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D iamond slammed the door shut and rested her head on the door. Her body was still buzzing from the aftermath of the sinful act she had done. Her heart raced a thousand miles…

She could have stopped him.

She should have stopped him.

But she didn't…. She was too far gone, her body had betrayed her, she had no control over herself and she hated it that somewhere in her heart she still wanted to go back to him.

She paced around, touched her lips absentmindedly, scolded herself for letting it happen.

This was not in her plans!!

Why did he have to bombard into her life!!

Why was he acting this way? She was too average for him, too boring, too plain.

But her brain reminded her of the moments in the car, the glances he gave her, the way he looked at her as if she was the most gorgeous woman on earth.

She ignored the signs, that was not true!!

She stomped to her bathroom, trying her best to ignore the flashbacks. But they kept coming back, again and again, making her want to run back to him. Go to him and ask to finish what he had started, to take her all.

She proceeded to take off all her clothes which were bathed in his scent. She could smell him on her skin, taste him in her mouth, he was under her skin.

Diamond turned on the shower and stood under the ice cold water. Her body temperature had to be too high, because it did not feel cold at all.

What had he done to her?!

Internally, she debated whether this was just physical attraction or if Luca was actually getting under her skin. She tried to sleep it off, shutting her eyes and willing her mind to go blank, but it didn't work. His voice lingered in her head, the way he said things to her, the intensity in his gaze, the way his fingers brushed against hers, the way he licked her skin.

Frustrated, she turned onto her side and punched the pillow.

This wasn't her.

She didn't overthink men. She didn't get distracted.

But Luca Ferrara? He’s a problem. One that’s slipping past her carefully built defenses.

Diamond exhaled sharply, forcing her body to relax. It’s nothing. Just physical attraction. Just chemistry. She could handle it. She had to. Because letting him in? That’s not an option.

But as sleep finally pulled her under, the last thing on her mind was Luca.

And that’s what scared her the most.

***

The next morning, Diamond’s head wasn’t in it.

She knew it the second she messed up her warm-up routine, fumbling a simple sequence she had done a hundred times before. Annoyance flared in her chest as she shook out her arms, trying to reset, but it didn’t help. Her body moved through the motions, but her mind—her traitorous, stubborn mind—was stuck somewhere else.

More specifically, it was stuck in Luca’s car.

She could still hear his voice, smooth and deep, laced with something she didn’t want to name. Could still feel the way his fingers flexed around her navel , his sharp jawline as he ravished her neck. And worst of all, she could still feel his lips on her, the way his knuckles had grazed her skin, the warmth still lingered on her body.

“Diamond, focus!”

The sharp bark of Vincent's voice snapped her back to reality, but not soon enough. A second later, Lena, landed a clean strike against her ribs.

Diamond staggered back, cursing under her breath.

“Damn, Diamond. Are you okay?” Lena asked, lowering her hands.

She clenched her jaw, nodding once. “Yeah. Again.”

Lena hesitated for a second but complied, resetting her stance. But no matter how hard she tried to focus, Diamond was a step behind. Her reflexes were sluggish, her footwork off. She didn’t see the next hit coming until it was too late, and Lena swept her legs out from under her.

She hit the mat with a harsh thud.

Laughter erupted from the sidelines. “Looks like someone didn’t get enough sleep,” someone teased.

“Or maybe she got too much of something else,” one of the male wrestlers chimed in.

Diamond ignored them, pushing herself up with gritted teeth. She wasn’t the only one who noticed her slip-ups, and that was a problem.

A big one.

Vincent wasn’t one for patience.

The moment she got back on her feet, Vincent was in front of her, arms crossed, eyes like steel.

“What the hell was that?” he demanded.

“I slipped,” she muttered, rolling her shoulders.

“No. You hesitated. You were slow, sloppy, and distracted.” His voice turned sharper. “You’re either here to win, or you’re not. Which is it?”

Her fists clenched at her sides. “I’m here to win.”

“Then prove it,” Vincent shot back. “Ten extra rounds on the bag. Then you’re sparring with Malik.”

Diamond tensed. Malik was a tank, easily the toughest guy in the gym. Sparring with him was brutal on a good day, and today was definitely not a good day.

Still, she refused to argue. Instead, she turned on her heel and headed straight for the punching bags, jaw tight with frustration.

She threw herself into training, determined to beat the distraction out of her system.

Every punch she landed against the bag, she imagined knocking Luca out of her head. Every extra rep Vincent made her do, she pushed through with sheer force of will. Faster. Harder. Until sweat dripped from her brow and her muscles burned.

And still, it wasn’t enough.

No matter how hard she trained, how much she exhausted herself, Luca was still there lingering at the back of her mind, slipping past her defenses when she least expected it.

Damn him.

Pushing herself too hard, she didn’t notice the sharp strain in her shoulder until it was too late. A miscalculated punch sent a jolt of pain shooting through her arm, and she sucked in a sharp breath, stepping back.

Vincent, who had been watching from a distance, walked over. “You’re overdoing it,” he stated.

Diamond exhaled through her nose, flexing her fingers. “I’m fine.”

