Chapter 4
“Idon’t kiss.” I pushed past the blonde and yanked up my jeans. “Ever.”
Without looking back to see if she was following or even pouting—because I sure as shit didn’t care—I headed straight for the front door.
The sooner she left; the sooner I could wash her off me.
Because it didn’t matter how many times I’d done this, I still couldn’t keep the damn shame from coating my skin when it was over.
“You’re sure you don’t want me to stay a while?” Her voice followed me like an inky shadow I couldn’t escape. “I promise to take such good care of you.”
“No.”
Irritated, more with myself than the blonde, I grabbed the handle and waited for her to catch up. Which took way longer than I would have liked. Especially since her feet moved at a snail’s pace with her ogling every corner of my place like she’d never seen the inside of a penthouse before.
“I had fun,” she purred, finally stopping before me. She wiped the corners of her mouth and she slicked her tongue over her lips while pulling a heart-shaped piece of paper from her purse. She held it out to me. “We should do this again sometime…soon.”
I eyed the pink thing between her fingers, then glared at her.
“I don’t want it.”
And there was the pout. I fucking hated it.
“You don’t even know what it is.” Her whiny tone made her voice sound all sorts of scratchy.
It grated on my damn ears.
“Sure, I do.” I sighed. “It’s your number, and you’d like me to use it instead of the agency’s number next time I need…company.” I opened the door and jerked my head toward the elevator down the hallway. “As I said, I don’t want it.”
I almost barked out a laugh when she had the nerve to look offended. A little rich, considering we’d just met not even twenty minutes ago, and I didn’t even know her name. Nor she mine.
But I could hardly blame the girl for seeing an opportunity and trying to take it. Unfortunately for her, her mouth wasn’t mind-blowing, and although I somewhat sympathized with her situation, I had no desire to play the hero and save the girl working her way through life.
I had my own damn issues to deal with.
“Listen, you did what you came here to do, but it’s time to leave.” Yet again, I pointed her in the direction of the elevator.
She stomped—yes, this grown-ass woman stomped her foot like a petulant fucking child—and huffed, “You’re an ass.”
“I know.” I leaned closer and pressed my palm between her shoulder blades, urging her to move. “Bye now.”
A strangled noise gurgled from her throat, and I probably would have heard a few more insults from her if I hadn’t slammed the door shut.
“I’ve gotta stop fucking doing this.” I let out a long, slow breath and dragged my fingers through my hair.
Rafe was right. I’d lose everything if I didn’t find someone to marry soon. Not just the money but one thing I had that kept me close to my mother.
Nouvelle Femme.
Knowing I walked through the same building she’d walked through all those years ago kept my last bit of sanity intact. If I were to lose that, I was afraid to think of what I’d become.
Of course, like all things in life, holding on to something I wanted—needed—meant doing something that not only made me uncomfortable but filled my entire being with dread.
I didn’t want to love someone, and I sure as shit didn’t want anyone loving me.
I’d witnessed first-hand how those four lonely letters were nothing more than a stupid word people used to manipulate each other. I’d seen it work.
I’d felt its meaning.
Unbidden, the last memory I had of my mother jumped to the forefront of my mind.
“Fuck!”
A deep, stabbing pain shot through my chest. So strong I braced my hand against the door to keep my legs from giving out. I hated the memory, but I welcomed it, too.
It would always remind me why love was the dirtiest word that existed in my world.
Why I would never want any damn part of it.
I pinched my eyes shut and let the memories roll through my brain. Watching my mother take her last breath over and over again. Reminding myself why I couldn’t lose her company.
And why I’d never let anyone get close enough to hurt.
I was so lost in my own damn mind when two loud bangs sounded against the door, my entire body jerked, and my already racing heart went into overdrive.
“What the hell?”
It was Sunday morning, and the only company I’d expected for the entire day had just left.
It wasn’t like the few family members I had would casually drop by for a visit. And since Rafe and I had walked in on Tristan and one of his conquests, we texted before we showed up.
