Page 31 of Beautiful Sinner

“Thank you. For not killing him.”

“I’m not sure your brother would extend the same courtesy.”

“No,” I agree. “He wants you dead. I suggested something to him.”

“What?” His breath tickles my face. Never have I stood this close to a man before. It’s electrifying.

“That we marry instead.”

Matteo’s eyes widen. “And?”

“And he hated the idea. He doesn’t trust you. He thinks you would hurt me if given the chance. And maybe he’s right. Maybe I’m being naïve.”

“I haven’t hurt you, Julia.”

“Yet.”

“Never. From the first moment I saw you, I knew I could never hurt you. Call it irrational but it’s true.”

“Why?” My voice comes out a whisper.

“I don’t know why. This goes beyond anything I ever expected.” His hands gently cup my face and I don’t move. I wouldn’t miss this for the world. “I shouldn’t even be touching you right now.”

“Yes. You shouldn’t be.”

“You’re not mine.”

“I’m not yours,” I agree.

“But the thought of you marrying that asshole doesn’t sit right with me.”

“You shouldn’t say that to me.’

“You’re right. But why else did you want to meet? What did you think would happen?”

“I had no idea,” I whisper.

His thumb runs over my lips. “So innocent. Were you hoping I’d talk you out of it?”

“Maybe. Or save me… somehow.”

“I can’t make you mine, Julia. I’d have to kidnap you and your brother wouldn’t like it.”

“Not if I left with you.”

“He’d still consider it kidnapping. And besides, you don’t want to leave with me. We’re still strangers.”

“But are we? I told you about my parents. You told me about your mom. How can we really be strangers at this point?”

“True. But we can’t do this.”

“I know,” I say. Matteo’s hands are strong on my face. Secure. Sexy. “So, you should let me go then. If I’m not yours, then you need to back up.”

“You’re right.” But he doesn’t move and neither do I.

“Maybe I thought if I told you about Connor, then somehow you could take care of the issue for me.”

“Kill him, you mean? I don’t like to kill people if I don’t have to. And I never thought you’d be someone to suggest it.”