set in immediately, my mind racing with the worst possibilities. had she left again?

the thought sent a surge of frustration through me, a mix of anger and hurt that i was growing tired of feeling. how many times could we go through this?

i threw off the covers with a huff, the cool morning air hitting my skin as i quickly got out of bed. but before i could work myself into more of a frenzy, the smell of something cooking wafted up to my nose, halting me in my tracks. bacon? eggs?

i made my way downstairs, my heart pounding with a mix of anxiety and hope. the closer i got to the kitchen, the clearer it became that she was still here.

the soft sizzle of something on the stove, the faint sound of humming—it was all so domestic, so normal, so utterly unexpected that it almost knocked the wind out of me.

when i rounded the corner into the kitchen, i saw her. skai stood by the stove, one of my oversized shirts hanging loosely on her small frame, the sleeves rolled up to reveal her forearms as she expertly flipped pancakes. the sight of her there, in my kitchen, so at ease, so at home, made my heart skip a beat.

before i knew it, i was behind her, my arms wrapping around her waist, pulling her close. i buried my face in her neck, breathing in the familiar scent of her—something floral, something uniquely her—and let out a sigh of relief.

"you scared me," she said softly, glancing back at me with a small smile. her voice was light, but there was a hint of apology in it, as if she knew exactly what i'd been thinking.

"i thought you left again," i admitted, my voice muffled against her skin. i couldn't help it—the fear had been real, and the relief was overwhelming.

"i didn't," she replied, turning in my arms to face me. her eyes met mine, and there was something in them—something soft, something vulnerable. "i'm here."

i studied her face, searching for any sign that this was temporary, that she was just waiting for the right moment to bolt. but all i saw was sincerity, and it made my chest tighten with an emotion i wasn't sure i was ready to name.

"don't apologise," i said, cutting her off before she could say anything else. i didn't need her apologies—I just needed her. "i just...i need to know where we stand, skai."

her gaze softened, and she leaned into my touch, her fingers tracing small patterns on my arm. "it's not easy for me, dani," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "but i'm here, aren't i? i didn't run away this time."

"no, you didn't," i agreed, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. the gesture was tender, almost instinctual, and it made her smile—a real smile, one that reached her eyes. "but we need to talk about this."

"i know," she murmured, her eyes dropping to where her fingers were still tracing circles on my skin. "it's just all so scary, y'know?"

"it's scary for me too," i admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "but we'll figure it out together, right? no more running?"

she looked up at me then, her expression softening even further, and she nodded. "no more running," she echoed, her voice full of a quiet resolve that gave me hope.

i pulled her into a tight hug, burying my face in her hair, inhaling the comforting scent of her. for a long moment, we just stood there, wrapped up in each other, the morning light filtering through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow over us.

i leaned down, gently cupping her face in my hands, and kissed her. it was soft, slow, and sweet—nothing like the heated, frantic kisses we'd shared the night before. this one was tender, filled with all the things we didn't know how to say yet.

she responded immediately, her hands coming up to rest on my hips, pulling me closer as our lips moved together in a perfect, slow rhythm.

when we finally pulled away, our foreheads rested together, both of us breathing a little harder than before. i opened my eyes to see her smiling up at me, her gaze soft and full of warmth.

"come on," she said, breaking the silence with a small smile. "i made breakfast. let's eat before it gets cold."

i nodded, feeling a smile tug at the corners of my lips as i let her lead me to the table.

***

"so we're not dating?" skai asks, her voice laced with curiosity as she looks up at me, her eyes glimmering with a playful light.

i lean back slightly, taking in her amused expression. "let's see how things go," i say, my tone firm but gentle. "obviously we're exclusive, but we need to work on other things besides just sex."

skai arches an eyebrow, her smile widening as she teases, "oh, we're exclusive now, huh?"

i meet her gaze with a serious look, trying to match her teasing with my own brand of intensity. "yes," i say, my voice low and steady. "you very much belong to me now."

her eyes sparkle with mischief, and she lets out a soft laugh. "how come? i don't remember consenting to that."

i shift closer, a smirk tugging at my lips as i recall the wild moments we've shared. "you consented to it the moment i fucked you against my wall," i say, my voice rough with recollection, "or was it the time i fingered you out in the open, until your legs were weak on the banister, not even seven feet away from a room full of people?"

skai's eyes widen in mock shock, and she hits my arm playfully. i can't help but laugh, finding amusement in her exaggerated reaction.

"alright, alright," she says, rolling her eyes but still smiling. "but i agree, we do have a lot of communicating to do."

