CHAPTER 12 #2
“Then why did you agree to both?” he asked in utter confusion.
I shook my head. “I didn’t. I agreed to the protection.”
“And the money,” he nodded. I let out an irritated sigh, looking out the front window and then back at him.
“Well, money would necessarily mean food, water, you know. The necessities. Things we all need.”
“But you need clothes too.”
“No—” I cut myself off. “Yes. I need clothes, but not this. I only bought them because I wanted them. Not because I needed it.”
“So you wanted clothes and you bought them?” He asked for confirmation, and I nodded. “Well I wanted to pay, so I did. What’s the difference?”
A sarcastic chuckle left my lips as I shook my head, grabbing my purse. “You’re insufferable,” I said, getting out and slamming the door behind me.
He got out, and when I rounded the car, he stepped in front of me.
“Don’t slam the door in my face,” he warned, and I turned my head slightly to the right, not wanting to look up at him. I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms over my chest, and he took my face in his hands, forcing my eyes to meet his.
“Roll your eyes at me again, and I’ll give you a better reason to do so,” he warned, and I swallowed hard. “Now, tell me why you won’t let me spend my money on you.”
“Because I don’t need it.”
“That’s not the real reason.”
“Yes, it is.”
“You’re lying.”
“I don’t care if you believe me or not, just stop,” I said, and he clenched his jaw. “Now, can I go and get ready for dinner?” I asked, feeling my lungs burn. He hesitated before lightly nodding toward the house, and I stepped around him, heading inside.
* * *
After getting ready, I headed downstairs for dinner and couldn’t stop thinking about earlier. About him .
I couldn’t deny the obvious tension between him and I, not to mention the strong attraction I felt towards him. But it was all too complicated to let it evolve into something more.
As soon as I reached the bottom of the stairs, I spotted Antonio conversing in Italian with one of the male employees.
I couldn’t help but stand in place, listening to how good he sounded. The words rolled off his tongue so smoothly. The language was attractive, but when he spoke it, it was something else. Something enticing.
His employee said something that made him scoff, with the most arrogant look in his eyes. Yep, that’ll do it .
Antonio’s gaze lifted, and my eyes locked with those dangerously green pits of temptation. I lowered my head—embarrassed to be caught eavesdropping. Dammit, Nirah .
I passed both men and slipped into the dining room. Well done, 007. Maybe don’t get caught next time you’re attempting to eavesdrop on some serious shit.
With a tight chest, I sat on my usual seat, anxiously waiting for Antonio to enter. I sipped some water as my mind drifted off.
Is he still upset? Did I make things worse by eavesdropping? Did—
“Nirah?” Antonio’s voice yanked me out of my thoughts, and my head snapped up. “Breathe.”
My brows drew together, and slowly, I exhaled. Much better.
Antonio found his place beside me and pinned me with a reassuring look. “I’m not upset with you.” I swear this man is telepathic. “We’ll talk about this after dinner,” he said, and I nodded in response. Sure, why not.
The table was filled with deliciously warm meals, and I could feel my mouth watering as my eyes consumed a little bit of everything.
We dished up, and just as expected, it was to die for. I didn’t know who was cooking back there, but if Antonio didn’t give them a raise, I’d gladly pull some money out of my own purse.
As the table was being cleared, I suppressed my overpowering thoughts in an attempt to not ruin a satisfactory dinner while staying as calm and as level-headed as possible.
Antonio pushed his chair back. “You’re still mad at me. Come here.”
I kept my voice flat. “I can hear perfectly fine from right here.”
He pinned me with a threatening look that dared me to stay seated, but before my brain could muster up courage for a reply, my body betrayed me by walking over and sitting down on his lap.
His hand slipped around my waist while his free hand rested on my thigh. The warmth of his touch shot up my thighs, landing at an unexpected place. Oh crap.
“Tell me the real reason why you won’t let me spend my money on you.”
I scoffed. “Because men always want something in return.”
His interest piqued. “Such as?”
“Oh, don’t play dumb with me,” I snapped back. “You know what I mean.”
His tone sent a shiver of fear down my spine. “Watch it.” I swallowed hard. “Explain it to me, tesoro .”
I chewed the inside of my cheek in a horrible attempt to fight back my smile.
Tesoro . I liked the little pet name he had thought out for me because, well, it was mine.
A strong part of me believed it was something degrading or insulting at first. But after I asked Silvia what it meant, I couldn’t believe my ears.
“Men always have an ulterior motive. They do things and expect whatever they want in return, and when you don’t oblige, they throw it in your face, making you feel—” I cut myself off, grabbing his hand that had been gently caressing my thigh.
“Can you stop? It’s really hard to talk when you’re doing that. ”
“Does my touch have an effect on you?” he asked, and I breathlessly scoffed
“No,” I crossed my arms over my chest. As if.
“Well then, we don’t have a problem here.” Smart ass . “Why did you stop talking?” he suddenly asked, and I sighed.
“Because, I don’t even remember what I was going to say…” I trailed off, feeling my stomach twist in uncertainty.
I lowered my eyes to lap but caught a glimpse of his hand, gently resting on my thigh. A million thoughts raced through my mind, and suddenly, it had gotten warmer in here.
His touch allowed tingles to ignite whenever he made contact with my skin, and something about that drew me even closer to him. I hated it.
“What if I can prove to you that I don’t have an ulterior motive?”
“You can’t. So don’t bother.”
Why do I want him to move his hand to the inside of my thigh? Fuck! Stay focused and calm down. He’s trying to have a mature conversation with you.
“I don’t have an ulterior motive, and I’ll prove it. Whether you like it or not,” he stated, and my head snapped up in his direction.
“You’re not going to give up, are you?
He shook his head. “I never give up.” Yeah, I gathered that much . “So fighting me is a battle you’ll lose.”