I glared at the piece of wood.
Maybe the blonde was back.
A shudder worked its way down my spine, and I immediately decided to simply ignore whoever was outside.
Bang.
Bang.
Bang.
“Open up, Sfigato. I have news.”
“Fucking Rafe,” I grumbled under my breath as I yanked the door open. “It’s early, de Luca. What do you want?”
Not fazed by my tone, Rafe pushed past me and chuckled. “I take it the blonde sulking in the elevator just left your delightful company.”
Another sigh blew over my lips as I shut the door for the second time. Rafe knew some of my emotional baggage, but even though I trusted both him and Tristan with my life, I’d never shared everything with them.
So, to him, the blonde who had just left my apartment was nothing more than a one-night stand I’d picked up.
If he only knew the truth…
Ignoring the shame slithering through my veins, I spun around and marched my ass to the kitchen. I needed a stiff drink, but since it was still what most considered breakfast hours, I opted for coffee instead.
“I’m hurt.” Rafe mock-cried.
I whipped my head up from where I was preparing the coffee machine and glared at him. “What?”
The idiot propped his shoulder against the frame and very dramatically put his hand over his heart.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?” I growled.
Rafe, being the asshole he was, paid no attention to my piss-poor mood and grinned like he’d just had his dick sucked.
I wanted to punch him in the face.
“Rafe, I swear to all things that are holy, if you don’t—”
“All right, all right.” He held up a hand. “You know, you’re awfully tense for someone who just got laid.”
I opened my mouth to tell him to screw off, but he was faster than me.
“I think I have a solution to your pro—”
Two taps against the door interrupted him mid-sentence.
“What in the actual fuck?” I muttered.
Annoyed, I shook my head and started to make my way back to the foyer. I didn’t get very far. In fact, I didn’t even leave the kitchen. Rafe smacked the back of his hand against my chest and all but shoved me backward.
“I’ll get it. You wait here.”
He didn’t give me time to protest, simply hurried to the front. And if the bastard thought I’d stay and wait like a good dog, he’d better think again.
With my already sunshiny mood taking a turn for the worse, I stomped after him. I was ready to rip him a new one, too, until I saw her.
My throat went dry, and suddenly, my body couldn’t do something as simple as breathing.
Who is she?
I swallowed, then swallowed again, trying in vain to relieve myself of the damn cactus in my windpipe.
Gorgeous. The word popped into my brain, but it was all wrong. She wasn’t gorgeous. She was whatever trumped that. Beauty so utterly breathtaking.
A slip of a thing, too. She couldn’t have been more than five foot four, five five at most, and yet she stood out like the focus point of a room. Like a beacon of light you couldn’t help but be drawn to.
I was fully aware I was staring at her, but I couldn’t look away. As if sensing my gaze on her, she stopped talking to Rafe and turned her attention to me.
Our eyes met, and holy shit…I’d never seen eyes like that. It knocked what little breath I had left straight from my lungs.
And the longer she stared, the more new, unfamiliar feelings swirled through my veins.
What the hell was she doing to me?
I couldn’t ask. Recognition dawned on her face. Her dark brows shot up, and she pursed her lips in a way that had me wondering if she was sucking on something sour.
Tearing her gaze from mine, she focused on my friend again. “Is this a joke? He’s the guy you want me to marry?”
Marry me?“What is she talking about?”
Rafe didn’t answer. The bastard didn’t even look at me. He just kept his gaze on the gorgeous creature who clearly had an issue with me.
I wanted to be offended, I really did. But watching her frown deepen and how she spoke animatedly and passionately held me captive. And when she lowered her voice, I couldn’t help but step closer.
Her gaze shot to me briefly before my friend had all her attention again. I suddenly had the urge to shove him out of the way just to be the only person she looked at.
The only one she talked to.
Speaking of talking…
I was fixated on her mouth. Her lips were plump and red. They were my new favorite thing, and…they were moving.
“…my job… And what the heck is he thinking? I know we live in the so-called concrete jungle and all, but did he really have to take it so literally?”