"we definitely do," i reply, my voice softening as i naturally lean in. our lips meet.

my hands slip around her waist, pulling her closer, needing to feel the warmth of her body against mine. as the kiss deepens, i softly support skai as she sits on my lap. her fingers thread through my hair, tugging lightly as the kiss turns hungry.

her body presses against mine, her legs straddling my hips as she nestles in close. i can feel the heat of her body seeping through the thin fabric of my oversized t-shirt, the softness of her against me sending me over the edge.

i pull back slightly, our lips still brushing as i try to catch my breath. "we need to focus," i murmur against her mouth, though the words lack conviction.

skai's eyes darken with amusement, her lips barely an inch from mine. "i know," she whispers, her breath hot against my skin, "but you're too yummy to concentrate."

i chuckle, the sound rough in my throat, but i pull back just enough to look at her properly. "as much as i agree," i say, brushing a thumb across her bottom lip, "we need to talk about what happened seven months ago."

"right." skai says, her playful expression falters slightly, her body stiffening as she starts to move off my lap. instinctively, i tighten my grip, keeping her in place.

"don't," i say, my tone firm. she pouts, but stays still, her gaze dropping slightly.

"so, after i left your place, i went straight home and we broke up," i begin, my voice steady despite the tension building in my chest. "but right as i was about to leave for a hotel, jasmine had a panic attack, so i stayed until she felt better."

"okay," skai says softly, her perfectly shaped brows knitting together as she listens.

"then, i started feeling this overwhelming guilt," i continue, my fingers tightening slightly on her waist. "i realized i wanted to handle everythin' better than i had in the past." i pause, taking a breath before pushing forward. "you know, before jasmine, i was with kehlani."

"yeah, i remember," she says, her voice even, though there's a tightness there. i couldn't help but feel uncomfortable talking about my past relationships just when me and skai have rekindled ours, but it was something i wanted to get out of the way.

"i wasn't good to her. i'll be lying if i said i wasn't dating her to forget about you, and our relationship was toxic—lying, cheatin', mostly on my end." i swallow, feeling the weight of my own words. "so when i came to you that night and we kissed, i couldn't shake the feeling that i should have broken things off with jasmine first. i felt like i was repeatin' old patterns, and i needed time to figure things out. i left for new jersey to stay with my mom for a whole week, without my phone so that's why i went silent."

skai nods, her expression softening as she processes everything. "okay, that makes sense. i mean, i understand needing space sometimes." she pauses, her eyes flickering with something unreadable. "but then there were the instagram pictures."

i sigh, already feeling the familiar frustration bubble up. "that was jasmine. the night i came back, she threw this early birthday party, invited her friends, and made sure they took pictures of me in the background. she knew you'd see them."

"damn," skai mutters, shaking her head. "i always knew she was manipulative, but that's another level."

"yeah, it was," i agree. "and you blocked me with the speed of light, so i didn't even have time to explain."

"well, can you blame me?" she teases, a smirk tugging at her lips.

i grin, shaking my head. "not at all. that's why i gave you space."

there's a moment of silence before skai speaks again, her voice soft but steady. "now that i know everything, it makes sense." she leans in, her face inches from mine. "and the most important thing is that there's nothing or no one getting in the way of us anymore."

her words hit me harder than i expected, a quiet vulnerability creeping into my chest. "you mean that?" i ask, my voice quieter than intended.

"i mean that, dan dan," she smiles sweetly before leaning in softly for a kiss.

her lips brush mine, soft and slow at first, just enough to make my pulse quicken. i close the small gap between us, pressing my lips against hers, feeling the familiar warmth that spreads through my chest whenever we touch.

her hand gently cups my cheek, her thumb grazing along my jawline as she tilts her head slightly, deepening the kiss.

i respond, letting my hand slide to the back of her neck, pulling her just a bit closer. her lips part, and i take the invitation, my tongue slipping past to meet hers. i can taste the faint sweetness of her breath, the way her tongue glides against mine, smooth and deliberate.

her fingers tangle in my hair, pulling just enough to send a shiver down my spine. my hand drops to her waist, squeezing gently as i pull her closer until there's no space left between us.

i can feel her heartbeat against my chest, matching the rhythm of my own. her lips are soft but demanding, and i can't help but let out a low groan as she bites down on my bottom lip, just hard enough to drive me wild.

i grip her waist tighter, needing more, but holding back just enough to keep it controlled. every second of the kiss feels electric, every touch sending sparks through my skin.

our kiss slows, but neither of us pulls away, lips still brushing together in gentle, lingering contact. eventually, we break apart, both of us breathing heavily. her eyes flutter open, meeting mine with a soft, satisfied smile. i brush my thumb over her swollen lips, my chest still heaving as i try to steady my breath.

"you're addictive, you know that?" i murmur, and she chuckles, leaning her forehead against mine for a moment before pulling back.

"oh i know, that's why you're back after four years." she shrugs and i cock an eyebrow up.

"oh it's like that huh." i chuckle as she smirks down at me.

"come on," she says softly, her voice still a little breathless. "let's put on some tv before we end up going at it again."

i laugh lightly, nodding in agreement as she shifts off my lap, settling next to me on the couch. i reach for the remote, but my mind is still on the kiss, the feel of her lips on mine lingering like a ghost, making it impossible to focus on anything else.

𓏲𝄢 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐮𝐲𝐬 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐝!