Page 14 of Until You Came Along

"I’m glad to hear that your mother suggested talking about your paintings."

"It’s the first time she’s done that, so I have no idea what she’ll say."

"I’m sure it will be something good," I affirmed.

"Thanks to you."

"I have nothing to do with it, this is because of your talent. It’s a shame you didn’t show them to her before, I’m convinced she’ll support you."

Baco surprised me by caressing my cheek.

"Thank you, beautiful."

A throat clearing made us look up. Hermes was standing next to us and looking at us seriously, as always.

"Hermes, do you need something?" Baco asked.

"Mom is looking for you."

"Do you know what she wants?"

"No. You’ll have to go ask her yourself."

"Are you coming with me?" Baco asked, looking at me.

"I’d prefer to wait here, perhaps your mother needs to speak with you privately."

Baco looked at me and then at his brother who was still standing in the same place and seemed to have no intention of moving. Then he turned and left. Having him there, I again felt that tingling in my stomach that was increasing. Hermes followed his brother with his gaze and when he was far enough away that he couldn’t hear him, he opened his mouth to say something, but I got ahead of him and didn’t let him speak.

"I’m sorry about your shirt. I promise to buy you another one and have it delivered to you," I said, looking up at him, because I was still sitting on the bench.

"That’s not necessary, but as I told you before, I intend to collect," he stated, with his serious tone and stern look.

While I looked at him with surprise, he sat down next to me, in the place that minutes before Baco had occupied.

"You also owe me an answer," he expressed, looking into my eyes and very close to my face.

“I already told you that...”

He didn’t let me finish, placing one of his fingers on my lips while looking into my eyes with what seemed like confusion.

“I see I bring out your worst temper, but I need you to tell me.”

He left his finger pressed against my lips longer than he should have, and before withdrawing it, he caressed my lower lip with a subtle touch. My entire body shuddered and I couldn’t help but let out a sigh. Hermes parted his lips slightly as he seemed to debate whether to lower his mouth to mine and possess them or withdraw without tasting them. We remained like this for a few seconds, during which I appeared to be in a trance while he, staring at my lips without blinking, seemed to be fighting an internal battle. A nearby noise brought me back to reality and made me pull away.

“Why are you so interested? Are you one of those controlling people who need to know everything about their siblings’ lives and approve their relationships?” I asked, trying to sound calm when I was anything but. The butterflies that had taken residence in my stomach had now spread throughout my entire body.

“Are you in a relationship?”

“You’re insufferable!”

“I am, but in this case, not for the reasons you think,” he said, his gaze settling on my lips again.

“Tell me your reasons and maybe I’ll answer you,” I stated with conviction. If this man thought he could intimidate me with his commands, he was wrong. His presence intimidated me, his gaze, his lips, his... everything about him intimidated me, but not his bossy attitude.

“I can find out on my own,” he stated.

“Then go ahead and find out. I think your girlfriend is looking for you,” I said, looking toward the woman who had been dancing with him minutes before and who was now heading rapidly toward us with an unfriendly expression.