“I’m perfectly capable of paying for my own things, Antonio.”
“I know you are.”
“So why did you pay?”
“Because that was part of the agreement. Money and protection.”Maybe he has a point.
“But I’m only here for the protection. Not the money. I’ve made that clear.”
“Then why did you agree to both?” he asked in utter confusion.
I shook my head. “I didn’t. I agreed to the protection.”
“And the money,” he nodded. I let out an irritated sigh, looking out the front window and then back at him.
“Well, money would necessarily mean food, water, you know. The necessities. Things we all need.”
“But you need clothes too.”
“No—” I cut myself off. “Yes. I need clothes, but not this. I only bought them because Iwantedthem. Not because I needed it.”
“So you wanted clothes and you bought them?” He asked for confirmation, and I nodded. “Well Iwantedto pay, so I did. What’s the difference?”
A sarcastic chuckle left my lips as I shook my head, grabbing my purse. “You’re insufferable,” I said, getting out and slamming the door behind me.
He got out, and when I rounded the car, he stepped in front of me.
“Don’t slam the door in my face,” he warned, and I turned my head slightly to the right, not wanting to look up at him. I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms over my chest, and he took my face in his hands, forcing my eyes to meet his.
“Roll your eyes at me again, and I’ll give you a better reason to do so,” he warned, and I swallowed hard. “Now, tell me why you won’t let me spend my money on you.”
“Because I don’t need it.”
“That’s not the real reason.”
“Yes, it is.”
“You’re lying.”
“I don’t care if you believe me or not, just stop,” I said, and he clenched his jaw. “Now, can I go and get ready for dinner?” I asked, feeling my lungs burn. He hesitated before lightly nodding toward the house, and I stepped around him, heading inside.
* * *
After getting ready, I headed downstairs for dinner and couldn’t stop thinking about earlier. Abouthim.
I couldn’t deny the obvious tension between him and I, not to mention the strong attraction I felt towards him. But it was all too complicated to let it evolve into something more.
As soon as I reached the bottom of the stairs, I spotted Antonio conversing in Italian with one of the male employees.
I couldn’t help but stand in place, listening to how good he sounded. The words rolled off his tongue so smoothly. The language was attractive, but when he spoke it, it was something else. Something enticing.
His employee said something that made him scoff, with the most arrogant look in his eyes.Yep, that’ll do it.
Antonio’s gaze lifted, and my eyes locked with those dangerously green pits of temptation. I lowered my head—embarrassed to be caught eavesdropping.Dammit, Nirah.
I passed both men and slipped into the dining room.Well done, 007. Maybe don’t get caught next time you’re attempting to eavesdrop on some serious shit.
With a tight chest, I sat on my usual seat, anxiously waiting for Antonio to enter. I sipped some water as my mind drifted off.
