Page 147 of Sins of the Orchid

Grabbing my purse, I pulled the door open and exited before another stupid comment left my lips.

The moment he pulled off, Adriano came through the door and pulled me into a hug.

“There you are.”

“Hey,” I greeted him. Somehow he felt familiar but foreign. I couldn’t explain it. Our hug felt awkward. Before it was comforting, now it felt wrong, and I had a feeling he sensed it too. I still had no intention of marrying him. I just needed to figure out a way not to cause a war. I didn’t want anyone hurt on my account.

“So, what’s this about?” I asked him as we strode into the house. I found a nearby table and put my purse on it.

I padded down the foyer and hallway with Adriano while memories of my last visit to this house were a sweet torture. The Russo Long Island home seemed more grand than the last time, though only five months had passed. I couldn’t help remembering all the fluttery feelings when I left this house last time after spending the night with Santi.

Hope. Love. Happiness.

Today, it was the opposite.

Dread. Still love. But also despair.

I really didn't want to be in this house. I’d rather be anywhere but here. It was reliving something beautiful that I have been trying to forget.

“I wanted your opinion,” Adriano said as he took my hand and tugged me along.

“On what?” I asked him curiously.

“What if we got married here and lived here?”

My steps halted and I stared at him in shock. “Why?” Then I shook my head. “Actually, scratch that. I told you that I didn’t think we were meant for each other in that way.”

He grinned wide. “You thought. I disagreed.” He bent his head and pressed a kiss on my cheek. I couldn't help stiffening. “We should get married,” he continued as if he didn’t notice me glaring at him annoyed. “Anyhow, the house is plenty big, close to your folks, and Santi agreed he’d sign it over to me if we want to live here.”

Fuck no!My mind screamed. I didn’t want to live in a house where I lost my V-card to his big brother. Santi was a sick bastard to even agree to sign it over. Ugh, why was I even getting worked up over something that would never happen?

“What do you think?” Adriano seemed eager.

“Hmmm.” I’d start having panic attacks if this shit didn’t end.

“Is that yes or no?”No.

“Let’s not rush it,” I answered instead.

Adriano stilled, his eyes studying me. I held his gaze, but my heart drummed in agony. It would have been easier if I loved him instead of his brother. But no, my stupid heart needed a complication and now I was losing Adriano.

“Can you at least go check out upstairs and our bedroom?”

I swallowed. “Our bedroom?”

“Yes, the master bedroom,” he retorted. “I think you might fall in love with it, and it will help make up your mind.”

Not likely.“Okay.”

Taking a step towards the grand marble staircase, I noticed Adriano remained glued to his spot.

“Are you coming?”

He smiled, a slightly smug look on his face. I swore he reminded me of Santi like this.

“You go ahead. I’ll wait for you here. Large double door on the left. It’s in its own private wing. You can’t miss it.”

I nodded.