What?
Furrowing my brows, I gave myself a quick once-over.
I wasn’t wearing a shirt. My hair, still wild and unruly, hung loose over my shoulders, and I hadn’t even bothered with socks or shoes. Shit, my jeans weren’t even buttoned properly.
Oh well.
“Does he think he’s Tarzan or something?”
Tarzan, huh? I chuckled. Maybe she’d like to be Jane and swing on—No. I cocked my head mid-thought and thoroughly studied her. This woman was no Jane. With those inky locks tumbling over her shoulders, porcelain skin, and impossibly full ruby lips, she could easily pass for Snow White.
Yeah, a fairy-tale princess. Seemed appropriate since I had no idea someone so beautiful existed.
And apparently, that was enough for my brain to short-circuit completely. Because for reasons I couldn’t explain, my damn lips parted, and words I had no intention of saying out loud rolled off my tongue.
“Hey, Snow, you do realize I’m standing right here. Why don’t you try talking to me instead of about me.”
Those emerald irises met mine once more, and for a fraction of a second, something hot and wild stirred behind my breastbone. But it was gone again the instant she arched her brow and parted those red lips.
“Like anyone could miss you with all that hair and skin you’ve got hanging out.”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “Last time I checked, I can wear as much or as little as I want. Especially in my own home.”
“Hmm,” she huffed. “Last time I checked, anyone with decent manners covered themselves up.”
My legs moved without permission, closing the distance between us. We were so close she had to tilt her head back to hold my stare. From my new vantage point, I had a close-up view of everything I couldn’t see earlier.
Like the small stud in her nose and how deep the bow of her lips dipped.
But what really caught me off guard were those eyes again. They were unlike anything I’d seen before. All the shades of green came together to create the color of her irises. Dark and bright all at once, giving me an eerie feeling if this woman tried hard enough, she’d be able to see right through me.
I didn’t like it one bit.
And yet, I leaned closer.
Her eyes widened, and she sucked in a sharp breath. And fuck if my spine didn’t rattle in delight.
“I never did get around to learning some manners,” I told her, shrugging a shoulder. “You know, with me growing up in the jungle and all.”
Snow let out a loud, obnoxious groan. “This is a mistake.”
Shaking her head, she took a step away from me. I immediately wanted to follow.
Rafe, either oblivious to the tension spike in the room or simply not caring, happily smacked his hands together. “No, this is brilliant. You’re already getting along like an old married couple. Now, let’s make it official.”
“No!” Snow and I yelled in unison.
Finally, something we agreed on.
I glared at Rafe. “Whatever the hell you were thinking, think again. She’s not marrying me, and I am most definitely not marrying her.” My gaze shot back to Snow. “You wasted your time coming here. You can leave now.”
With an entirely new annoyance flooding my veins, I stomped back to the kitchen.
I didn’t even know why I was even more pissed now than I’d been earlier, and I didn’t care. Yanking the cupboard open with a hell of a lot more force than necessary, I grabbed a coffee mug.
“What the hell was that in there?” Rafe’s voice came from somewhere behind me. “You can be a real dick sometimes.”
I smacked the empty mug down on the counter and faced my friend. “I am the dick? Right. Let’s recap, shall we? First, you go out on some wild expedition to find me a wife—without my fucking permission. Then, the woman I’m supposed to marry shows up on my doorstep and dares to insult me in my own home. All while you’re standing there grinning from ear to fucking ear.” I blew out an overexaggerated sigh. “Yes, I guess I am a dick.”
I abandoned my coffee and took a protein shake from the fridge instead. I swallowed half the bottle before pointing it at Rafe and growling, “What the hell were you thinking, man?”
Rafe shook his head like I’d somehow disappointed him.
“Stupido.”
“Don’t call me stupid, you Italian bastard.”
Waving an accusatory finger in my direction, he blew out a frustrated breath. “You can huff and puff all you want, but you and I both know you are being stupid, you English prick. If you don’t do something now, you’ll lose the only thing you give a shit about.”
