Page 44 of Gilded Princess

“It’s brighter, lighter than I imagined.”

He smiles a genuine smile, and something about the sight turns my insides to goo. He always had such a nice smile, so charming and deceptively disarming.

Shit. I’m so screwed.

He takes another step toward me, and I instinctively widen my legs so he has room. He’s close enough to touch, but outside of his fingertips still in my hair, we’re not touching. “Yeah? And how did you picture it?”

“Dark. Rich woods, distressed metals, clean lines.”

He chuckles, the noise low in the back of his throat. “This is my guest room. My room’s down the hall. You’re welcome to check it out and see if your theories are correct.”

I hear the teasing in his voice, and I’m tempted to take him up on his dare just to see his face when I march into his bedroom.

Then I remember that this isn’t some trip down memory lane. I’m only here because someone kidnapped me yesterday with plans to torture me inside an abandoned warehouse. My mood plummets, and my smile along with it.

“What else happened yesterday?” My gaze searches his. I’m desperate for answers, but I’m not sure that he would give them to me even if he could.

He smooths my hair back, shifting his gaze to his hand. “You have a connecting bathroom. It should have everything you need, but if it doesn’t, just let me know, and I’ll make sure someone gets it for you.”

A kernel of frustration simmers in my gut at his subject change. “That’s very kind of you, but I should probably get going. I’m sure my sister is beside herself, and Lainey—”

“Your sister is safe. She’s staying with someone else.” He holds up his hand when my lips part, a protest on my tongue. “At her request. And Lainey’s with the boys of the Brotherhood. I’ve already taken the liberty of checking up on both of them.”

I snap my mouth shut and think for a moment. It feels weird to experience so much gratitude for him. Outside of the last couple weeks, my last memories of him were less than glowing. The kind that imprints on a young girl and stays with her for a long time, affecting every relationship she has after that.

“Take your time, and when you’re done, join me for breakfast in the kitchen.”

The pounding in my head makes it hard to focus, but maybe a hot shower would ease it a little. And after that, I’ll thank him again and I’ll be on my way. Mind made up, I nod.

“I have all your favorite foods.”

My breath hitches at the admission. It’s intimate in a way I wasn’t anticipating. “You don’t know me anymore, Matteo,” I whisper.

He slides the hand tangled in my hair along my jawline and tips my chin up with his fingertips. His movements are slow and far more sensual than they should be.

“Don’t I?” He flashes me a smile and steps backward, his hand slipping from my hair. “I’ll see you in the kitchen.”

He holds my gaze as he walks backward, only severing the connection when he closes the door. I stay on the bed long after he leaves, my mind spinning.

What the hell have I gotten into?

Chapter Seventeen

MADDIE

“What’s . . . all this? Are you expecting company?” My eyes widen as I take in the breakfast spread laid out on the island in the middle of the kitchen. A platter with bagels and different flavored cream cheeses, all the ingredients to build your own yogurt parfait, Belgian waffles, fresh fruit, and omelets.

“Espresso, latte, freshly squeezed orange juice, or tea?” Matteo asks as he brings a red espresso cup to his lips.

My hair is still damp, curling wildly at the ends, but my body feels a little less achy after the steaming-hot shower I took. The bathroom was large and luxurious—and surprisingly stocked with products similar to the ones I use.

I avoided my reflection, the aches and tender skin enough of a reminder. I don’t want to see myself like that, and if I just pretend hard enough that I’m okay, maybe I’ll actually start to feel okay.

It’s a weak plan, but it’s all I have right now, so I’m going with it.

I found a stack of new clothes on the vanity, and oddly enough, I didn’t even think to question why he had women’s clothes in my sizes with the tags still on. Until now. I cock my head to the side, looking at him in a new light. Something’s not adding up here, and I know I don’t have all the information to figure it out.

“Matteo, what’s going on?”

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