Forever Lies

23

“Why would it be a bad thing for you to want me?” His jaw flexed, and his hand caressed down the length of my arm. “Because you complicate things immeasurably.” Ouch. I pursed my lips and glanced out my living room window, suddenly wishing I could walk away from the conversation. The telltale prick of tears stung at the back of my throat. This was exactly why I’d tried to walk away from him—Luca was heartache waiting to happen. Anger swelled inside me that in a matter of minutes, I’d let him slink his way back under my skin. Luca turned my face toward his and swiped at a threatening tear. “Complicated isn’t always bad. In fact, lately, complicated has looked very, very good.” Then he kissed me, softly, sweetly, his lips moving achingly slow against mine. Instinctively, my hands lifted to his jacket to pull him closer. His lips curved in a smile before he deepened the kiss, his assault making my lips feel swollen and tender. I liked the gentle kisses, but I also liked the frenzy —as if his need for me was insatiable, a yawning cavern that couldn’t be filled. He stole the air from my lungs and swept me away on a river of desire. We only came apart when a knock sounded at my door. I pulled in shaky breaths, trying to ground myself back in my body. “You expecting someone else?” he asked in a rasp, his eyes narrowing just a fraction. Was he jealous? The thought did funny things to my insides. “It’s like Grand Central Station up here,” I muttered as I slid off the counter. “It has to be Giada, my cousin—she’s the only person who shows up unannounced.” Until you. As I moved toward the door, Luca placed his arm out and stepped in front of me to look through the peephole. Who did he think he’d find? When he stepped back, I glared at him. “Satisfied?” I asked smugly. His responding glare promised retribution for my smart mouth. He never had to say a word. It was there in the glint of his eyes and the gentle pursing of his lips. His brand of retribution wouldn’t be painful—it would be torturous, and I would love every second. Just the suggestion aroused a heat inside me that made me want to jump him and forget about Giada. I sighed as the knocking came again. Everyone was so damn persistent. Opening the door, I smiled at my cousin who grinned in return until her eyes landed on Luca. “Oh,” she gasped. “Am I interrupting?” Her eyes met mine with a silent apology. “Actually, I was just leaving,” offered Luca. He came over and planted a sensual kiss on my lips, nodded to Giada, then disappeared down the hall. “Sweet baby Jesus, who the f**k was that? And where do I get some?” I busted out laughing and closed the door to my apartment. “That is every flavor of trouble—I’m in way over my head.” “Tell me everything,” said Giada as she plopped down on my couch. I followed suit, sitting next to her with my legs pulled up to my chest. “We’ve only been out twice. It’s not a big deal.” “Honey, everything about that man is a big deal.” She made me laugh, as usual. “He’s crazy intense, and for all I know, he may be legit crazy, period. But I can’t seem to walk away.” Giada’s eyes narrowed, and her smile faltered. “You don’t think he’s dangerous, do you?” “Not to me, no—at least, not physically.” “What does that mean? You think he could be emotionally abusive?” “No! It’s just that he’s addictive, and I have this feeling he’s going to break my heart. I can’t stop thinking about him, and I love the way I feel when I’m with him, but I know he has secrets. Dark secrets.” “Yikes, that is rough. What are you going to do?” “Hell, if I know. Eat ice cream and watch movies—care to join me?” A wide grin spread across her face. “I thought you’d never ask.” OceanofPDF.com 11 Luca I knew the minute she texted—she was running. My intuition about people was impeccable. There was no meeting. She’d used the excuse to avoid me. As pissed as I was to have her run from me, I was also pleased to confirm she had a decent head on her shoulders. Some women loved to get a taste of danger—enjoyed a walk on the wild side. A smart woman would be wary of associating with me. Alessia had not been blind to the dangers and was wise enough to heed the warnings. Not only that, I’d been impressed with her practiced ability to remain composed when she’d overheard my phone call. A part of me even questioned if maybe it hadn’t bothered her, but the text had verified her calm demeanor had been an act. f*****g Rafi. I’d been using him to handle my affairs while I gathered information, but there was only so much he was capable of. The others knew he spoke on my behalf, but he had no authority. He was too low-level to give orders, not that I was particularly high up. I’d been surprised when they called me in to do the job, but as they explained, my history made me more qualified than most. I’d get the answers they were looking for, and when I did, it would help secure my future in the organization. I understood Rafi’s need to call for help, but that didn’t mean it didn’t piss me off. I considered censoring my words while Alessia was in the car, but an overwhelming part of me wanted her to know, wanted her to put the pieces together. She needed to understand I wasn’t some Johnny Homemaker, but there were rules I had to obey. More than my career was at stake if I gave her more information than I should. I had to put the pieces before her and hope she not only put them together, but she didn’t walk away for good. I needed her. I needed her to open up to me, and that wouldn’t happen unless she trusted me. It would be easy if I pretended to be someone else, but I didn’t have it in me to play weak. I could only be myself and trust I could win her over on my own.