It terrifies me how quickly this has escalated from physical attraction to an emotional affair. Everything about Sly Lucchetti mesmerizes me. The way he speaks, the empathy he has.
He’s perfect, and I can’t help but hate him for it, if only just a little.
The man whose soul speaks to mine so clearly shouldn’t be someone whom my family despises.
But maybe this is all a facade. Maybe I’m thinking with my heart more than my head.
There’s so much about him I still don’t know. What he does for a living, the relationship he has with his family.
He presents himself as an open book, answering every question I’ve ever asked without hesitation. It’s my fault I haven’t dug deeper. I haven’t because Itrusthim, and I’ve put my faith into this.
Being with him could implode my entire life, and I’ve been so focused on seeing ifthiscould be real, if it’s worth riskingeverythingfor, that I’ve forgotten to learn the basics about the man I’m quite literally hoping to get into bed with.
That ends tonight.
Over dinner, or perhaps after, I’ll ask the questions Ineed answers to. I just hope he’s willing to answer honestly.
My heart jolts when the doorbell rings, and I realize I’ve been lost inside my own head for who knows how long.
Once again, my hands smooth my dress as I approach the door, blowing out a shaky breath when I pull it open.
The moment our eyes meet, any uncertainty and fear rushes from my body. Seeing him instantly calms me.
“Hi,” he says, a sexy smile on his face as he stands in front of my doorway. Waiting patiently, he doesn’t walk into my apartment—like a gentleman, he waits to be invited in.
“Hi.” Stepping closer, I look up at him, returning the smile.
Gone is the woman who was just allowing her thoughts to run rampant. My confidence has returned.
Grabbing a fistful of his shirt, I pull him inside, reaching my other hand out as far as I can to push the door shut behind him. Once we’re secluded from the outside world, my hands wrap around the back of his neck. Pulling him to me as I press up onto my tiptoes, I finish closing the distance between us. Through the kiss, I hope my body can show him what my words aren’t ready to articulate.
That Imissedhim.
We kiss until we’re both breathless. Bracing hishands on my hips, Sly smirks, and the happiness I’m feeling mirrors in his eyes.
“That was sure a welcome,” he teases.
“What can I say?” I laugh. Stepping back, I slide my hand to his wrist and tug him further inside my home. “I hope you brought your appetite.”
“Oh, you have no idea, piccola ladra.”
I don’t miss the suggestive undertones in his voice, and it sends a wave of tingles through me.
As he takes in my apartment, I watch him quietly, appreciating the way he seems to notice all the small details of my home. The muted, neutral color palette with hints of a blush pink so light, it’s nearly white. My collection of rare first editions, and the shelf that houses recent best-sellers. The simple layout of my furniture—understated, but elegant.
While he looks around, I grab the food from the oven and place it onto the waiting hot-pads on the table.
“You have a lovely home, Vincenza. It suits you.”
“Thank you,” I tell him as I walk over to the table. Reaching for the bottle of wine, I ask, “Would you like a drink?”
“Sì, grazie.”
The weight of his eyes is heavy against my back as I pour us both a glass, trying to hide the shake in my hand.
Tonight feels different.
Important.