He wasn’t wrong.
But instead of admitting it, I chose to let my sour mood do the talking.
“And that’s your reasoning for finding me a wife? One who apparently can barely stand the sight of me.” I set the shake on the counter and slowly smacked my palms together three times. “Great job, de Luca. Great fucking job.”
Rafe muttered a few Italian curses under his breath and steadily paced four steps to the left, then four to the right.
“It’s not like you can keep someone in your bed long enough to go on an actual date, let alone a marriage proposal.” He stopped pacing and faced me. “The woman in the elevator this morning…when did you meet her?”
Uneasiness settled in my bones yet again. “What does it matter?”
“She was a one-nighter, wasn’t she?” He shook his head. “That’s my point. It’s been two months, and you’re not even trying.”
“So?”
His frustrated sigh filled the space between us. “I know what Nouvelle Femme means to you. What it stands for. I don’t want you to lose it. So yes, I took it upon myself to keep your company where it belongs. And this is the thanks I get?” He shook his head in that disappointed way again. “I really should just stand back and watch you lose it all.”
I bit on my molars to the point of pain. “Then why don’t you?”
“Because that’s not what brothers do.”
That one sentence was enough to shut me the hell up. Even after all these years of friendship, I was still trying and failing to understand how people who weren’t my blood cared more about my well-being than the ones who were.
A different kind of shame boiled through my veins. He was right about all of it. I wasn’t doing a damn thing to honor my mother’s will. I wasn’t even trying.
Blowing out a breath through my nose, I scraped my hand over my beard. “You know I don’t want to lose the company but, Rafe, I’m not the marrying type. That woman took one look at me and immediately thought so, too.”
“Everlee.”
I whipped my head up. And there she was. I’d honestly thought she’d left. Shit, after the way I’d talked to her, I wouldn’t have blamed her if she had.
A weird sensation floated through my insides, and that inexplicable pull I had to this woman slammed back into me with the force of a damn freight train.
“My name is Everlee,” she said, her voice all smooth and silky. “And under normal circumstances, you’re right; I wouldn’t marry you. And you wouldn’t look twice at me.”
Wouldn’t look twice?What did she mean by that? I was about to ask when she stepped farther into the room. Her black stiletto heels steadily clicked across the tiles in stark contrast with whatever the heck the inside of my chest was doing.
“These aren’t normal circumstances. You and I both need to do something about our situations.” She pinned me with a stare, stirring up that strange sensation behind my breastbone again.
What was her situation. Why was she here?
“I’m here to help my family.”
Had I said that out loud? Apparently so. Without asking the questions floating around inside my brain, I watched her make her way to where Rafe stood. She gave him a quick sideways glance, then made her way around the counter to me. Almost toe to toe, she tilted her head back and aimed those devastatingly green eyes at me.
“I’ll help you keep your company and in return you’ll help me help my family.”
Holding her gaze, I poked my tongue in my cheek. “Just like that, huh?”
“Yes.”
With a low “Hmm,” I jerked my head toward Rafe. “How much has he told you?”
Snow—Everlee—licked her lips. “Enough for me to know we’ll be stuck together for at least five years.”
A snort sounded from the back of my throat. I’d intended to make some smart-ass remark about her being excited to be stuck with me, but that wasn’t what came out when I opened my mouth.
“Five years, Snow. That’s a long time. You expect me to believe you’re perfectly fine with putting your life on hold for such an extended period?”
She crossed her arms in front of her, the action lifting her breasts a few inches. As desperately as I tried not to look, I couldn’t keep myself from stealing a peek. And shit, it was scary how one tiny glimpse had my fingers itching to touch.
The fuck is wrong with me?
“What exactly would I be putting on hold?” Snow’s voice pulled me back from a place I had no business being. “Please tell me you don’t expect me to stay home and become some horrid trophy wife.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
Grinding my teeth together, I held her gaze until realization finally dawned.
