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“Of course I do. Jayla’s very important to me too.”

“She has this boyfriend who breaks her heart. Plays mind games with her.”

“How did she rip her dress?”

“She had too much to drink tonight. He left her stranded after dinner.” His face darkens. “I’ll be dealing with him soon.”

“So you’re a typical overprotective older brother. I can see it.”

“No one messes with people I care about,dolcezza. I’ll always ensure they’re handled. Would you still like to spend more time with me?”

The question is asked so calmly, with such sincerity in his gaze that I can’t help nodding. I slip my hand into his and let him change course toward the wide staircase. We pass by the living room that had been brimming with life and conversation only an hour ago.

It’s empty now except Anthony Sr., who sits snoring on the sofa, his jaw propped open. Everyone else must’ve gone to bed.

Jayla must’ve gone to have her little one-night stand with Adagio.

Rafael leads the way up the stairs and my heart feels like it’ll leap into my throat at any second. I’m nervous all over again as I realize where this could be going.

I haven’t had sex in months. Almost a year.

The last time was with Lincoln when our marriage had been on the brink of collapse and we didn’t even finish.

He’d lost his erection and I was in pain from my endometriosis. Another complication when it’s come to my dating and sex life as long as I can remember.

“No need to be nervous,dolcezza. We can just talk on the balcony,” Rafael says, stopping us in front of a large door on the second floor landing. He twists the knob and lets the door fall open to reveal a massive all-white bedroom that must be his. “I just want some privacy. Is that okay?”

I’m not sure what it is that makes me trust him… but I do.

Deep inside, some part of me says he won’t hurt me. He’s being honest when he says he wants to get to know me. He just wants to spend time together.

But maybe the wine’s throwing my judgment off. That’s a possibility too.

I’ve had several glasses tonight…

I inhale a shaky breath and step into the room.

Everything’s so perfect. So tasteful.

From the large bed neatly made with a cascade of pillows and sheets I’m sure are thousand thread count to the leafy plants in the room and the heavy, rustic furniture filling the space.

It’s all so thoughtfully put together.

Rafael takes my hand and guides me toward the glass sliding door.

We wind up on the balcony with an even better view of the sea than earlier and discuss a range of topics over the next hour. The conversation flows naturally between us, until I’m so comfortable I’m no longer in my head.

“Is this your main residence?” I ask.

The corner of his mouth spasms as if tempted to grin. “I have houses all over. Right now I spend most of my time in the States.”

“Newport City?”

“So you do know about me,” he says with an impressed nod. “It’s one of the business capitals of the world.”

“I know what Jayla’s told me. I’m sorry,” I admit with a laugh. “I’ve heard your name touted around, but I’ve never done my research.”

“I like that you haven’t. I prefer it that way.”