chapter 4
1203 Words
A knock sounded just as Nico stepped out of the bathroom, droplets of water still sliding down his skin. He tugged on a pair of faded jeans, glancing at the clock. Barely eight in the morning. Could be Alexi, he thought and hurried to the door.
Alexi stood there.
He froze for half a second. She looked… different. Her hair neatly styled, a soft sweep of makeup brightening her face, and glasses framing her hazel eyes. A crisp white button-up tucked into black-and-white palazzo trousers hugged her waist perfectly.
Beautiful. Too beautiful. And far too tempting.
His gaze lingered on the curve of her chest, immediately recalling how her button had popped open yesterday without her noticing. She started with a smile, but it faded the moment her eyes landed on his bare chest. He still had no shirt on.
Her eyes drifted down—slowly—taking in his toned torso, his abs. He didn’t miss the way she unconsciously licked her lips. The urge to pull her into his room and ruin her hit him hard, but… she was too innocent. He could only smile.
Her gaze dipped again to his jeans—top button undone, no belt. When she lifted her eyes, he was already smirking.
“You came,” he said.
She folded her arms. “So, Mr. Vincenzo, did you bring me here just to seduce me?”
A deep laugh rolled out of him, vibrating through her body.
“Come in,” he murmured. “Close the door.”
Alexi stepped inside, pretending annoyance as the door clicked shut. Her eyes scanned the room.
“Your room smells nice,” she said. “Clean. Expensive. Exactly what an expensive man would have.”
She dropped into a chair, crossing her legs.
“Thank you,” Nico said. “Wine?”
She narrowed her eyes. “So not only are you trying to seduce me, you’re planning to get me drunk so you can take advantage of me?”
His brow lifted. “Really?”
“Exactly.”
“Well,” he said, slipping into a fitted shirt, “you better get ready.”
“For what?”
He dragged a chair across the floor and sat directly in front of her.
“For me taking full advantage of you when we start living together.”
Alexi held his gaze. “I’ll look forward to that. And what’s with the smile?”
“You’re funny,” he said. “And be grateful—I don’t smile at just anyone.”
She rolled her eyes.
“What are the glasses for?” he asked.
“To see, obviously.”
“But you weren’t wearing them when I first met you.”
“I had contacts.”
“And today?”
“They’re uncomfortable. Why are you asking? You don’t like glasses?”
“Not exactly,” he admitted. “But they look good on you. Cute.”
“Whatever,” she muttered. “Now tell me—why do I have to be your girlfriend?”
“Oh, that.” He stood, walked to the table near the bed, poured himself wine, and took a slow sip while she watched.
“My grandmother is dying,” he finally said. “She’s the only one who’s ever cared for me since my parents died. She means everything to me.”
Alexi swallowed, completely thrown off.
“I’m so sorry,” she said softly.
“Her last wish is to see me with someone,” he continued. “Engaged. Maybe even married.”
“What?” Alexi shot to her feet. “We’re pretending to get married? Nico, you didn’t mention that part!”
“Relax, Lexi.” He stepped toward her. “Just two weeks of acting engaged. Afterwards you walk away. I just want her to be happy before she dies.”
“How do you expect me to lie to a dying woman?”
“Watch your mouth,” Nico snapped. “That woman is my grandmother. Choose your words carefully, Lexi. You’re getting too comfortable.”
Alexi froze, stunned by his sudden anger. She’d never seen him lose his composure before.
“I’m doing this because I love her,” he said, taking another sip. “No more questions. Are you in or out?”
She swallowed hard.
“You need to learn to make decisions fast,” he added. “That’s how people survive.”
She hesitated, then whispered, “Can I ask something?”
“What?” he asked, already irritated.
“You’re rich and attractive. You could get any woman you want. So why haven’t you? Are you afraid of falling in love?”
“Love?” His lips curved. His expression softened. “Oh, Lexi… you watch too many movies.” He lightly tapped her nose. “So, do we have a deal?”
“Yes.”
Nico’s smile returned as he finished his drink.
“So how did we meet?” she asked.
Setting his glass down, he approached her slowly. “Well… I know you went to Las Vegas last month. For a wedding or something.”
Alexi blinked. “How did you—?”
He lifted a finger to her lips, silencing her. “I have my ways,” he murmured. His fingertip gently traced her mouth. “As I was saying—I was in Vegas too. For business.”
He lowered his hand, though his eyes stayed locked on hers.
“We met at a bar,” he said softly. “You were a little drunk… not too much. Just enough to be cute.”
Her cheeks warmed.
“We spent some time together,” he continued, stepping closer. “Then you suddenly disappeared. I searched for you. But you were gone.”
Another step. His breath brushed her skin. Her pulse tripped.
“And then,” he whispered, “fate brought me to San Diego. I found you again.”
Their bodies were nearly touching now.
“The next day,” Nico murmured, sliding an arm around her waist and drawing her in, “I proposed. That’s the story we tell my grandmother.”
Before she could speak, Nico leaned in and kissed her—soft, slow, tender. His hands cradled her face, his thumb brushing her cheek like he was memorizing it.
He had never wanted a woman this badly.
I want to make love to her…
But he forced himself to breathe, to pull back. Not now. Stop. You have time.
“That’s all for today,” he said quietly, masking his desire. He turned and walked into the bathroom.
Alexi blinked, dazed. Her mind spun. God, I can’t control myself. Every time he touches me, I lose my head. She grabbed the door handle and slipped out of the room as fast as she could.
Inside the bathroom, Nico heard the door shut. He stared into the mirror, water running.
Her lips… soft and sweet. How many men had kissed her with those lips? And those eyes—those pretty eyes.
He gripped the sink.
Stop it, Nico. She’s only here for the deal. Even if we sleep together—it's still business.
- Writer
