“Why were you even with her in the first place?” I raise an eyebrow at him.
“Because I was getting my divorce papers finalized,” he whispers, and I get even angrier.
“They weren’t even finalized when you decided to start using me?!?”
“That’s not the way it is, and you know it. Our divorce process was long after the whole pregnancy and money scandal, it took a few years to finally have it all in place. I went to go get them yesterday because I had asked her for them.” He stops and then keeps going, not finishing his previous sentence. “She’s engaged to Crue. Her father finally approved, and right before she kissed me, she told me that this was our parting gift. She thinks I’m still hung up on her.”
“Are you?”
“Hell no. You should know that by now, Ale.”
“I actually don’t know. Remember when you told me you can’t love anyone, especially me.” I look at him with a knowing face.
“Every single second that I have known you, I have been infuriated by your presence. But there came a time when I liked that comfort. I realized when I saw Adèle yesterday that every single thing I felt for her was fake. It wasn’t love. It was infatuation. With you, it’s different, it’s raw, and I’m not going to let you walk away just because of a misunderstanding.”
“It looked like you were kissing her back. One thing I don’t do is cheaters, so if you are one, Mr. Donatello, say it right now. Put your ego and self-absorbed dick away.” I’m heaving at this point. I don’t know how to react or what to believe. I’ve been around liars my whole life and I don’t want another one becoming my boyfriend.
Did I just say boyfriend?
“Do not call me Mr. Donatello. This will not go back to what it used to be.” I take one step towards him. “Isn’t it? I mean, you did kiss your ex-wife and didn’t tell me. If there was such an easy explanation, why didn’t you just communicate? Because I would have found out sooner or later. Our every move is watched, and you know that.”
“You’re finally accepting that, I never thought I’d see the day.”
“Answer the question, Donatello.”
“The reason I didn’t tell you was because I didn’t feel anything. And I also didn’t want to lose you.” I suck in a breath. This isn’t happening. My commitment and daddy issues are really showing right now.
“What do you want me to say, that I automatically forgive you? Because I don’t”
“No, I just want you to understand that the kiss was not something I wanted, and it made me realize that the only person I have ever been in “love” with is nonexistent to me.” I turn around, putting my hands on my hips, looking up at the ceiling.
I hear him step towards me and he wraps his arms around my waist. He nuzzles his head in my neck and sighs in defeat.
“Did you get the sponsor you wanted?” I ask and it’s followed by his laughter.
“After the conversation we just had, you bring that up?”
“Would you like me to continue to yell at you? Because I could do that.”
“Yes. We have the prototype we wanted for next year.”
“You mean Xavier and you.”
“No. I mean us, Ale.” I close my eyes and relax. I don’t want to freak out after what just happened before the segue into this conversation. I just keep silent as he kisses down my neck softly. I melt against him. Damn him for bringing my walls down. They’re up for a reason, sir.
“I like this.” He brushes through my newly cut hair with his fingers.
“Do you?”
“Oh, very much so.” He looks at me with hunger. “Hm. Let’s see about that.” I drag him out of the room.
“I’m leaving, but if you find out where I’m staying, you can meet me in the room.” I walk away thinking about all the things I want to do to him. Because this time I will be in control.
The night is still young, after all.
ChapterTwenty-Nine
Luca Donatello