A flash of something—sadness, maybe?—washed over her face, but it was gone again before I took my next breath. In its place, nothing but determination.
“I think the better question is, are you?”
I didn’t hesitate. “Yes.”
She nodded once, but I didn’t miss the skepticism burning in those irises. If she only knew… But she wouldn’t. She’d never know. No one would.
“Our living arrange—”
“We’ll live here,” I quickly interrupted. I had no desire to leave my home.
“In separate rooms.”
Not a question but rather a statement. A very matter-of-fact one that piqued my interest. Slowly raising my brow, I cocked my head. “Separate rooms? What would the cleaning staff think if my wife and I don’t sleep in the same bed?”
It was supposed to be a joke. I had no desire to share my bed with anyone, and yet, I stood there staring at her, waiting for her answer with bated breath.
Snow took a deep, staggering inhalation and lifted her chin defiantly. “Maybe they’ll think you snore. I don’t care. I will not share your room or your bed. That’s not part of the deal.”
Everything about this woman, about this day, confused the shit out of me. I ran a hand through my hair and didn’t miss the way her eyes followed the movement or how her gaze slipped from my face to my chest.
She was subtle, or at least trying to be, but there was no mistake that she was checking me out. My skin prickled in an unfamiliar way.
“Any other demands?” The words came out all low and gravelly.
Snow’s eyes immediately snapped to mine, and the slightest pink tinged her cheeks. “What?”
The right thing would have been to repeat myself, but I for reasons I had no hope of understanding, I immensely enjoyed seeing her a bit flustered.
And watching her cheeks go from pink to red while she rolled her bottom lip over her teeth was without a doubt the highlight of my day.
“Demands?” she mumbled to herself. “No, I don’t think so.”
“In that case, Rafe what—”
“Wait,” she interrupted. “Yes. There is one thing.” Pushing her inky locks behind her ear, she shook her head. From my vantage point it was impossible to miss the way her throat worked down a swallow. “When I’m here, you can’t walk around like”—pushing her hand between us, she waved her open palm at me—“that.”
I glanced down. “What? You have something against jeans? Is it the brand, because—”
“It’s not the jeans, it’s…” she hissed, pointing her finger at my chest.
“I’m not allowed to be without a shirt in my own home?”
Her nose crinkled in the most adorable way. “Not in my presence.”
Smoothing my hands over my pecs and abs, I rested them on my hips. She tried to hide it, but those mossy eyes followed the trail of my fingers. I liked it. Way more than I should have.
“My bare chest makes you uncomfortable?”
“No.”
Liar.
I closed the distance and dipped my head to meet her gaze. “Sure about that, Snow?”
I wasn’t touching her, but for the first time in my life, I wanted to. Wanted to feel her skin against mine, so desperately, my fingers itched, and my skin prickled like it was some living, breathing thing.
What. The. Fuck?
“One-hundred-percent, yes.” Snow’s voice filtered through the sudden fog surrounding my brain.
I blinked, and she came into focus just in time for me to see one dark brow lift toward her hairline.
“Unless you want me strutting around in my underwear, I suggest you keep your damn clothes on.”
She meant it as a threat, I could tell from the bristle in her tone, but damn if the thought of her walking around in nothing but silk and lace didn’t have my blood boiling like it had never boiled before.
I didn’t understand it, and I definitely didn’t like it.
Taking a step back, I gritted out, “Fine.”
“Good.”
“Great.”
My gaze flicked to Rafe. He’d been quiet this entire time, but he’d been watching me in a way that told me he was silently begging me not to screw this up…again. The concern I would was written all over his face.
He’d gone out on a limb for me, and I refused to throw it back in his face. It didn’t matter this woman he wanted me to marry had managed to cross my wires within minutes of meeting her.
That the thought of spending hours—never mind years—with her, freaked me the hell out. Because no one had ever caused such a visceral reaction inside me.
None of that mattered. Not when I was so close to keeping my company.
That was why, despite the blaring warning bells inside my head, I turned my attention back to Snow.
“I guess we’re getting married then.”