Forever Lies

15

“Good luck with that,” I laughed in response, knowing Mom would never cancel at this rate. “How are the job prospects going?” She paused with indecision. “Actually, I got a job in a small gallery on the lower east side.” “Sof, that’s great news! Have you told Mom and Dad?” “No, although, I suppose I’ll have to at some point,” she grumbled. “Why don’t you want to tell them?” “I just don’t see a reason for them to know every aspect of my life.” “You and Maria are so freaking secretive.” “Hold up—don’t go comparing me to Maria. We are nothing alike—it’s not even apples and oranges. She and I are like apples and bicycles.” It seems I’d struck a chord. Sofia was almost always even-keel, but I’d clearly ruffled her feathers. “Okay, my bad. Maria definitely takes secrecy to a whole other level—I didn’t mean to offend.” I heard a sigh drift over the line. “Sorry, I’m just stressed and exhausted.” “No problem—we’re all just doing the best we can. I suppose I can relate a little. I haven’t told Mom and Dad, but I met someone,” I offered quietly, not wanting anyone in the office to overhear. “Oh, yeah? Tell me about him!” “There’s nothing to tell, yet—I just started dating him.” “But?” she prompted with the word I’d left unspoken, too scared to admit the intensity of my feelings. “But there’s something about him; he’s not like the other guys I’ve dated.” I was trying to share with my sister, but there was only so far I was willing to open up. There was something mysterious and intriguing about Luca that I wasn’t ready to share with anyone else. “You going to bring him to dinner on Sunday?” she asked coyly. “Hell no! Are you crazy?” “Come on, Lessi, that would take the spotlight off me,” she pouted playfully. “Wouldn’t dream of it, little sis. That spotlight is all yours.” “Fine, be that way,” she pouted. “I will, thanks. You get back to studying. I’ll see you on Sunday,” I said the last part in a sing-song voice. “You better. I don’t want to face the inquisition alone,” she muttered. “Never. I shall be your faithful protector.” Sofia giggled. “Love you, Lessi.” “Love you, too,” I returned warmly before hanging up, a smile plastered on my face as I dove back into work. An hour later, I made my way downstairs to get lunch and run a couple of errands. My eyes were immediately drawn to Luca where he stood talking on his phone. The moment his eyes landed on mine, he ended his call and began stalking my way, not taking his eyes from me. I’d say he moved with a predator’s grace, but that wouldn’t be accurate. He didn’t just move like a predator—he was a predator. The question was, just how ruthless were his instincts? Did he merely enjoy the hunt, or was he one who liked to toy with his prey? Luca stepped close, only speaking when we were near enough not to be overheard. “If I didn’t already have work obligations, I’d insist you join me for lunch.” His words spoken softly in his deep, rasping voice felt like an intimate caress in the crowded room. “That’s okay,” I offered, feeling my cheeks heat. “I have some errands to run anyway.” “I want you to spend the afternoon with me tomorrow.” “Okay.” My reply was instant. I gave no thought to any other obligations I might have had for my Saturday. That’s what the man did to me—he intoxicated me with his presence until I thought of nothing else but him. His lips curled in a knowing grin. “Let me sort some things, and I’ll be in touch.” He leaned down and placed one of his tender kisses on my temple, and I melted onto the floor of the lobby as I watched his retreating form exit the building. Scraping myself off the marble tiles, I followed in his wake toward the busy New York street when I heard my name hollered behind me. I looked back for the source and was surprised to see a man I’d been friends with at school. Jackson Byrne had been a fellow business student at NYU, and we’d had some shared friends who hung out occasionally. Despite a mutual attraction between us, we’d never dated. The timing had never been quite right—either I was in a relationship when he was interested or the other way around. It occurred to me Luca would never have allowed something so silly as a boyfriend to come between him and a woman he wanted. In that regard, the two men were worlds apart. However, Jackson bore his own brand of devilish, Irish charm and rugged good looks. Deep dimples were the perfect accent to his affable nature, and his curling dark hair and mocha eyes were warm and inviting. We hadn’t stayed in touch since graduating more than a year ago, and I was pleased to run into him. “Jackson! What a pleasant surprise. How have you been?” I asked, giving him a hug when he caught up with me. “I’m really well. And you?” “I’m doing great. It’s been ages since I’ve seen you. Are you working in the building now?” “No, I work for Investors Bank in the commercial department and was meeting with a client. I take it you’re still working at Triton with your father?” “Yes, climbing my way up the ranks.” “I still can’t believe your dad didn’t put you straight into upper management.” “That’s not the way he works, and it’s not that bad. I’ve learned so much in just a year.” He smiled at me, but wariness crept into his eyes before they dropped to his hands. “Is everything okay?” I asked warily. Returning his gaze to me, his features hardened with resolve. “I know it’s not any of my business, but I saw you earlier with that man in the lobby. How well do you know him?” His question caught me off guard, and I stumbled for words. “I … we went to dinner last night—that’s about it.” “He’s not a good man, Alessia. You should stay away from him.” Jackson’s voice was sharper, his eyes harder, than I could ever recall seeing the handsome playboy. “What do you mean?” My stomach churned with unease. His lips pursed, and he exhaled a frustrated sigh. “I can’t really explain, but I’ve heard things about him. Bad things. I’d hate for you to get hurt.” Heard things? What did that mean? “You can’t give me any more than that?” Lips pressed tightly together, he shook his head. “Alright, thank you for the warning.”