Page 78 of The Pretender

“My pleasure.”

Deo steps even closer, a mischievous smile on his lips. “That’s right. Your pleasure. That’s mine, you know?”

“That so?”

“Yep. I have plans for you.” His teeth graze his bottom lip. “I can’t wait.”

“Now you’re teasing me.”

“Just part of the fun, handsome.”

Searching his eyes, I’m flooded with a wave of emotions and thoughts. I don’t want to leave him yet, but I can’t be selfish. I’d never forgive myself if anything happened to him or his family. That’s not an option. Besides, Nonna will have my balls.

Tomorrow I’ll call Vin and try to reason with the most unreasonable man on the planet. Should be fine.

TWENTY-THREE

amadeo

Balt is acting strange.

The last three days he’s been secretive, ducking away to make or take calls, and generally being distant, which is a total bummer. I thought we were growing closer, but maybe this is for the best. It’s not like we’re building a real relationship here. We both know there’s an expiration date on our union and growing attached would only make things worse. I still haven’t decided what I’ll tell my family when it’s time for him to leave.

The box of goodies I ordered is sitting in the closet, waiting for me to take the lead, but I don’t know when a good time would be now Balt is clearly preoccupied with something.

Nonna is being a little strange too, constantly checking in with me and asking about my relationship. At first I thought she was just showing interest in my life, but now it’s starting to feel like she knows something I don’t. I can’t imagine Balt told her things he hasn’t told me though. That would be weird.

Balt steps out of the bathroom with damp skin and a towel wrapped around his waist. He uses another towel to dry his hair as he leans on the doorframe and fixes his gaze on me.

I brace myself, expecting him to drop some kind of bomb on me. Is he bored with me? Does he want to go back to the big city?

“I was thinking…”

I nod. “Okay.”

“The weather is supposed to be pretty nice this weekend. Maybe we can take a drive and you can show me some more of the state.”

My brow crinkles in confusion. “Oh. Um, yeah, we can do that.”

“Is something wrong?”

“You tell me. You’re the one being distant and weird.”

His expression goes blank for a moment before shifting to concern. “I have been, haven’t I?”

“Yes. I was half expecting you to tell me you’re bored and ready to leave.”

Balt shakes his head, approaching me. He sits on the edge of the bed, reaching out to rub my leg. “I’m sorry. Truly. I got some news a few days ago about my boss and I’ve been trying to handle it without burdening you with it all.”

I sense the truth in his demeanor. “I’m sorry you’re having a hard time. Are you sure it’s nothing I can help with?”

“I’m sure.” He rubs my foot, massaging gently. “I’m sorry I’ve been distant. I didn’t mean to shut you out.”

“It’s okay. It’s not like this is real.”

Balt frowns, lifting my foot and kissing the sole. “I wish you wouldn’t say it like that. I do care about you. In fact, that’s why I don’t want to burden you with my troubles.”

“And that’s exactly my point. If we were a real couple, you’d see it’s not a burden. We’d help each other through everything, just like you’re helping me with the business.”