All Chapters of DIRTY DESIRES: DADDIES TASTE BETTER: Chapter 91 - Chapter 100

Lia's POVThen he pulled me close again—wrapping his arms around me and tucking my head under his chin, holding me securely against his chest. I could hear his heartbeat, steady and strong, feel the rise and fall of his breathing, smell that clean masculine scent that I'd been dreaming about since leaving the island.I felt safe. Protected. Cherished in a way I'd never felt with Rob."We have a lot to figure out," Dante said quietly, his voice rumbling through his chest where my ear was pressed against it. "About what this is, what it means long-term, what happens next. The logistics of it all—you, me, my father. How that works in the real world, away from the island where everything felt possible."I nodded against his chest, knowing he was right. What had seemed natural and uncomplicated on that Mediterranean island—being desired by both father and son, exploring that dynamic without overthinking it—felt more complex here in New York with jobs and real life and social expectations.

Lia's POV"Morning, James," Dante replied easily, handing over his keys with the casual confidence of someone who did this regularly. "Take good care of her.""Always do, sir," James assured him, sliding into the driver's seat and pulling away smoothly to wherever they parked the cars.Apparently this place had valet parking. Of course it did.Dante's hand found the small of my back again—that now-familiar touch that was becoming one of my favorite things. Possessive but gentle, guiding but not controlling.He led me toward the entrance with that same easy confidence he'd displayed walking into the villa on the island, like he belonged in expensive places and knew it.Before we even reached the door, it was opened for us by a uniformed attendant—an older gentleman in an impeccable suit who nodded respectfully."Mr. Marchetti," he greeted with a slight accent that might have been French. "A pleasure to see you again, sir.""Thank you, Pierre," Dante replied smoothly, guiding me inside

Lia's POV"What?" I asked, suddenly self-conscious."You have some syrup," Dante said, his voice rougher than before. "On your lip."I started to reach for my napkin, but Dante stopped me with a single word."Don't."My hand froze mid-reach.Dante set down his fork deliberately and leaned across the table.His hand came up to wrap gently but firmly around my throat—not squeezing, just holding, just claiming—and he used that grip to pull me closer, leaning in to meet me halfway.Then, maintaining eye contact the entire time, he slowly licked the syrup from my bottom lip.The gesture was obscene. Completely inappropriate for a public restaurant. Intimate in a way that made heat flood through my entire body.When he was sure he'd gotten all the syrup, Dante closed the remaining distance and kissed me.Not a gentle, public-appropriate peck. A real kiss. Deep and thorough and possessive, his tongue sweeping into my mouth like he owned it, the taste of coffee and maple syrup mixing between

Lia's POVAnother smaller box, this one black velvet.With shaking hands, I opened it.And nearly dropped it in shock.Earrings. Diamond earrings. Or maybe there weren’t real diamonds.They were stunning—classic drop earrings, each one featuring a cluster of diamonds that caught the light and threw it back in brilliant flashes. Elegant and timeless, the kind of jewelry that would be appropriate for anything from a nice dinner to a gala.The kind of jewelry that cost... I didn't even want to think about how much they cost.I stood there in my living room in my bathrobe, staring at the dress, the shoes, the earrings—easily thousands and thousands of dollars worth of items—and felt completely overwhelmed.This was too much. Way too much. I couldn't accept gifts like this. I couldn't let Dante spend this kind of money on me when we'd only just started whatever this was.With fumbling fingers, I grabbed my phone and called Dante.He answered on the second ring."Did you get the package?" h

Lia's POVI felt heat rise in my cheeks, pleasure blooming in my chest at the genuine admiration in his voice and eyes."Thank you," I managed, my voice coming out slightly breathless. "You look pretty incredible yourself."Dante smiled—that devastating smile that made his whole face light up—and offered me the roses."These are for you," he said. "Though they pale in comparison to how beautiful you look right now."I took the bouquet carefully, bringing it to my nose to inhale the sweet, subtle fragrance of the roses."They're beautiful," I said. "Thank you so much. Let me just put these in water—"I started to turn toward my kitchen, but Dante stopped me with a gentle hand on my arm."Leave them," he said. "We'll deal with them later. Right now, I just want to look at you."His dark eyes traveled over me again, slower this time, taking in every detail—my hair, my makeup, the way the dress fit, the diamond earrings, the shoes."You're absolutely stunning," he said again, his voice ro