Chapter 6 The Truth

Olivia Fernandes

If someone asked me to define myself in a single word, I'd probably say: control. From a very young age, I was taught to keep every aspect of my life in check. From the smallest details to the most significant ones. And the big things-things-the ones that could shape my future-demanded the most caution when making any decision.

I did everything right, up until now. I was a good daughter-obedient, submissive, almost too perfect for my parents' expectations. But all that control, that pursuit of perfection, cost me something I may never be able to fix.

Anyone watching from the outside could tell how much I struggled to make choices for myself. Somewhere amid that strict, exhausting upbringing, I lost the ability to think for myself-to know what I truly wanted, instead of always worrying about what I was supposed to want, according to my parents or my brother.

So, at 24 years old, I made the most important decision of my life: I chose to give myself to a man.

It might sound simple to some girls who just do what they need to and don't care who they're with. But to me, this was the most precious thing I had. Not because I saw virginity as something sacred or untouchable, but because I didn't believe sex was something meaningless. I wanted it to be unique-something worthy of a love story, or a scene from an epic romance movie.

And now here I am, living a moment I never imagined. I met an irresistible man who, to my surprise, wants me just as much as I want him.

The loft is clean, well-decorated, and filled with art pieces that make me sigh. But none of that compares to the electric current that runs through me whenever Dante touches me.

"Are you nervous?" he asks. There's a hint of concern in his voice that makes me wonder- would he back off if he knew the truth?

"Not because of you," I answer honestly. Yes, I'm nervous-but not because of him.

I'm nervous for other reasons. But none of them can dull the heat building in my cheeks, trailing down the rest of my body. My skin burns beneath my dress.

Dante takes my hand and leads me to the balcony. The city at night stretches out below us, breathtaking, a perfect backdrop for everything happening between us. I grip the cold iron railing, tension tightening every muscle in my body.

Then he comes up behind me, brushing my hair to the side and exposing my neck. The kiss he presses to my heated skin sends a full-body shiver down my spine. I let out a soft breath I can't hold back, and it's like his body responds to mine, as if our desires are moving in sync.

"Your scent, Olivia..." he whispers, running his tongue from my neck to my ear. "Your perfume alone got me hard."

My cheeks burn with embarrassment. I smile, feeling foolish for blushing so much over something that should be normal for someone my age.

"Can I feel it?" I ask, almost innocently, afraid I'll say the wrong thing and ruin the moment.

Dante seems to pick up on my hesitation. He frowns for just a second before his expression softens.

"You don't have to ask, Olivia..." he says, voice deep and rough, like he's holding back his own urgency. "I'm all yours. But before we go any further, I need to know... You've done this before, right?"

My heart races. His question makes me retreat a little, shame washing over me. I don't want this moment to end, and the thought of losing it chokes me.

"If I tell you I'm a virgin, will you walk away?" I say, barely above a whisper, my eyes fixed on the floor.

"Virgin?" he repeats, stunned-almost choking on the word.

Then he smiles the same wicked smile that makes my heart pound harder. His hands run down his face, and I can see him wrestling with the guilt of getting involved with someone clearly less experienced than he is.

"I'd never walk away from this, Olivia..." he pauses, and I can tell he has more to say. "But are you sure you want this to happen now-tonight?"

His question makes me pause. I've always wanted my first time to be special, romantic. And even though desire is eating me alive in this moment, is this really the right time?

Before I could answer, a decision surfaced in my mind-clear, and I knew whatever happened next would change everything.