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“Women don’t owe men an explanation.”

“You’re right, but I’m not talking about them. I’m talking about you.”

Putting her hand on her waist, she stepped back as much as she could with me still holding her other wrist. “I’m a woman.”

“Trust me, Dahlia, I know that.”

“Do you?” Her tone wasn’t filled with the snappy attitude I’d expect with the question, only a hint of sadness.

Using my hold, I tugged her a little closer. “What is this about?”

“Nothing, I just think sometimes people aren’t compatible.”

I arched my brow. “And you reached this decision two minutes after my tongue was in your mouth? I know I’ve been out of the game for a while, gattina, but is my technique that bad?”

“A while?” Dahlia whispered before shaking her head and straightening her spine. “No, I just think—”

“You keep saying that. Youthink.”

“Because I do. It’s just not working.”

“Why?”

“I don’t owe you an explanation.”

“Normally, I’d agree. But, since this is you, I’m asking anyway. Why?”

“There is no why, it’s—”

“Why?”

“Because you don’t want to have sex with me! Okay?” Pale green eyes widened as a bright red flush took over her creamy skin.

Stunned silent, I slow blinked as I waited for her to tell me she was kidding. When she didn’t say anything, instead trying again to tug her hand from my grasp, I almost laughed at the absurdity. “Are you out of your mind?” I asked, my voice echoing through the nearly empty street.

“Yes,” she muttered, looking up at the sky before back at me. “And please keep it down. Mrs. Giovanni has ultrasonic hearing and multiple police chiefs on speed dial.”

“Who the hell is Mrs. Giovanni?”

“She lives on the first floor, and hasn’t heard a noise she didn’t want to complain about. Which is why I should get inside.”

“No.”

My cell started ringing, making her jump. “You better get that. I’ll see you around.”

“It can wait.” Using my hold on her wrist, I pulled her hand to cover the bulge my semi-hard cock was making. At the feel of her hand on me, it hardened fully, thickening as it jerked against her palm.

Dahlia gasped, the sound sending a painful ache to my dick. Even though I loosened my hold on her wrist, she made no effort to remove her hand.

“Does that feel like I don’t want you?” I whispered, my voice coming out hoarse and strained. “I’m nevernothard when I’m around you. Cazzo, Dahlia, all I have to do isthinkof you.”

When my phone started ringing again, she yanked her hand away. I was tempted to put it back, preferably without the clothing in the way.

“You should get that,” she said, her voice breathy.

I shook my head. “It’s just Luc. Why the hell would you think I don’t want you?”

“We’ve been out a bunch. You haven’t tried to… I just assumed…”