Page 69 of The Temptation

“It wasn’t a date, and we didn’t even have coffee before we kissed, Lucia,” I mutter.

“Why?”

“Why what?”

She tilts her face towards the ceiling and blows out a frustrated breath. She pauses there for a beat before dragging her face back to mine.

“Did you feel the need to propose because we kissed? I mean, it was a great kiss, and I’d be more than willing to go there again, but marriage … that’s not necessary.”

“I’m suggesting we get married because if you’re mine, Salvatori can’t have you.”

She gasps. “Yours.”

“On paper, yes.”

“Is that the only reason you want to marry me?”

“If it can save you from that fucking psycho, then I’m willing to make that sacrifice.”

“Sacrifice,” she shrieks.

“That didn’t come out right,” I say, dragging my hand down my face.

Maybe this is why I always steered away from having a serious relationship. I’m not good at this shit.

Her expression goes from slightly offended to downright serious. “Do we get to do all the things husbands and wives do?”

“Such as?” I ask, which is a stupid question, because given her recent antics, I have a fair idea where this is going.

Her eyes glint with something I can’t quite place. Mischief, maybe, or just the pure joy of watching me squirm.

“You know,” she says, casually inspecting her nails like we’re not having the most deranged conversation of ourlives. “Share a bed. Argue about throw pillows.” Her eyes flicker back to my face. “Have hot and sweaty sex.”

“No,” I growl. “Like I said, it’ll be on paper only, a marriage of convenience.”

As soon as the words are out, she shifts the box containing her new shoes off her lap, sets it neatly on the cushion beside her, and stands. Her expression is unreadable.

“I appreciate the offer, Romeo,” she says coolly, “but the answer is no.”

With that, she turns and walks out of the room, leaving me standing there, speechless, and if I’m being honest, more disappointed than I expected to be.

Chapter 14

Romeo

I’m in a crappy mood as I sit down at the table the next morning. I’m irritated, embarrassed, and a little humiliated. I should’ve known a woman like Lucia wouldn’t be interested in marrying a man like me, despite how she’s been acting. I’m starting to wonder if this woman even likes me, or if I’ve just been a game to her all along.

The way she kissed me … the way she looked at me like I was the only person in the room. It all felt real in the moment. But maybe that’s just who she is.

Perhaps I misinterpreted flirtation for genuine interest, or kindness for something more. And now I’m left stewing in the bitter taste of rejection, questioning everything.

Maybe it’s for the best if I let someone else take over. After everything that’s happened, bowing out might be the right thing to do.

My eyes briefly flicker up to the woman in question when she places my breakfast down in front of me. “Thank you,” I mumble, diverting my gaze to anywhere but her.

“I was thinking about what you asked me last night,” she says, taking her usual seat. The one closest to me.

I immediately shovel food into my mouth because I’mnot ready to have this conversation with her. Not now. Not ever. I want to pretend the whole thing never happened.