Power Pucking Play (Chicago Blades)

16. Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Lexi

I 'm definitely going to walk a hole right into my carpet at this rate.

In my overpriced downtown Chicago high-rise apartment, I've been pacing back and forth for the past hour.

Phone in hand, I've been trying to work up the courage to cancel tonight's interview with Gio. Even ordering my favorite takeout chicken wings and blasting my go-to '90s R&B playlist isn't calming me down.

It should be easy, right? Just a quick call. "Hey, Gio, can't make it tonight. My precious kitten Luna started a fire and my apartment flooded. Rain check?"

Except Luna's sitting sweetly on the couch watching me pace around like a lunatic, and the only thing flooded is my conscience.

I groan, flopping onto my couch. When did my life become a bad rom-com?

My phone buzzes, and I nearly jump out of my skin. It's a text from my editor.

"How's the De Luca piece coming? Remember, we want ALL the dirt. No holds barred."

Ugh. Wonderful. As if I needed more pressure.

Before I can talk myself out of it, I hit Gio's number.

It rings once. Then twice...

"Brookes! Miss me already?" His voice is warm, teasing. My belly does a flip, just like always.

"In your dreams, De Luca." I pause for a second. "Listen, about tonight..."

"Let me guess. You're calling to say you can't wait to see me and you're counting down the minutes?"

I roll my eyes, even though he can't see me. "You wish. Actually, I was thinking maybe we should reschedule. You know, give you more time to prepare your lies and evasions."

There's a pause on the other end, and for a moment, I think maybe he's bought it. Then he says, "Nice try, Brookes. But I know deflection when I hear it. What's really going on?"

I sigh, sinking deeper into my couch. "It's nothing. Just...work stuff. You wouldn't understand."

"Try me," he says, his voice softer now. "Contrary to popular belief, I do have a brain under all this hair gel."

Despite myself, I laugh. "That's debatable. Look, it's complicated, okay? Maybe it's better if we just..."

"If we just what? Pretend this isn't happening? Go back to being adversaries?"

The hurt in his voice is like a knife to my gut. "Gio, that's not what I meant..."

"I know," he says, and I can practically hear him running a hand through his hair. "Look, I've got an idea. Why don't you let me pick you up? I know a place where we can talk. No cameras. No team. No distractions. Just us."

I should say no. I should stick to my plan and cancel. But the thought of seeing Gio, of being alone with him...

"Okay," I hear myself say. "But this better not be some ploy to get me alone and charm your way out of tough questions."

He chuckles, the sound sending shivers down my spine. "That's my backup plan, Brookes. See you in twenty."

As I hang up, I can't shake the feeling that I'm making a huge mistake. But then again, when it comes to Gio De Luca, when have I ever made smart choices?

True to his word, Gio shows up twenty minutes later in that sleek black car of his that screams, “I have more money than sense”. But I can't deny that it looks good on him.

He steps out, dressed in a black collared shirt and slacks. It matches the black dress I hastily threw on before leaving my apartment. We must look like a couple , I think with a pang of guilt.

"See something you like?" he teases as I approach the car.

I try to suppress the flutter in my stomach at his proximity. "Don't flatter yourself."

"Your chariot awaits, m'lady," he grins, holding the door open for me.

"Laying it on a bit thick, aren't we, De Luca?"

He shrugs, sliding in next to me. "What can I say? You bring out the cheesy romantic in me."

As we drive through the city, I try to focus on the questions I've prepared. The hard-hitting, no-nonsense queries that will get me the story I need.

But all I can think about is how good Gio smells. I am such a sucker for a fresh men's cologne. I shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. This is not a date. This is strictly business.

"So, where exactly are we going?" I ask, desperate for a distraction.

Gio grins, that infuriatingly charming grin that makes my heart do backflips. "It's a surprise. Don't worry. I promise I'm not kidnapping you. Well, not unless you ask nicely."

"I'm not worried. I own pepper spray."

"Glad to know you're well-equipped for any situation," he chuckles.

We pull up to a private marina, the water glittering in the moonlight. The early April air is still chilly, but Gio offers me his jacket from the back seat. I try not to blush as I slip it on, enjoying the warmth and faint scent of his cologne.

Gio leads me down the dock to a beautiful yacht, lit up with soft lights, that I'm sure costs more than my entire life savings. He holds my hand as we step on board, the smoothness of his skin sending a shiver down my spine.

"Wow," I whisper, taking in the opulent interior of the yacht. "This is...unexpected."

"Impressed?" he asks, helping me aboard.

"It's all right." I shrug. "If you're into that whole 'obscenely wealthy' vibe."