“I don’t give up either, so I’ll take my chances.”
He tucked a few loose strands behind my ear, and I could see the tornado of deviance in his eyes create chaos in his head.
“If the next few words that come out of your mouth aren’t you accepting the fact that I want to spend my money on you, without having an ulterior motive,” he paused, and I anxiously awaited his next few words.
“I’ll buy an entire airline in your name.
Or a yacht. Depending on your preference, of course. ”
My lips slightly parted. “You wouldn’t,” I challenged him.
“You’ll have both in your name by tomorrow,” he noted, pulling his cellphone out of his pocket, and my eyes nearly fell from their sockets. “Let’s add another car to that list since you like the ones I had already bought.”
I quickly responded. “I’d just sell it.”
“You’d still have the money.”
“I’d donate the money.”
He didn’t glance up at me once as he typed away on his phone. “The donation would still be from you.” Oh, fuck me in the ass with a chainsaw, he’s right.
With a clenched jaw and a body filled with reluctance, I gave in. “Okay, okay.” I grabbed his phone, making him finally look at me. “You win,” I mumbled under my breath.
“Say that again.”
“You—win,” I slowly enunciated the words, and a grin of victory danced on his lips. I narrowed my eyes at him. “You’re evil.”
“And you should know better than to challenge me,” he gently caressed my thigh with his thumb.
“Yes, sir ,” I mused with a smile on my face. “Can I go and get ready now?” I asked, dropping the smile, and he gave me a single nod.
He didn’t let go of my thigh, so I pulled his hand off me and dramatically dropped it back on his own thigh, handing him his phone. I got up, feeling his eyes on me as I left. This man is going to drive me insane.
* * *
Antonio opened the front door for me as I left with my phone pressed between my ear and shoulder since my hands were occupied with my coat, handbag, lip gloss, and water bottle.
“Yes, I’m coming tonight. Yes, I’m performing.
No, I didn’t—thank you,” I said to Antonio as he opened his car door for me.
“No, I didn’t die,” I confirmed, getting inside.
I dropped everything on my lap, taking my cell phone in my hand.
“No, he’s not holding me hostage,” I reluctantly whispered as he started the ignition.
“Sorry,” I mouthed as his eyes landed on me in confusion.
Thankfully, we arrived at the club in no time. “I’ll be here on time to pick you up,” he said, and my head snapped to him. Is he not staying?
“Okay,” I nodded. I got out, and only after I was halfway inside did I hear his car pull away. Men and their noisy cars. Their most successful relationships.
“Finally!” Silvia engulfed me in her arms. “It’s been three hundred years,” she groaned, squeezing me. I really adore my dramatic best friend. “Show me,” Silvia giggled as we got to the dressing room.
I fanned myself, and she grabbed my hand. “Ah!” she squealed. “It’s huge! And shiny! And expensive looking! And a dream come true!” she said, fanning her fake tears away. “He gave this to you as an engagement ring?” she jutted out her bottom lip.
“Yep,” I nodded.
We quickly plopped down and I shared everything that had been happening so far until we finally needed to get back to work. We weren’t keen, but unfortunately, gossip and girl talk had to wait.
Giovanni didn’t show today, which made me a little sad. I performed after Silvia and London’s duet but it didn’t feel the same with him not here. I hoped he was okay. Missing my performances was not like him, especially without warning.
I got off stage and slipped my engagement ring back on before grabbing my coat.
I looked up to see Antonio at my table accompanied by three other men that I didn’t receive.
I felt my lungs tighten in my chest as he finished his drink—conversing with them.
I walked over and he licked his bottom lip.
“I don’t like it,” he slowly shook his head, and all eyes fell on him.
“What?” I gasped. “My performance? Or was it my outfit?” I frowned in confusion. “Oh God, is it my hair?” I fearfully asked, reaching up to feel my hair. I ran my hands down my hair in an attempt to tame it.
“I don’t like how all the men in here are eye fucking my girl,” he said, leaning back and my shoulders dropped. And once again, he’s mocking me.
“You’re not funny,” I crossed my arms over my chest. “And, don’t, use my own words against me.”
He dismissed the men, and after excusing themselves, they headed to another table.
He got up, reaching to subtly grab my hand. “The shyness that takes over your body after a performance is adorable,” he observed, taking a step closer and once again, I got sucked into his green eyes.
I broke out in a smile, shaking my head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I lied.
I whipped around, pulling my hand from his as I walked and he followed behind me. “And stop checking out my ass,” I added, not turning back and only then did he walk up next to me.
“I wouldn’t dare,” he said—almost playfully—and I hummed, clearly not believing him.
He grabbed my bag and allowed me to carry my handbag as we headed out.
“Oh, such a gentleman,” I teased, and he raised a concerned brow at me. “I think…” I slowly trailed off, holding onto his arm with both of my hands. “This is the part where you confess how madly in love you are with me and we suddenly make a dramatic exit in a white horse and a carriage.”
“You’re delusional. It’s not a good look on a woman,” he said and my smile dropped. “And no. Being in love is your thing, remember?” he asked and I scoffed, letting go of his arm.
“You’re such an ass,” I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms over my chest.
“Come here,” he beckoned, throwing his arm over my shoulder as he tugged me in closer.
I glared up at him. “Don’t smile at me.”
“Why? Does it make you fall even more in love with me?”
“Yeah right,” I tried hiding a smile. “Having me admit that would do wonders for your huge ego, huh?”
“Admit it and I’ll let you know,” he leaned down to whisper and I felt my stomach do a million somersaults.
Right as we were about to reach the door it opened and Jordan walked in, talking to someone I didn’t know. Cesar then walked in and Antonio handed him my bag. Right as the exchange happened, Jordan stopped in front of us. Jordan’s here?