Page 33 of Dancing with the Devil

“I’ve heard Marco say it,” he vaguely answered and even though my mind didn’t want to believe him, my body relaxed and my heart rate was back to normal.Sounds promising enough.

“Well, I strongly think that our parents wanted to humiliate us,” I said, brushing off the eerie feeling.

“Our?”

“Yeah, I have a brother, remember?” I asked and he slowly nodded in remembrance. “A twin brother actually.”

“Yes, I remember. Still can’t believe there’s two of you.”

“Relax, cowboy. He doesn’t swing that way but if you do, go for it,” I smiled.

“And how did they humiliate him?”

“We don’t speak of him. He’s simply, forgotten.” He seemed intrigued and I couldn’t miss this opportunity. “You’re starting to fall in love with me again,” I playfully sang. “Do I need to remind you about Loren?”

The muscle in his jaw ticked in subtle frustration. “You remember anything else?” he asked and my brows knitted together.

“I remember how short he was, not very tall. Tragic. I know.”

“How short?”

“Probably 5’7? I don’t know.”

“Do you still keep in contact with him?”

“Oh no, sweetie. I have grown to have standards. Thank the lord for that,” I smiled and a small yawned escaped as I covered my mouth. “I think I should…” I said, before getting interrupted by yet another yawn.

“Get to bed, Nirah,” he nodded.

I smiled, extending my hand. “Well, it’s not a pleasure to officially meet you Antonio De Luca.”

“The pleasure is all mine,” he said, and I stood up, still holding onto his hand.

There was barely any space between us and as I stared into his eyes, my heart rate increased—dangerously.

Truth be told, I didn’t want to let go of his hand. His palm was rough, like a man who was used to working with his hands. They were big too.

His skin was warm, and it all settled in my core, stirring up feelings I would definitely be regretting in the future.

* * *

Because it was a Saturday, my body naturally woke itself up at seven in morning.

I sat up, yawning as I stretched my arms in the air. I glanced around the room, and the soft sun rays snuck into the room through the cracks in the curtains. I could’ve sworn I even heard birds chirping.

I skipped into the bathroom and brushed my teeth, washed my face and tied my hair into a low ponytail before I headed downstairs, only this time, I threw on his sweatpants.

Antonio and the tall, buff, robot of a man both seemed taken aback when I entered the kitchen. “You’re up early,struttinginto my kitchen.”

“And you’re up early—in asuit—in your kitchen.”

“Cesar will be driving you back to the club,” he said as I headed for the fridge.

I scoffed. He must be joking. “Unless your middle name is Cesar, I’ll have to pass,” I said as I grabbed a water bottle from the fridge. “I don’t know if you know this, but my trust issuesstarted with men and unfortunately…” I paused, taking a deep breath in. “God, I really dread saying this; you’re the only man I trust right now. No offense, Cesar,” I said, glancing over at him. “I’m sure you’re a swell fella,” I smiled.

“I have more important things to do today, then drive you around.”

“Well, youwerethe one who kidnapped me and brought me to your house so yes, you will drive me,” I nodded, plopping down on one of the kitchen stools. “Or, I could just stay here for a few hours while I wait for you to get back, I mean this place is amazing,” I looked around. “Cesar and I could even bond and then maybe I’ll let him take me to the club.”