"I wanted to impress you," he admits with a sheepish grin. "And maybe show off just a little bit."

I let a smile curl on my face. "Well, you've definitely succeeded."

He laughs, the sound echoing across the water. "Come on, let me give you a tour."

As Gio shows me around the yacht, I can't help but feel like I'm in some sort of dream. This is so far from my usual Friday night routine of binge-watching Netflix and eating takeout. And yet, here I am, dressed to the nines and being shown around a luxury yacht by a ridiculously attractive man.

I have to remind myself that this is not a date. Not even close. We are merely two colleagues working on a story together.

But as Gio pours us glasses of champagne and we sit on the deck under the stars, talking about everything and nothing at all, it's hard to ignore the fluttering in my chest.

We clink glasses and take sips, enjoying the bubbles and view of the Chicago skyline before I finally turn to face him, suddenly serious. "Look, I appreciate the 'Indecent Proposal' vibes and all, but I have to ask, why are we really here, Gio?"

His smile softens. "I told you. I wanted us to have a chance to talk. Really talk. No distractions, no personas. Just...us. Like it was in Seattle."

And just like that, all my carefully prepared questions fly out the window. Because the way Gio's looking at me right now? It's making it really hard to remember why I'm supposed to be grilling him about his on-ice behavior.

We settle on the deck, a bottle of wine between us. The city lights twinkle in the distance, and for a moment, it feels like we're the only two people in the world.

"So," Gio says, filling my glass. "What's really going on, Lex? And don't give me that 'it's complicated' BS. I'm a big boy. I can handle it."

This is it. My chance to come clean about the pressure from my boss.

But as I open my mouth, the words stick in my throat.

"I just...I'm worried about the article," I say instead. It's not a lie, not really. Just not the whole truth. "What if I can't do you justice? What if I screw this up?"

Gio's quiet for a moment, swirling the wine in his glass. Then he looks up at me, his green eyes intense in the moonlight.

"Lexi, do you know why I agreed to this feature?"

I shake my head, not trusting myself to speak.

"Because it was you," he says simply. "Because even when you were tearing me apart in your articles, I could see how passionate you were, and how much you cared about getting to the truth. And I thought, if anyone's going to tell my story, I want it to be you."

My heart feels like it's going to beat out of my chest. "Gio, I..."

He sets down his glass, moving closer. "I trust you, Lex. More than I've trusted anyone in a long time. And I...I think I'm falling for you."

And just like that, all my reservations, all my fears, they just...melt away. Because Gio De Luca is looking at me like I'm the only thing in the world that matters, and suddenly, nothing else seems important.

Not the pressure from my boss, not the threat of losing my job.

Because Gio is all that matters, and I want to do him justice. In every sense of the word.

I don't know who moves first, but suddenly we're kissing. It's not like our previous kisses, fueled by tension and uncertainty.

This is slow, deep, full of promise. I run my hands through his hair, pulling him closer, wanting to be as close to him as possible. And he responds with equal fervor, his hands roaming over my body like he's memorizing every inch.

We break apart for air, foreheads pressed together as we both try to catch our breath.

"I want you," Gio whispers, and it's all the permission I need.

All I care about is this man in front of me who has revealed himself to be so much more than just a charming hothead. He's passionate and driven, and he makes me feel alive.

I take his hand and lead him inside the yacht. My raised eyebrows ask for the location of the bedroom without saying a word.

Gio grins, understanding my silent message. He takes my hand and leads me down the narrow hallway, past a few closed doors until we reach the end.

He pushes open the door to reveal a spacious bedroom, complete with a large bed covered in luxurious white linens.

I barely have a chance to take in the darkened, moonlit room before Gio's lips are on mine again, his hands already settling on my hips, pulling me closer.

He pulls back, and then, without warning, sinks to his knees before me.

My breath hitches as he lifts the hem of my black dress, the fabric brushing my thighs in a tease.

“I must say,” he begins, his voice low and undoubtedly rough, “the view is much better down here.”

I can feel my cheeks heat up as he slowly removes my underwear, his fingers grazing my skin with an exquisite slowness.

“These little things really have to go,” he quips, that devilish smile never leaving his lips, “they're just in the way of all this…potential.”

My heart races, a mix of embarrassment and thrill washing over me as I blush from head to toe at his boldness.

My body hums with anticipation as Gio gently guides me to the edge of the bed, his touch igniting every nerve.

I sit on the cool sheets and he kneels before me, his gaze fierce and filled with a longing that makes my knees weak. And then his lips are on my thighs, kissing a path that makes me gasp.

“Seems like this is the only view worthy of my brilliant commentary,” he teases, his breath warm against my skin.

