After hours of driving, Susan's eyes were growing heavy, and her head occasionally leaned against the seat as the warmth from the coffee began to wear off. Leo noticed, his voice softer as he said, "Close your eyes if you want. We'll be there soon."
Susan hesitated but eventually let herself relax, lulled by the steady rhythm of the car, Leo's presence beside her, and the distant lights that grew brighter as they neared their destination.
When she woke, the sun was beginning to rise, casting a pale orange glow across the Atlantic City skyline. The glittering lights of the casinos and high-rise hotels lit up the early morning sky, and Leo's steady voice brought her fully back to reality. "We're here," he said, a hint of amusement in his tone as he glanced at her sleepy expression.
Susan sat up, rubbing her eyes. The vibrant city stretched before them, promising all the glitz and glamour she'd heard about. She felt a surge of excitement mixed with trepidation as Leo navigated the car into the valet area of a sleek, modern hotel that loomed over the boardwalk.
He stepped out first, handing his keys to the valet before coming around to her side, offering his hand to help her out. She took it, steadying herself as she climbed out, her pulse quickening at his touch.
"Welcome to Atlantic City," he murmured, his gaze locking onto hers, and in that instant, she could feel the unspoken promise of everything the weekend might hold.
__________
Leo's hand rested on the small of Susan's back as they approached the suite's door, a silent gesture that felt more possessive than casual. He slid the key card into the lock, the door clicking open with a soft beep. Stepping inside, he held it open for her, and Susan couldn't help but be taken aback as she walked in.
The room was luxurious, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing a breathtaking view of the ocean, which stretched out in shades of dark blue and silver under the early morning sky. The suite was a blend of rich textures and elegant simplicity, from the plush armchairs to the dark wood of the coffee table and the deep, inviting king-size bed at the center of the room. Everything about it spoke of quiet opulence and sophistication.
Susan set her bag down by the door, taking in the room. "Wow," she breathed, moving toward the windows. The ocean seemed endless, the soft waves catching the first light of dawn. She pressed her fingers against the glass, feeling a momentary thrill at being so far away from her everyday life.
Leo walked over, his presence calm yet charged with something unspoken, as he watched her gaze out at the view. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"
She nodded, the words momentarily caught in her throat. His voice had softened, and he seemed less like the dangerous man she'd been tangled up with and more like someone she could actually share a quiet morning with. She didn't let herself linger on the thought for too long, though; she knew the reality between them was far more complicated than any daydream.
The silence stretched between them, comfortable yet tense. Susan turned to face him, her eyes catching his. "Thank you… for bringing me here," she said, feeling the weight of her words as they hung between them.
Leo's gaze didn't waver. He took a step closer, his expression unreadable. "I brought you here for a reason," he said, his voice low. "There are things I need to handle here in Atlantic City, and I wanted you by my side."
The vulnerability of his statement caught her off guard. It wasn't the kind of admission she expected from him. She felt her pulse quicken as he took another step closer, his gaze never leaving hers.
"I didn't know we'd be sharing a room though," Susan said, averting her eyes.
"Would you prefer if we had separate rooms?" Leo asked with a smile, as if he already knew her answer.
Susan shook her head shyly, "I suppose not," she replied.
"You must be tired after that long trip," he murmured, his voice softening as he brushed a strand of hair from her face. "Would you like me to order something for you to eat? You could get some rest before we go out."
She felt her breath hitch at the tenderness in his tone, her heart racing as she struggled to keep her composure. He was being so nice. Ticking all the right boxes, and it was making her ask herself questions she didn't want to ask. Questions she didn't want to have an answer to. "That sounds great," she replied finally, "And you're right, I'm tired from the trip, but I think I'll just take a nap for now,"
For a long moment, Leo didn't answer. Instead, he let his hand drift down, tracing her jawline, his fingers feather-light against her skin. "I'm glad you're here with me," he murmured, his thumb brushing over her cheek. "Really glad."
Susan's pulse was loud in her ears as she looked up at him, struggling to find her words. She'd promised herself she wouldn't get pulled in. That she wouldn't overthink her position in his life and just go with the flow, but here, alone in this beautiful place, with the light casting soft shadows, she felt herself giving in, and she found it harder to stop herself.
He leaned closer, his eyes searching hers as though waiting for her to pull away, to give him any reason to stop. But she didn't move. She couldn't. The tension between them had her rooted in place, her breath coming in shallow gasps as his face drew closer, his lips hovering just above hers.
Their kiss was gentle at first, almost tentative, as if testing the waters. But as her hands slid up to his shoulders, pulling him closer, the restraint between them snapped. Leo's grip on her tightened, his hand sliding to her lower back, pressing her against him as he deepened the kiss. It was all-consuming, and every nerve in her body felt alive, attuned to his every touch.
They pulled apart just long enough to catch their breath, his forehead resting against hers. His fingers traced light patterns on her waist, a gesture that felt surprisingly intimate. "I want you," he whispered, his voice barely audible but filled with something she hadn't heard from him before—need.
Wordlessly, Susan nodded, a warmth spreading through her that she hadn't anticipated. How could she say no when she wanted him too.