“You’re reckless.” He studied her for a moment before lowering his voice. “Whatever’s in your head, get rid of it before it hurts you.”

Her jaw tightened.

She wished it was that easy.

Sweaty and exhausted she left the gym hours later. Spending the day training had not distracted her from Luca.

Not one bit.

She took a deep breath and started to walk home when a voice stopped her in her tracks.

“Going somewhere, Bambina?”

Diamond followed the voice and lo and behold!

Luca was there, casually leaning against the same dammit car!

Ignoring the flutter in her heart she stomped towards him in what looked like annoyance and anger.

“What the hell are you doing here Luca?!”

He smirked, clearly enjoying her annoyance.

“So he was the ‘too much’. Good choice Perez.” The same wrestler called out while the others laughed along with him.

Diamond took deep breaths to control her anger, but one look at Luca and her anger dampened.

Because Luca was looking at the male wrestler as if he wanted him six feet under the ground.

The guys left immediately, thanks to the dark, dangerous silent threat Luca gave them. Luca’s eyes then turned back to her, Diamond saw them switch from hard to soft in a matter of seconds.

“Why are you here?” She asked him again, her tone now less annoyed.

“You know Bambina, you were so lost in me last night, that you forgot something important.” He smirked.

Diamond's confused face turned into horror when she saw him take out her phone from his pocket.

How the hell did she not realise that her phone was missing!!!

Her eyes narrowed. “Give it back.”

He hummed, tilting his head as if considering. “You were so busy thinking about me, you forgot this. That’s not very responsible of you, Bambina.”

“Stop calling me that!!”

“That can't happen, Bambina.”

“Give my phone back!”

“And if I don't?” He challenged.

She lunged for it, but Luca was faster. He raised it just out of reach, amusement flickering across his face as she scowled. She tried to punch him but he skillfully dodged it, surprised at the attempt of hitting him.

“Are you not scared of me, Bambina?”

“No. Why should I be?”

“Because I am wildly attracted to you, and it might be turning into a very unhealthy obsession.” He smirked, licking his lips while looking directly into her eyes.

Diamond trembled. No one had ever spoken to her like that.

Luca dangled the cell phone in front of her face and then high above her height. She came back to her senses and jumped as high as she could.

“I swear to God, Luca—”

“Swearing already?” he teased. “You must really want this back.”

She crossed her arms, giving him a deadly look. “What do you want against it?”

Luca’s smirk turned downright dangerous. He stepped closer, invading her space just enough to make her pulse spike. “How about a deal?”

Diamond lifted a brow. “What kind of deal?”

He dangled the phone just above her reach, fingers tapping against the screen. “Something simple. A favor. An hour with you.”

She exhaled sharply. “You expect me to agree to this after what happened last night?”

“No matter how much I want to repeat that, I promise I won't touch you.” He promised.

Diamond was annoyed, why?

Because somewhere she wanted him to touch her.

“Won't touch me? Really?” She scoffed.

“Do you want me to?” He closed the distance between them making her breath hitch.

Diamond held her breath, her clenched fists now turning white.

Luca studied her, amused at the internal battle playing out on her face.

Her fingers twitched. This was a mistake. She knew it.

But she needed her damn phone.

“I need to bathe and change, I can't go anywhere like this.” She informed him.

“We don't need to go anywhere, we can sit in the car.” he smirked.

“No.” Was her instant reply.

Luca chuckled, the sound was surprisingly pleasant to her ears.

“Then?” He asked.

Diamond weighed all her options, she was hungry, she needed proper food. She could not take him to a restaurant, she didn't have that kind of money. Fast food could disrupt her diet plan, but she had stuff at home to cook a meal.

Will it be okay to take him home??

Will he really not touch her?

What if he did lose control?

Or Worse…

What if she loses it!!

“Bambina??”

She looked at him, his eyes soft on her. The casual attire looked good on him, but no way near good as he did in a suit.

“Bambina?”

“My place, I'll make dinner.” Her words were out before she could think again.

The surprised smile on his face was infectious, her heart fluttered.

She had to take him out of her system.

She had to!!!

“You sure Bambina?” He confirmed.

If she backs out now, he’ll think she's scared and that was not what she wanted.

“Yes, and it's got nothing to do with you. My place is near and I am sweaty, tired and hungry.” She clarified.

“Nothing to do with me, huh? You know I can make you sweaty, tired and hungry ten times more.” He bit his lip, his fingers twitching for a touch.

Diamond gasped, she had a feeling this would not end the way she wanted it to.

“You won't touch me in that hour.” She ordered.

“I won't, deal.”

“Fine,” she bit out. “Deal, and no touching.”

Luca grinned, victorious, as he placed the phone in her hand. His fingers lingered just a second too long before he stepped back.

“Pleasure doing business with you.”

Diamond swore she saw something flicker in his gaze—something smug, knowing. Like he had just set something in motion that she wouldn’t be able to escape.

And the worst part?

She had a feeling he was right.