The way he looks up at me, that satisfied smile playing on his lips, sets my heart thumping.

“And just like a fine wine, I plan to take my time savoring every drop.”

I whimper, starting to writhe on the silky sheet as his mouth continues its delicious torment, brushing light kisses along the length of my pussy that stir a deep ache within me.

I can barely keep my composure as Gio’s tongue flicks teasingly against me, each movement tender and rough all at once.

“You have no idea how sexy you are,” he murmurs, his voice thick with desire, as he looks up at me with those entrancing green eyes. “Every part of you drives me wild, Lexi. I could stay here forever and still want more.”

The way he savors me, his lips wrapping around me with a feverish hunger, only sets gasoline to the blaze building inside me. I'm wet. Soaking.

My fingers weave through his hair as I pull him closer, wanting desperately to drown in the pleasure he offers.

Gio’s words, raw and filthy, send a rush of heat through me.

“You’re exquisite, truly. Just tasting you like this makes me so fucking hard.”

I moan, my head falling back against the sheets, overwhelmed by how entirely he consumes me.

My body trembles with anticipation as Gio's skilled mouth works its magic, sending surges of unadulterated ecstasy coursing through me.

Each flick and stroke of his tongue builds the tension higher, pushing me closer to the edge.

I grip the sheets, my breath coming in ragged gasps as he licks the sides of my clit, sucking gently.

Just when I think I can't take any more, his tongue pokes at my entrance, teasing there, and a rush of pleasure shoots through me like fucking lightning.

Unable to help myself, I scream. Literally scream.

The world around me explodes into a million shards as I ride the crest of my climax.

In that instant, as the waves of pleasure crash over me, Gio pauses only for a heartbeat before his hands find the hem of my dress.

With a swift pull, he lifts it over my head, leaving me completely bare and exposed beneath his intense gaze. The air feels cooler against my heated skin, and I shiver in anticipation, craving his touch even more now that nothing separates us.

I watch as Gio's eyes darken with raw desire the moment he takes in my naked body. “Fuck,” he curses, his voice thick with lust, and I can feel the heat radiating off him like an inferno. He steps back slightly, just enough to give himself room as he works on the buttons of his collared shirt, each one slipping free with agonizing slowness.

I can see the muscles in his arms tense, the tension in the air crackling like a current.

He rips off his belt with a swift motion, the metallic clank echoing in the room, and my breath hitches as he quickly peels off his slacks, the fabric sliding down his legs, pooling at his feet.

I’m captivated, unable to look away as anticipation builds within me. Finally, he reaches for his boxer briefs, a wicked grin stretching across his face, and I can’t help but bite my lip in anticipation as he reveals himself completely, the sight of his thick, perfect cock making my heart race.

With one hand wrapped around his cock, Gio smirks at me, his confidence radiating like a force field.

“You have no idea how long I've wanted to do this,” he growls, his voice a low, sultry temptation.

He reaches down, quickly retrieving a condom from his discarded slacks, the crinkle of the packaging sharp in the heated silence. “I hope you're ready for me because I won't be holding back.”

The heat in his gaze intensifies as he tears open the foil, his movements deliberate and teasing. I can barely contain my excitement, my body responding instinctively to every word he utters, craving the moment when he finally takes me completely.

I'm breathless, my heart pounding in my chest as Gio positions the condom over his throbbing cock, the sight sending shivers down my spine.

He lifts my ankles effortlessly onto his shoulders, and his solid, over-engorged dick hovers at my entrance, teasing me with the tip, just barely pressing against me.

I can't stop myself.

“Please,” I beg, my voice trembling, a throaty rasp. "Please."

His voice is a gravelly rumble. "Please what, Lexi?"

"Please. Don't make me wait any longer."

Every fiber of my being is desperate for him to plunge into me.

The green-eyed devil in front of me is relishing in this delicious torment, holding me on the precipice of pleasure.

His smirk, that evil grin, only fuels my desire, only makes me want him more.

I arch my back, trying to urge him forward, craving the sweet release of connection. “Please..." I groan again.

"Say it, darling. Say it. You know you want to."

I swallow. "Please...fuck me, Gio."

The moment I utter those words, it feels like the world falls away, and it's just him and me, tangled in this overwhelming need. Gio responds with an intensity that takes my breath away as he pushes into me, filling every inch with his heat.

A moan escapes my lips, loud and unabashed.

He begins to take long, deliberate strokes, each thrust driving me into heights I've never dared reach before.

I can feel myself tightening around him, my body practically pulsating in rhythm with his movements.

Each pull, each plunge, pushes me further into ecstasy.

I can hardly believe how perfect this feels, how wholly consumed I am by every moment we share.

