Page 85 of Pretty Plaything

“What?” I ask.

“Um, nothing, but that’s like a whole lot of... um, calories.”

I wave my hand in dismissal. “Fuck it. I’ll work it off later.”

Her eyebrows shoot up. “I see your husband completely ruined you.”

I let out a laugh. “I guess he did. We train together, so I need more energy. And he’s also trying to teach me to enjoy food. That one’s actually easy because food is delicious.”

“Please stop talking.” Emilia pouts. “I wish I had a husband like yours.”

My mind flies to yesterday morning in the gym when Alessandro wrapped his arms around me, and I tried to free myself of him. I was about to stomp on his foot, but the bastard cheated and slid his hand into my panties.

Then he had me on the floor, and my plan of learning how to defend myself completely flew out of my head.

Maybe next time we’d have more luck, and he’ll actually manage to teach me a few moves.

Or maybe not.

I don’t think I’ll ever be in any real danger when I’m with him, but he believes it’s better to always be prepared.

He wants me to be safe, no matter what.

“What are you thinking about?” Emilia asks.

“Absolutely nothing.”

“Don’t lie to me. You’re thinking about Alessandro.”

I want to keep my expression neutral, but I can’t because a smile fights its way onto my lips.

Emilia tilts her head. “You love him,” she says. “You actually love him.”

“I don’t know. I guess I kind of do. I thought that he was something he wasn’t, and when I got to know him better and I realized he was actually human, I started to like him. Really like him.”

“So he’s not as scary as everyone thinks he is?”

“Oh, he is. But I’m not one of his enemies.” I grin.

“Where is he now?”

“Away on business.” Actually, he’s meeting with Mauro.

The two of them have been hanging out a lot more lately. I guess it’s a good thing.

“And what about that prostitute you said Alessandro visited all the time? Is he done with her now?” Emilia bites down on her lip.

“He actually told me all about her.” I let out a laugh when I see the incredulous look on Emilia’s face. “He just paid her to fool his enemies about where he was.”

“And you believe him?”

“Of course I do. He showed me a photo of her. She’s so not his type. And he doesn’t need anyone else when he has me. He has a lot of energy, but I don’t think he has that much.” I wink at her.

“Oh, my god!” She covers her face with her hands.

I keep grinning.

“You know, I love your confidence,” she says. “You’ve changed.”