Page 26 of Ravage God

I shook my head. “I’m walking you up.”

I got out of the car before she could say anything and walked around, opening the door for her.

She looked up at me as if she didn’t know what to make of this. I reached in and unbuckled her belt when she still hadn’t moved after five long seconds. My arms brushed up against her chest in the process, and she sucked in a sharp breath. I held still, letting my eyes settle over her, taking in her features. Our faces were no more than an inch or so away from each other. I could feel her breath fanning over my skin when she inhaled deeply, then let it out in a long exhale.

She swallowed before turning away from me, breaking the spell.

I pulled back and stepped away from the car. She got out, closing the door behind her.

I could feel the air shifting between us.

We didn’t speak as we got up to Valentino’s apartment. She kept a small distance between us, as if she were afraid we might accidentally touch.

Her hand shook as she tried to unlock the door.

I grabbed the keys from her after her third failed attempt and unlocked the door for her, pushing it open to the dark apartment inside.

“Stay here,” I said, moving her back and checking inside.

“That’s not necessary…”

Her voice faded as I moved further into the apartment. I checked around, not that I thought there was anyone in here, given the tight security in this building. Valentino had taken extra precautions and installed one of the best security systems on the market in his apartment, but you could never be too careful.

After I was satisfied with my check, I came back out to her.

Isa was still standing where I had left her.

“There’s no one in there, huh?” she said, crossing her arms over her chest.

I didn’t say anything to that.

She rolled her eyes, moving past me inside, and then turned at the doorway. “Thank you for driving me home,” she said.

“Of course, sweetheart,” I answered. I stayed where I was, wondering if she would tell me what was wrong if I asked her.

“Good night, Elio.”

My expression didn’t change as I watched her, but fuck if I didn’t feel my heart reacting to my name on her tongue. My fists clenched and unclenched before I said, “Good night, Isa.”

She gave me one last look and closed the door. I stood there, staring at it for a few long seconds before turning back around and leaving, somehow feeling like I was making a mistake, as I resisted the urge to knock on the door and demand she let me stay.

6

ISA

I wokeup with a pounding headache that I would have given anything just to make go away.

The door to my room opened loudly, and with a groan, I pulled the covers over my head.

“Good morning, sleeping beauty,” Valentino screamed. Or perhaps he didn’t scream, but it sure felt like it.

“Go away,” I grumbled.

He laughed. “Come now. Is that any way to greet me after I worked myself over the stove this morning to make you breakfast?”

Nausea tickled my throat, and I held my breath to try to keep it at bay. I heard Valentino set something down on the bedside table. I peeked one eye open to see a glass of water and two white pills.

“Painkillers,” he said when he noticed me looking.