Her head shot up, and I saw I struck a chord.
“Forgive me for not believing you.”
Ouch.“Believe it or not, I kept my promise.”
“Right.” Her face scowled, and my rage bubbled up even further in my chest. She was the only one I would allow to speak to me like that.
“It’s true.”
She held up a hand and started to walk by me, but I blocked her path and steered her back against the wall. I used my height and weight and curled myself around her, trapping her so she couldn’t escape.
A light pink blush kissed her face just like when we were younger, when she was turned on.
Interesting…
I admired her toned skin and plump breasts that were half covered by her pink bikini. She smelled like coconut and fresh shampoo.
She tilted her head up, and I spotted her necklace. Using the tip of my finger I traced the thin chain from her shoulder, to her collarbone, down her chest, and to the side of her smooth breast to finger the two pendants. I was immediately tossed into the memory of giving it to her.
I couldn’t believe she still had it, let alone still wore it.
“Elio.” Her warm breath shot up at me, and I was instantly aroused.
“You still have this…” I stated and slipped my hand in between her robe and across her bare hip.
“I keep the things I love close.” She looked away.
“I can’t believe you’re here right now.” I missed being lost in her. I leaned down and ran my nose along her earlobe and into her hair like I used to do. “I missed this.”
I felt her body go stiff, and I knew I went too far.
“Whose fault is that?” Both her hands went to my chest and gently pushed me backward. I allowed it, as I knew this process would take baby steps. “I’m not yours to touch or play mind games with anymore.”
“I’m not playing mind games, Sienna.” I purposely reached out and hooked my fingers through hers to show I could still touch her.
“I’m not like you, Elio.” She wiggled free and ran a frustrated hand through her hair. “I can’t just turn that switch back on.”
“It’s not a goddamn switch.” I pointed to my chest. “It’s us, Sienna, it’s what we’ve always had. An unexplainable connection, love.”
“Love.” She laughed like I was mad. “You have a pretty horrible way of showing love, Elio.”
My phone rang, and I knew who it was. I cursed and pulled it from my coat pocket.
“What?” I almost yelled into the phone as I kept my eyes on her, not wanting to look away.
“We found another rat.”
I rubbed my forehead, beyond frustrated.
“Get him ready. I’ll be there in ten.”
“Sure thing, boss.”
I tucked my phone away, and when I looked back over at her, she was watching me. Lord, she was gorgeous. Her perfect lips that were meant for me had turned into a scowl.
“You better go.”
“This isn’t over.” I waited a beat then kissed her cheek and peeled myself away, rounding the corner where Vinni and Niccola were waiting for me. “I don’t care who, but one of you needs to watch her at all times. She is not to be alone here. Ever.”