Page 48 of Winter

Inca’s irritation suddenly went, and she felt her whole body slump. She shook her head, trying to not cry. “I need a new start, a new life. And I can’t do it in that town.”

Mindy nodded. “Okay then, sweetheart.” She peered closely at Inca, who felt her eyes fill with tears. She looked away from the realtor’s inquiring gaze. Mindy leaned over the desk and squeezed her hand. “I’ll email you some details and we’ll arrange some viewings next week.”

Inca nodded, managing to get a muttered ‘thanks’ out before she stood and almost ran back out onto the street in tears, filled with a crushing grief. What the hell was the matter with her? She dragged deep breaths into her lungs, trying to fend off the panic attack. She felt Raffaelo standing next to her, but he didn’t touch her.

Eventually the tension in her chest eased and she sighed, giving Raffaelo a sheepish smile.

“I’m sorry. I just had to get out.” She sighed. Raffaelo gathered her into a hug, his arms tight around her. After a second, she returned his hold. He kissed her temple.

“I think this is the shock from the attack hitting you,” he said gently. “Tommaso said the doctor said this might happen.”

Inca realized he was right and her body slumped against him. His arms around her felt good. “I think that’s why I feel on edge.”

“Shall we go find somewhere quiet and private to eat? We can talk—or not, entirely your choice. But let me take care of you, please, Inca. For Tommaso. For me. For you.”

She closed her eyes and nodded, feeling his arms tighten around her. She breathed in his scent—clean linen and fresh air— and felt the heat from his body warm her. Why was she feeling like this? She looked up at him then and their gazes locked. She felt a jolt run through her.

I want you. Oh God, no. She pulled away, looking down. “Yes, let’s go find somewhere.”

She couldn’t shake the feeling though; desire curled in her stomach as he took her hand and they made their way to the nearest restaurant.

Raffaelo watched her as they sat at their table, drinks in hand. “Inca,” he said softly. “I think I know what you are feeling. I feel it too.”

Inca shook her head. “Raffaelo … I love Tommaso. I do.”

“I know. As do I—I don’t want to feel like this.”

His strong hands pushed her thighs apart; his huge cock glided into her …

“Raff, maybe we shouldn’t spend time with each other. Not until Tommaso comes back.”

“Perhaps.”

They finished their meal in silence. Afterwards they walked along the waterfront. At Pier 59, Inca stopped.

“This is my favorite place in the city. Especially at night.” The globe lamps were just coming on, lighting the lilac dusk. She leaned over the rail and looked down at the navy water, breathing in the salty smell of the Bay.

Raffaelo moved closer to her, sliding an arm around her waist. She looked up and smiled at him. He frowned slightly.

“Come on. The ferry’s awaiting.”

As the ferry pulled away from the pier, Inca shivered as the breeze picked up. Raffaelo put his jacket around her. She smiled her thanks and looked back towards the city.

“I’m biased, I know, but that’s the best skyline in the world.”

“What about Manhattan, Hong Kong, Sydney?” He was amused.

She grinned and pointed over to the horizon. Out of the violet night, Mount Rainier rose above the city.

“Volcano. Big ass volcano,” Inca said. “Big ass volcano trumps everything.”

“Fair point.”

“Beautiful, isn’t it?”

He smiled but said nothing, kissing the top of her head. There was a new possibility opening to him that he hadn’t figured into his plans. Raffaelo tightened his grip on her and stared out at the ocean, contemplating a future of something completely alien to him.

Love.