35. Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Five
Mariella
I ’m no good at running.
Damn, I should have taken up running when Ella did. Then I’d be fitter now.
Giulia’s forehead crinkles in an adorable frown as she watches me.
“He didn’t say anything about running, cara mia . Just go and get changed. He doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”
“Right. Okay. Umm, I better do that.” I force a quick smile and head toward my room, limbs tingling with nerves the entire way.
What is going on? Why gym clothes?
I only ever worked out with my sisters. The idea of Mateo watching me, of those intense, penetrating eyes taking in every move and imperfection, is unsettling. Just imagining it has me breaking into a light sweat.
I get changed quickly and stare at myself in the mirror. This outfit is way too revealing. I never had to worry about showing too much skin before, because we worked out in our home gym where no men were allowed.
I tug at the shorts, trying to get them to cover more of my legs, but they ride back up instantly. Ninety percent of my legs are on display.
Argh!
And there’s too much cleavage in this tank top. There’s no way I’m walking through the house like this.
Hmm, should I put on a bathrobe? No, that would look silly.
I scan the closet, searching for something, anything, to cover up, and finally grab a dress from its hanger, pulling it on.
Yeah, much better.
I skip down the stairs, equal measures excited and nervous.
Not knowing what Mateo has planned is keeping me on edge, but the thrill of seeing him again so soon after last night and spending more time with him is fighting hard for first place in this race of my emotions.
When I reach the front door, Mateo isn’t here yet. I sit down in one of the chairs in the sitting area, trying to calm my nerves, but it lasts all of a few seconds. I can’t sit still.
Jumping back on my feet, I pace by the door, unable to contain the energy buzzing through me.
I’ve had a crush on this man for as long as I can remember, and he’s come to mean even more to me in only a few short days. I’ve seen another side to the man most fear because of who he is, a gentler, softer side.
Smiling, I bite down on my lip, moving my teeth back and forth.
Crap , I better stop doing that or it will be swollen. Reluctantly, I release it and shake out my hands instead.
I’m mid-pace when Mateo comes down the corridor, his eyes lighting up as they land on me.
I think Rom is with him, along with a few other men, but I can’t be sure. They blur into the background, just shadows beside him.
I only have eyes for Mateo.
My eyes roam over his body. He’s never been dressed so casually.
My cheeks heat.
No!
Not now, not with so many people around. The last thing I want is for these men to see me looking like a ripe red apple.
But of course, my blush only deepens.
Especially when my attention is drawn to the soft gray T-shirt molded to Mateo’s shoulders and chest. It’s not too tight, but just enough to hint at the sculpted eight-pack underneath.
The fabric also highlights his powerful upper arms, arms that held me so close last night, making me feel safe, cherished, like I was exactly where I belonged.
And don’t get me started on his low-sitting sweatpants that fit snugly around his muscular thighs.
I’m sure my mouth hangs open. Truly, the man is perfection.
He must work out daily. He’s hiding a lot of sharp lines and defined muscles underneath his tailored suits.
I can’t look away.
Does he have this effect on all women? Or just me?
My wayward heart thrums harder as he approaches. It’s almost becoming painful.
Can a ribcage bruise from the inside, from a heart drumming too hard? I think it’s entirely possible.
“Are you ready?” he asks, and I nod, my throat too parched to speak.
He looks me up and down, not in a sexual way, although I do detect heat in his eyes.
“This dress looks lovely, but it might not quite work for what I had in mind.”
“Oh, umm…” I stutter.
Why is my mind going places it shouldn’t?
“Umm, I’m wearing gym clothes underneath,” I explain.
“Good. Let’s go.”
Mateo places his hand gently on the small of my back, guiding me out the door. A black Ferrari sits outside, sleek and gleaming against the dull, overcast sky. The air smells like rain, heavy clouds hanging low.
The car’s surface is flawless. There’s no trace of last night’s bullet marks. Did he have it repaired already, or is this a new one? Or maybe he has a fleet at his disposal. With Mateo De Marco, nothing would surprise me.
Ever the gentleman, he opens the car door for me and as I slide in, his scent envelops me immediately. It’s rich and spicy, carrying a masculine warmth that’s oddly comforting. I take a slow, deep breath, filling my lungs with it. He must drive it a lot if it smells so much like him.
Well, that removes one of the possibilities. It’s definitely not a new car.
“Is this the same car as last night?” I ask when Mateo slides into the driver’s seat.
“No, but it’s the same model. I always have two of each if I love the car, in case one gets destroyed like last night.” He says it so casually, like having a backup of an extremely expensive car is as normal as keeping an extra toothbrush.
Of course he does. Who doesn’t have a spare Ferrari?
“This one here, though, is my favorite. See here?” He points to a faint silver engraving on the dashboard, where ‘Luna’ is etched in elegant script.
His fingers trace the name with a look of pride, as if it’s more than just a car.
“I always name my favorites,” he adds, his voice softer.
“Why Luna?” I ask, glancing between him and the delicate script.
He looks at me, a faint smile curving his lips.
“Because she only really shines at night. Like the moon. Like certain people.” His gaze lingers, holding mine for a moment too long, and that damn warmth creeps into my cheeks again before he finally turns to start the engine.
Rom and the other men have split off, settling into two nearby cars.
“Your entourage is coming too?” I ask, watching them get into position.
I’m not sure I want an audience for whatever Mateo has planned. If they’re watching us, I’ll be too self-conscious to focus, whether it’s working out, running, or whatever else he has in mind.
“Unfortunately, yes. I can’t go anywhere without them,” he says with a sigh. “My brother gave me an earful this morning about us going out alone last night.” Mateo glances at me, a hint of apology in his eyes. “But don’t worry. They won’t stick around once we get where we’re going. It’s secure enough there.”
Last night. The memory of it makes me shudder, but it doesn’t spark the same panic it did when I first stumbled into my room afterward. Progress.
Mateo glances over, catching the shadow that must have crossed my face. His hand tightens on the steering wheel, then he shifts his gaze back to me, his eyes softening.
“You’re doing okay?” he asks, a trace of worry breaking through his usually composed tone.
I nod. “Better, actually. I’m still processing it, but it’s not as overwhelming now.”
He doesn’t seem convinced, though, his attention still fixed on me, as if weighing each of my words.
“I’m glad to hear that,” he murmurs, his voice low. “But if it’s still haunting you, talk to me. You don’t have to carry it alone.”
A gentle silence settles between us, the hum of the engine filling the car as he waits for me to say something more. The concern in his eyes isn’t something I’m used to, at least, not from someone like him. And somehow, it eases a part of me I hadn’t realized was still wound tight.
“I’ll remember that,” I say softly, giving him a small, grateful smile. “Now, will you tell me where we’re going?” I ask, relieved we’re not immediately heading out for a run, or so it seems.
“To one of our gyms,” he replies, easing the car down the long driveway as the first of the entourage vehicles moves ahead. “It’s a little further away, but it’s quiet, and it has a huge, empty parking lot.”
An empty parking lot? Why would that matter?
Mateo must sense my questioning gaze because he turns to me, amusement sparking in his eyes as he takes in my expression.
He chuckles, low and warm. “Today, dolce mia , I’m teaching you some basic self-defense. And afterward, you’ll learn to drive. I never want you to feel helpless again.”