Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

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​​

I was pleased to have the key to Duke's apartment.

I wondered what his reaction will be when he sees me. Will he rub his eyes again, how he did when I showed up unexpectedly in his office?

I entered the apartment and took a deep breath of pine trees and the ocean, and I could feel my lips stretching into a smile. Duke.

The only thing better than this welcome would be if Duke wraps me in his solid embrace.

Unfortunately, there was no eye-rubbing or hugs because it was the middle of the night, and my super-hot boyfriend was sleeping.

I was in the room for no more than three seconds when his nose scrunched a few times and he inhaled deeply.

"Serina…", he breathed longingly and turned to the other side.

Isn't he adorable?

Without a second thought, I removed my clothes and tiptoed to his closet to fetch one of his t-shirts.

I sneaked under the cover and before I could touch him, Duke's arms were pulling me closer to him.

And there it was… instant acceptance and comfort and belonging that I could describe with one word: home.

Duke was my home, and I was confident that regardless of what strength and power Duke has, he will give it all in order to protect me. And I will do the same for him.

I hugged him tightly, hoping that he will understand how much he means to me.

"Hmm…", he mumbled drowsily. "This is a nice dream."

I stifled a giggle at the silly man. "It's not a dream."

Duke opened one eye lazily. "Yes, yes. Not a dream, but one of those soul experiences. I assume the event is over."

"The event is over", I said and kissed his chin. "I'm really here. I couldn't wait for the weekend to see you."

I wanted to say how I used the key he gave me to enter the apartment, but his lips were over mine and I responded to his gentle kisses that were slowly turning hungry.

He dove under his t-shirt (that was still on me) and put his head between my breasts.

"God, how much I missed you…"

I looked down at him. "Are you talking to me or to my boobs?"

"To all three of you.", he admitted shamelessly, and I felt him grinning against my skin.

"I'm unsettled that you are treating them as separate entities."

"Don't be, Serina…", he murmured and moved to the right. "They are part of you and whenever I give them attention, it's for you as well. Like this…"

I wanted to retort something cheeky, but he sucked on my nipple and the only thing that came out of my mouth was a moan.

"See? You like it.", Duke said shamelessly and moved to my other breast.

He approved of my lack of underwear, and he discarded his boxer shorts within a second.

I spread my legs for him and welcomed that delicious stretch eagerly, ready to lose myself in the rapture Duke bestowed me repeatedly.

He was insatiable and I wouldn't want it any other way.

I was confident that I will never have enough of this, because I love the way he worships every inch of my body, inside and out. I love the way he loves me.

My Duke.

Duke didn't ask me why I came unexpectedly, and he didn't ask how long I will be staying either.

I admire his quality of enjoying the present without worrying about anything else. He is awesome like that.

I remember dawn cracking through the window when we finally collapsed and surrendered to the sweet sleep in each other's arms.

…

I woke up feeling the absence of something important next to me.

I was alone in Duke's bed and for some unknown reason, panic swelled inside me.

"Duke!?", I called.

A second later, he peeked into the room. "You are awake?

I realized that my heart was beating like crazy. Why did I think that he disappeared? Even if he was not in the apartment, he would probably be in the store, getting things for breakfast. It's his apartment, he wouldn't just leave.

I concluded that this was paranoia because of what happened last night and I hoped that it's temporary.

Duke was dressed for the day. Nothing fancy; a light blue t-shirt, and sweatpants. I noticed his messy damp hair. "You showered?"

He sat on the edge of the bed and looked at me guiltily. "Sorry, I was hungry, so I woke up. Do you want me to make you something?"

"Anything is fine."

Duke smiled when he saw that I was not angry. "I remember that I owe you an omelet. How about that?"

I hugged him tightly. "Don't leave me." I was unusually clingy. What if they kidnap him? What if he doesn't come back?

He chuckled. "I'm going only to the kitchen and by the time you freshen up, food will be ready."

"Don't you need to get groceries?"

He leaned lower and kissed the tip of my nose. "Since last time you stayed here, I'm making sure my fridge and pantry are stocked, just in case you come."

I liked that. "Alright. Omelet sounds good."

…

I got out of the bathroom and followed my nose into the kitchen.

Duke was plating the food and he smirked in approval when he saw me wearing his bathrobe. It was big for me, but after folding the sleeves, it was fine.

"I was wondering what your plans are for today, but I see that we are staying here."

I knew that he was insinuating how we will stay in his apartment and make love, and it's not like I was against it, but I had only one shirt and skirt here, and if they get stained (or ripped into shreds), I won't have anything to wear on my way out.

"It was either this or one of your t-shirts.", I responded. "I should buy some clothes to keep here."

Duke placed two plates on the table and gestured for me to sit. "We can go shopping after food, or later."

I decided to ignore his suggestive tone. That 'later' definitely meant after more lovemaking.

I liked that he made one massive omelet and cut it in two. One half for me and one for him. It looked fluffy and filled with veggies. Perfect.

"Don't you need to work?", I asked and I hoped that the answer was 'no'.

"There is no way I'm going to work when you are visiting. Unless you come with me." He cupped my cheeks and gave me a light peck on the lips. "I could use a hot assistant. You can follow me through meetings, bring me coffee, massage my stiff shoulders, and sit on my lap."

I would be furious if he had any female assistants, but I knew that he doesn't so I stifled a laugh. "Do all of your assistants sit on your lap and provide massages?"

I tried not to imagine Sergio on Duke's lap.

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