The filthy words spill from his lips uncontrollably, each syllable dripping with desire, and I can feel my own body responding to the unabashed hunger in his gaze.

As Gio pumps into me relentlessly, his words pour out like molten lava, searing my senses. “You’re so damn wet for me, Lexi,” he growls, his voice low and rough.

“Look at you, taking me so well, so beautifully. You make it impossible to hold back.”

Each thrust accentuates his dirty proclamation.

“Do you have any idea how hard you make me? I can’t get enough of you.” My heartbeat races with his every word, and the undeniable proof of his desire fuels my own desperate need for him.

I can feel the tension building deep within me, swirling like a storm ready to break. "Gio, I’m so close," I gasp, my words barely making it past my lips as pleasure washes over me in waves.

Each thrust drives him deeper, intensifying the delicious pressure coiling in my core.

"Please don’t stop," I plead, my voice trembling with the weight of my need. "I’m going to come…I can feel it. Please, Gio, just like that."

The way he moves, so perfectly in sync with my body, pushes me further toward the edge. I can't hold back any longer, my body quaking as I teeter on the brink, ready to let go entirely.

As Gio's hand slips down between us, his fingers find my clit with an expert touch.

I gasp, the stimulation pushing me over the edge. My breath hitches, and in that moment, the world narrows to just us.

His relentless thrusts and the magical dance of his fingers igniting my senses like wildfire.

"Gio, oh God, I’m coming," I moan, my body spasming in the depths of pleasure as I lose myself completely.

He doesn’t relent, continuing to pump inside me, his desire matching the frantic rhythm of my heartbeat.

I can feel him getting closer, every thrust propelling him toward his own climax. And then, as I ride the last ripples of my orgasm, I feel him tense, his perfect muscular body jerking against mine as he finally reaches his release.

I watch Gio as he hits that peak of ecstasy, and it's completely mesmerizing. His dark hair is tousled wildly, the strands falling across his forehead in a way that only accentuates his chiseled features.

There's something primal about him in this moment.

His beautiful face contorted in pleasure. Raw. Unguarded.

I take in the way his body tenses, muscles rippling beneath his skin.

He's gorgeous. Every inch of chiseled skin. And already, I want him all over again.

As the last shudders of Gio's climax fade, he flashes me a grin that sends warmth pooling in my belly. His weight settles onto my satiated body, and I can’t help but chuckle at how he looks, that satisfied smile juxtaposed with the gleam of wickedness in his eyes.

"Well, that was quite the workout," he teases, his breath still ragged. “Should I start charging you for this?”

I smirk, running my fingers playfully down his back. "I think you owe me a discount. After all, you were the one who started this ‘exercise’ in the first place."

Gio raises an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth twitching upward. "Discount? I didn't realize I was doing community service. Maybe I deserve a medal for my efforts."

"You have enough of those already.”

He chuckles, dipping his head closer. "The kind of medal I'm looking for doesn't come in sterling silver or gold." His mouth lowers, latching onto one of my nipples, and I sigh. "Fuck," he says, his lips ghosting over my skin. "Is it possible that I'm getting hard all over again? I mean, Jesus.”

He hovers above me, his arousal strikingly evident despite the aftershocks of his recent climax. It’s nothing short of incredible, a testament to his insatiable desire.

"You really are something else, aren’t you?" I tease, my voice laced with playful disbelief.

He smirks, the color of his eyes deepening in the relative dark. "What can I say? I’ve always had a penchant for multitasking."

I laugh softly, feeling emboldened. "Well, maybe I should keep this 'community service' thing going then. Might as well earn my keep."

With a swift motion, Gio flips me over effortlessly, and the air rushes from my lungs as I find myself face down against the sheets.

I feel the warmth of his body close behind me. The teasing brush of his lips trails over my lower back, igniting sparks of anticipation.

He kisses his way downwards, just above my ass, his breath hot and tantalizing.

I'm still trying to catch my breath when I feel Gio's hands grip my waist, spreading my cheeks apart. "You know," he says, "some might call this an extreme form of community service. But I like to think of it as a form of quality control."

His tongue flicks against my skin, and a desperate moan escapes me, echoing off the sheets.

"Oh God," I gasp as Gio lifts my hips, and suddenly, I feel him between my legs, his tongue exploring me from behind.

A wave of heaven-sent pleasure crashes over me, pushing aside any thoughts of restraint.

Every flick of his tongue sends shockwaves that spread from the tips of my fingers to the very core of my being.

Holy fuck. I can't believe it.

It's official. My body—and soul—are losing themselves in Giovanni De Luca. And I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to find my way back.