The Sound of Us

Chapter Thirty-Nine. “Dangerous Woman” by Ariana Grande

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

“Dangerous Woman” by Ariana Grande

SKYE

“Welcome to Dante’s Darkness, the show where anything goes and you set the theme. I’m here with you when the rest of the world is sleeping.”

I quietly opened the door to the radio station and slipped inside, listening to Dante’s deep voice through my headphones. He’d texted me before his show to let me know his first blackmail attempt had been a huge success. His dad had withdrawn his offer for the building, which meant the station had reopened just in time for him to do his show. The only downside was that I couldn’t run my recycling story. I told him not to worry. The world was full of stories, and that one was garbage anyway.

He started off with an apology to his listeners for the brief hiatus and explained there were some changes happening at the station. I knew they would forgive him. His show was a balm to every soul that wandered the night, including mine.

“Hope is our theme tonight,” Dante crooned through the headphones. “Let’s kick it off with Surfaces’s ‘Take it Easy.’ You might recognize this band from their TikTok hit ‘Sunday Best.’ This track is a mood-booster that’s going to send your mind on an island vacation. We’ll follow it up with ‘Good Day’ by Mackenzie Bourg because that’s gonna be your tomorrow.”

Dante was alone in Studio A. I walked into Studio B across from him wearing nothing but my long winter coat, belted around my waist.

Five months ago, I could never have imagined stripping in front of anyone and letting them see my scars, but I was a different person now. I knew who I was and what I wanted. I was comfortable with my body. And I’d found someone I trusted with my heart.

Dante looked through the window and sent me a text.

What’s up, buttercup?

I came to keep you company.

Is it raining?

No, but it’s hot in here.

I leaned against the back wall of the studio and unbuttoned the first button on my coat as I fanned myself with my free hand. Dante was talking into the mic, his headphones on, but his eyes were fixed on me, a tiny furrow growing in the crease between his eyebrows.

I unbuttoned the second button and pushed the flap aside to show him what I wasn’t wearing underneath. The furrow in his brow deepened. I cupped my breast and leaned back, closing my eyes.

My phone buzzed. It was hard not to smile.

What are you doing?

You are generating so much heat in there, I need to cool off.

Sit down and behave. I’m almost done.

I pulled out the chair and sat down, letting the coat fall open to give him a teasing look at my lack of underwear.

My phone buzzed again. Dante didn’t look very pleased.

Stop

I slowly unbuttoned the rest of the coat and slid my hand between my legs.

Buzz.

Buzz.

I closed my eyes and touched myself to the angry buzz of my notifications. I briefly wondered what Dante was saying to his listeners, but I was close, too close to care.

My orgasm hit me hard and fast, making me arch up out of the chair, my coat falling completely open as Dante’s eyes blazed in the studio across from me. I dropped my feet, accidentally kicking my phone off the table. Oops. I’d have to pick it up. I turned my back to him and bent over, flipping up the convenient back flap of the coat for maximum viewing pleasure. Then I gave a little wiggle. I wasn’t a good girl tonight. Not good at all.

The door crashed open.

I jerked up and pulled the coat tight around me, eyes wide, innocence personified. Dante stalked toward me, his face taut.

“My office. Right now.” He grabbed my collar and yanked the coat off, dropping it to the floor. “I’ve put on thirty minutes of pre-recorded music. That should be enough to show you what happens to bad girls.”

“I didn’t know you had an office.” I shivered under the heat of his gaze.

“The board held an emergency meeting today. I formally accepted their offer to take over as co-station manager with Siobhan until the end of term. They’ve also offered to extend the position after we graduate. Siobhan is planning to stay at Havencrest for grad school, and it would mean I’d be able to pay my bills and do session work until I’ve made my name as a bass player or joined a band.”

My lips tugged at the corners. “So… You’re the boss.”

“That’s right.” He folded his arms across his chest. “And your boss wants you in his office, bent over his desk so you can be punished for your bad behavior.”

“I thought it was good behavior.” I brushed up against him as I walked out the door. “You were looking a little tired. I thought I’d do something to wake you up.”

Dante grabbed my hand and pressed it against the bulge beneath his fly. “You succeeded.”

“Exactly how ‘up’ are you?” I could feel the heat of his gaze on my naked body as I walked down the hallway.

“So ‘up’ you’re gonna feel me tomorrow.” His voice was rough, low and husky with promise.

“Are you going to be okay in here?” I asked, pausing on the threshold of Noah’s office. Nothing had been touched since he left. The desk was still covered in papers. Boxes full of magazines littered the floors. Posters and band merch filled every chair.

Dante stood in the doorway for a long moment, and then he stepped inside.

“Yes,” he said, pulling me into his arms. “I’m going to be okay.”