Wild One

Twelve

Manon

How stupid am I? To think this man would actually like me? Even still, he didn't have to pretend like he's doing this for my best interests.

I'd rather him just outright say, I don't like you like that. Or, I think of you as a friend or sister, rather then him belittling and patronizing me.

But he does it anyway.

Wiping his mouth he regards me soothingly, bordering on patronizing.

"Finish your meal, pulcino."

I cross my arms, irritated.

"I don't want it. I just want to go home."

He grins, patronizing me to the limit.

"That is way to show you are grown up, sí? By having a temper tantrum?"

I breathe in through my mouth, and out through nose. This man...

"Niccolo, please. Take me home."

He cuts the meat on his plate looking up at me. "Eat. Then we will leave."

Fed up, I calmly pull my chair out and get up.

"Where do you are going, pulcino?"

"Home," I ignore him.

It's not a moment before he gets up, grabbing my arm. He pulls me back into his chest as he whispers in my ear.

"Sometimes I forget your age, yes?" Even as malicious as his tone is, his warm breath on my air runs shivers down my back. "You feel you are entitled to my love because I give you a little attention?"

I feel his cold smirk against my skin. "Teenagers are so needy, no."

"Let go of me," I grit.

"Or what? Who will you call? Who will help you? Look around you Manon. I could kill you right now, and do you know what they would do?"

I look around the dining room. It's full. Everyone is staring intently at their plates trying to pretend that this is not happening.

"Nothing," He hissed in answer. "Absolutely nothing. But you knew that didn't you?" He chuckled in my ear, "I'm sure you figured that out a long time ago."

When I first met him actually. I knew.

"But you like me," He mocks. "Take a good look, pulcino. At the man you like. Do you like me now?"

I swallow my fear. "No, not anymore."

He lets me go, shoving me away from him. A tear rolled down my cheek. Then another.

He is not moved.

"All you had to say was no," I croaked. "You didn't have to break my heart."

He smirked. "I know I didn't."