Page 138 of Ruin Me With Lies

Except that theory’s torched a minute later when I hear his voice on a call.So much for that.

He thinks I’m his karma?No, he’smycurse.A menace to my peace.A threat to my sanity.A terrorist to my heart.

I shove in my earphones, crank up my playlist, and lock in on Lorenzo’s long as hell to-do list.

Time passes, and I’m halfway through a surveillance team debrief when one of my earphones is abruptly plucked out.Focus broken, I twist around to see Stefano behind me, chin propped on the back of the couch like a bored kid.

“How much work do you have to do today?”he asks.

“A bit,” I cautiously reply.“But it’s easy stuff, easy to multitask.”

“I don’t want you multitasking.”His gaze is soft, the harshness that was etched in his features earlier now gone.“I want your attention.All of it.On me.”

“Funny.Considering it took you, what…” I cast a quick glance at the clock on the wall.“…over an hour to even acknowledge my presence?”

“Did you a favor, trust me.You wouldn’t want to deal with me un-caffeinated.”

Oh.“Ah, so you’re one ofthosepeople.”

“I’mthatperson.”He eyes my laptop like it’s a mortal enemy.“Anything on your to-do list that’s actually urgent?”

“Your brother thinkseverythingis urgent.All the time.‘Right now,’ and ‘immediately,’” I mimic in a clipped tone, laughing.“He’s the most impatient person I know.”

“Well then…” Without warning, he vaults over the back of the couch, settles beside me, and shuts my laptop with a decisive snap, booting it off my lap.“Relax.He’s not gonna tear himself away from whatever he’s doing in L.A.to scold you.”

Oh, I know exactly what Lorenzo’s doing in L.A.Stalking.He’s not the only one keeping tabs.I know where he is right down to the minute.“You’re a bad influence, bossman.”

He shifts around and stretches out across the couch, laying his head in my lap.“Think it’s already been established that I’m shamelessly needy with you.”

Laughing, I run my fingers through his hair.“Who’s complaining?”

“Take advantage of me,” he murmurs.“Word’s out that I’m not to be contacted for the next four hours unless it’s life or death.I’m all yours, Delilah.”

“Hmm.Whatever will I do with you?”I trace the sharp cut of his jaw.“The possibilities are endless...”

He bites his lip and waggles his brows, pointedly eying my boobs.“The view from down here is magnificent.”

I giggle at his antics.His energy is so much lighter now, a playful glint in his eyes, a spirited kind of frivolity.And it’s clear, so utterly clear, that hewantsto be here with me.

Whether that’s because I amuse him or because he genuinelylikesme, I don’t know.But the way he’s looking at me makes me feel...weightless.Like I’m capable of more.Like I’m deserving.Like I’m worthy of something.Like I’m wanted.Like happiness doesn’t have to be some unattainable pipe dream.

If I woke up to him looking at me like this every day, I would conquer the world.I would have hope.I wouldbelievein things.

I would…be.

“Raya?”

“Hmm?”

His voice has lost the flirt now, quieter.Sincere.“What’s your name?”

“Raya Michel.”

As if he expected nothing else, he nods once and presses a kiss to my belly.Not in acceptance, but in temporary surrender.“My pretty little liar.”

~

WE SPEND THErest of the day wrapped up in each other, undisturbed.We eat.We fuck.We idle.We nap.Repeat.All while Stefano keeps trying to seduce little truths out of me.Never enough to get me to crack, though.