CHAPTER 24 #2
Arrogance flashed across his face. “ And ?” Oh, he is really going to make me say it, isn’t he?
I cleared my throat, avoiding his beautiful eyes. “And, because I might have a little crush on you,” I casually replied and his lips curve into a grin.
“You have a little crush on me?” he taunted and I lowered my glass to the table before crossing my arms over my chest.
“Yes, now stop looking at me like that so that I can speak,” I hissed in annoyance. “You and I can learn to be civilized and live in peace without you trying to kill your staff. So, we can be friends,” I generously offered.
His face morphed into uncertainty. “Friends who fuck?” he asked, and it was the most excited I had heard him, so I dropped my arms.
“Wha—no!” I whisper-yelled. “Not ‘ friends who fuck ’!”
He cleared his throat and nodded once. “Sorry,” he humorously said and I narrowed my eyes at him, shaking my head.
“As I was saying… I would also like you to stop taking your anger out on them. Take it out on me instead.”
“Gladly,” he gave me a single nod and my stomach dropped. Mentally, I had smacked myself a few times for wording that wrong.
A loud groan was heard, followed by footsteps rushing down the stairs. “Nirah!” Logan growled but stopped when he saw Antonio. “Your dog, bit me,” he forced through his teeth and soon Kingsley came running in.
I hopped off the table, bending down to pick him up. “Serves you right,” I petted Kingsley. “What were you doing in my bedroom without my permission?” I asked, hearing Antonio’s chair screech back as he got to his feet.
“What?” Logan breathlessly asked, holding onto his red hand.
“Kingsley, was in my bedroom. My door was closed. So, why did you go inside without my permission.”
“I didn’t, your—your door was open,” he stuttered and I shook my head.
“I never leave my door open unless I’m inside, Logan.”
“What were you doing in Nirah’s bedroom?” Antonio asked and the two of us stood, side by side, waiting for him to answer.
“I just—I needed to ask her something.”
Kingsley growled at him and I tried calming him down by gently rubbing behind his ear.
“Well, what is it?” I asked, knowing that his reason was complete bullshit. When he didn’t answer, Antonio grew agitated.
“Answer her,” he demanded.
Logan opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out.
I narrowed my eyes and my jaw dropped as I gasped.
Lifting Kingsley, I shoved him towards Antonio’s chest and Antonio hesitantly took him like I had just given him someone’s old chewing gum. “Is that my lace bra?” I asked, charging towards Logan.
He backed up but I snatched it from his pocket just in time. I examined it and my stomach dropped. The confirmation that it was mine was the date that Silvia had written on the label.
“No, no—I—” he stammered and I slapped him across his face.
“Pervert,” I snapped and he shook his head.
“It’s not what you think—” he cut himself off and I turned to walk back to Antonio. I took Kingsley, spinning to face Logan.
“You went into her room without permission, then you took something that belonged to her?” Antonio asked, the anger radiating off of him. Antonio grabbed Logan’s collar, slamming him up against the wall.
I walked over to them and Kingsley barked at Logan. “Antonio,” I said, feeling my anger subside and his jaw ticked as he held Logan in place. “Let it go,” I reluctantly said. You have to accept him, Nirah. All of him. Just like he accepts you.
I took Antonio’s face in my hand, turning his head toward me and I could tell he wasn’t keen on letting it go. “ Or you could just let Diavolo handle it,” I ran my thumb across his bottom lip and something frightening flickered behind his eyes.
“ Yes ma’am .”
* * *
With shaky hands, I stood in front of Antonio’s office door, trying to build up the courage to walk inside.
The house seemed a little quiet today, and I barely noticed any of the staff, except Rosalia and Cesar.
After last night I could not sleep. Just the mere thought of Logan going through my things made me feel uneasy. But I trusted Antonio. And Kingsley also made me feel at ease as he laid beside me but jumped up at the slightest noise.
Antonio had assured me that he took care of Logan—he did not specify, because I told him not to—but then he had to leave right after. I didn’t see him for the rest of the night or today. But, to be fair, it was currently only after one in the afternoon.
Taking a deep breath in, with a slow exhale, I opened the door and saw him sitting behind his desk with his tie loose around his neck, and the first two buttons of his shirt undone. He looked so calm. So relaxed. So handsome .
“Is Sylvester still down there?” I asked and he looked up at me. He didn’t expect me to be here right now. He nodded. “Can I see him?” I asked, swallowing a lump of uncertainty down my throat.
“I’m sure Cesar will take you down,” he said and pulled out his cell phone. I couldn’t read his facial expression or decipher his tone. Okay. You can do this.
With the way things were looking now, Sylvester could barely eat. He cannot touch you. But, he was still in contact with Alexander… he had to be. He can’t die before I hadn’t gotten my answers.
“You have something on your mind,” his voice yanked me out of my thoughts. “Come here.” I walked inside, stopping in front of his desk. “ Here , Nirah,” he demanded, pushing his chair back.
I let out a heavy sigh, but ended up giving in. I walked around, sitting down on his lap and he held onto my waist. “So… Can I ask you a question?” I finally spoke up.
“ Anything .”
“If I needed to find someone, would you be able to locate them?” I asked and he looked at me in suspicion.
“You need me to find someone for you?” he asked but I shook my head.
“Uh—no—hypothetically, of course,” I tried to nod convincingly.
“Yes. I could.”
“Oh okay.” That’s good to know.
I turned my head and saw him looking at me with his eyebrow raised. “Okay, that’s all,” I blurted out, getting up but he stopped me by tightening his grip on my waist.
“Nirah,” he warned.
“No, it’s nothing, really. I was just curious,” I lied and I could tell he didn’t believe me. I sighed, taking his face in both of my hands. “Aren’t forced relationships built on trust?” I humorously asked and the corner of his mouth lifted into a grin.
My eyes dropped down to his lips and Cesar appeared in the doorway. A shy smile played on my lips and I moved away. Antonio loosened his grip, allowing me to stand up, but before I could take a step, I whipped around to face him again.
“What did you do to Logan?” I asked and he leaned back against his chair. “I want to know everything,” I said, hopping up on his desk—facing him.
He ran his fingers up and down his jaw—in thought—before nodding. He moved his chair towards me and slowly ran his fingers up and down my legs.