Diamond walked back home, her steps measured, her breath steady. She could have taken the ride Luca had offered, but sitting in that car, trapped with his scent, his presence, his words? Not happening.

And yet, she hadn’t stopped him from walking beside her.

The city buzzed around them, but between them, it was something quieter. Something that simmered beneath the surface. Luca didn’t push conversation, but she could feel his gaze on her, studying, waiting.

By the time they reached her apartment, her pulse was thrumming.

“I need a shower,” she muttered, unlocking the door. “Make yourself at home or whatever.”

Luca’s lips curved, a knowing smirk playing at the edges. “I plan to.”

She didn’t stick around to see what that meant. She needed space. Needed to scrub the tension off her skin, let the cold water wash away the way her body reacted to him.

When she emerged, fresh in a simple tank top and shorts, she found him exactly as she expected—too comfortable.

Luca was leaning against her kitchen counter, flipping through a magazine she didn’t even remember owning. His jacket was off, his sleeves rolled up, forearms flexing as he turned a page like he had all the time in the world.

Her eyes flicked to her fridge. “Is steak and salad okay?”

He glanced up, his smirk lazy. “I like tender and fresh, either the dinner or you.”

Diamond ignored the way her stomach clenched at his words and went straight to the kitchen, pulling out steak and fresh vegetables. She focused on her hands, the rhythm of chopping, the heat of the pan sizzling. Anything but the way Luca moved to stand beside her.

“I’ll help,” he said smoothly, rolling up his sleeves even further.

“I don’t need help.”

“I didn’t ask if you did.”

Her fingers tightened around the knife. “You’re persistent.”

“And you’re pretending you don’t like it.”

His words, his voice, his scent—it was suffocating, in the worst and best ways. Diamond focused on the steak, seasoning it as Luca effortlessly fell into place beside her, washing and slicing vegetables like he belonged there.

“So wrestling, huh? You surprised me yet again Bambina.” He broke the silence.

“Yeah. Security job is part time.” She mentioned hesitantly.

“What got you into wrestling?” he asked, voice casual, but his eyes sharp as ever.

She shrugged, flipping the steak. “I was good at it.”

Luca hummed, clearly expecting more.

She didn’t give it to him.

Instead, she turned the question back on him. “And you? Construction?”

His smirk was slower this time, measured. “It earns me well. And I like building things.”

Diamond arched a brow. “That's all?”

He met her gaze without hesitation, something dark flickering in his expression. “You mean my other business?”

Most men would have flinched at the implication. Luca didn’t.

She held his gaze. “Yeah. That one.”

He leaned against the counter, watching her. “It’s in my blood. It’s what my family does. What my father did. What I did for ten years and now my brother does. He enjoys it more than me, I manage it under him now.” His tone was calm, but beneath it, there was an edge. One that warned not to dig too deep.

Diamond nodded, accepting his answer, though she noted the way he had worded it. Now. Not used to. It was in the present.

“What about your family?” He asked.

Dread dawned upon her, she didn't want to answer it. But she had to give him something.

“Single child, parents died when I was 17.” She replied.

“I'm sorry.” Pity evident in his eyes.

She shrugged, not knowing what to say in response so she asked about his family instead.

“My parents, my younger brother and sister all live in Italy. But they visit here quite often.” His fingers brushed past her just when he removed the steaks from the heat. The action made both of them freeze, it was evident that the tension was much more than anticipated.

They ate in silence, but it was anything but comfortable. Every bite, every shift, every brush of a hand against the table sent something electric crackling between them.

“I enjoyed the food, it's just like you.” Luca leaned back on the chair.

“Just like me?” Diamond stopped in between a bite.

“Yes, you, where one cannot be satisfied with just a single taste.” His gaze shifted to the way her tongue swiped over her lower lip.

“I want to taste you so bad, Diamond.”

Diamond’s eyes widened from the blatant statement, “You… you already have.” She stammered.

“No Bambina, I wanna taste you down there, quench my thirst with every drop of your cum.”

The words were enough to get her heart racing, he was shameless, his words crude, but her body enjoyed the uncensored statement.

“Stop, just stop.” She spoke, catching her heavy breaths.

He stopped but his clouded eyes betrayed him, his eyes had locked Diamond in a trance, she couldn't stop looking at him.

The air thickened, weighted with things unsaid.

She wanted him.

He wanted her.

But neither moved. Neither spoke.

The tension stretched until it was unbearable. Until he realised that an hour had passed, and Luca finally—finally—snapped.

He pushed his chair back, rising to his feet in one fluid motion. Before she could react, his hand was on her face, tilting her chin up, and then—

His lips crashed against hers.

It wasn’t soft. It wasn’t slow. It was raw, hungry, a claim he had been holding back for far too long.

Diamond gasped against his mouth, her fingers curling into his shirt, gripping him as if she could anchor herself.

When he finally pulled back, his forehead resting against hers, his voice was rough with something almost like relief.

“The damn hour is finally over,” he murmured, thumb stroking her jaw. “Now I can touch you.”

Her breath hitched.

She was in so much trouble.

And this time, she didn’t stop him, because she was too far gone into it.