Page 41 of Nico

My labored breathing was in contrast to his even one. Both of my palms rested against his chest, his heat under my fingertips. I wondered how his skin would feel under my touch. Around him, I felt alive again, a completely different woman. Yet, he seemed put together. If it wasn’t for his erection pressing against me, I would have thought him completely unfazed by what we just shared. He was much better at hiding his reactions than me.

The necessary trait of a criminal, I guessed.

Reluctantly, my hands fell down, missing his body already.

“You okay?” he asked, never moving. He didn’t care about anyone around us. His presence alone commanded obedience and respect, I guessed. Nobody would dare to complain to him for holding up the elevator.

“Yes.” I wanted more of what we just shared but wouldn’t tell him that. I had to keep some semblance of dignity.

As if he heard my thoughts, he placed a gentle kiss on the corner of my mouth. As if he was my magnet, my body leaned against him. I had to stop myself from turning my head to meet his lips. My intense reaction had to be a result of being alone for so long. Otherwise, this man would destroy me, and I’d be extinguished like embers after the flames. He straightened, removing his arm off the elevator wall and all the traces of the passionate man were gone. It was like a switch had been flipped, and I had to blink my eyes to ensure I was seeing it right.

How could he turn off his feelings so quickly?

I brushed my slightly trembling hands down my dress nervously. I couldn’t turn my feelings on and off like that. But it was good to see it firsthand and remain vigilant while keeping my head.

He put his hand on the small of my back and together we exited the elevator to a large room full of people mingling around, drinks in their hand. From all the corners of the room, eyes were on us, although some pretended not to look our way.

“What kind of party is this?” I asked, realizing too late I never asked the purpose of it.

Some people openly gawked, whispering to each other.

Don’t worry about them, Bianca.When all was said and done, I’d never see them again. These strangers didn’t matter, only my girls’ safety. This man was offering some form of protection while I figured out how to get out of this mess.

Yes, I told myself.He is using me, and I’m using him.

Something deep inside of me warned, but I ignored it.

“We closed a large real estate deal in Italy.” There was no boasting in his voice, no excitement or pride. It was just another acquisition for him. “On the Amalfi coast.”

There was a strange look in his eyes as he indicated the location of the property.

“Nice,” I told him, wondering if I was missing something. Maybe he needed a pat on the back. “Congratulations. It is my favorite part of Italy.”

His eyebrow arched in surprise. “Really?”

“Yeah. I have some family there.”

He continued watching me, and I started to wonder if I missed something.

“Bianca.” I turned my head in the direction of the man’s voice.

It was Gabito, Angie’s boyfriend, with another woman on his arm. She was very pretty, her blonde locks softly cascading down her shoulders. She wore a bright red dress that worked well with her complexion and fair hair. They both approached us with a wide smile on their faces. Stopping a foot from us, Gabito reached down kissing my cheek, causing me to stiffen. It wasn’t a greeting I was accustomed to from strangers.

“Nice to see you again,” he greeted me. “This is my wife.”

I stared in shock at his wife that he just introduced. He was married! Did Angie know?

She reached out her hand with a friendly but chilled smile.

“Hi there, I’m Jenna Palermo,” her voice was melodious, but her eyes were on Nico, devouring him.Palermo, why did that last name sound so familiar?

Palermo, Palermo.I searched my memory but came up empty. I was certain I heard that name before.

“And you are?” she turned her attention to me with a fake smile.

Instinctively, I knew she didn’t like seeing another woman with Nico. Ridiculous jealousy spread through me, but I quickly squashed it. It was pointless to be jealous; Nico and I only had a marriage contract arrangement. Though the man’s kisses were a delightful kind of sin.

I’ll call it a perk of this arrangement, I mused to myself.