Page 11 of Crimson Vows

His smile doesn’t falter. “Try me.”

I lean back in my chair, studying him through narrowed eyes. “Alright, but remember, you asked for it.”

His gaze locks onto mine, intense and unwavering. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

I take a deep breath, contemplating how much of myself I’m willing to reveal to this man. After hesitating, I test how serious Marco is about letting me have other men in my life.

“You’re not the only man vying for my attention currently,” I confess, gauging his reaction.

Marco’s expression remains impassive, but a flicker of something in his eyes hints at his surprise. “Is that so?”

I nod, keeping my voice low. “Someone you know, in fact.”

A muscle in Marco’s jaw twitches. “I see.”

The tension between us crackles like electricity, an invisible battle of wills hanging heavily in the air.

“Why are you telling me this?” he finally asks. “Are you trying to make me jealous?”

“You said you wanted me to tell you a secret.” A ghost of a smile plays on the corners of my lips.

“Who?” he asks, his voice low and controlled.

I take a moment to savor the power that comes with revealing this secret, knowing that Marco is about to enter a world of uncertainty and jealousy. “Nico,” I answer calmly.

Marco’s eyes darken, a storm brewing within them. “Nico? Like Nico-Nico?”

“Yes.” I laugh, carefully watching his reaction. “How many Nicos do you think I know?”

He shrugs.

“Is this going to be a problem?” I ask, eyeing him.

“When did this happen?”

“He called and asked me out right before you got to my place.”

Marco runs a hand through his hair, his frustration evident. “And you agreed?”

I nod, unable to hide the small thrill from stirring up his emotions. “I did. He said after I stopped by the penthouse the other day he couldn’t stop thinking about me.”

“Are you attracted to him?”

I hesitate, weighing my words carefully. “Yes, there’s an attraction there.”

A tense silence settles between us as we process what has been said. “Are you attracted to me?” Marco’s voice is low, almost a growl, as he asks the question. I hold his gaze, refusing to look away, and let the truth spill forth from my lips.

“Yes,” I say softly, my voice tinged with sincerity. “There’s an undeniable attraction between us.”

Relief washes over Marco’s features, his shoulders relaxing ever so slightly.

“I won’t lie and say it doesn’t bother me,” he confesses, his tone tinged with vulnerability and possessiveness. “But you’ve been honest with me from the start. And if this is what it takes for you to truly consider my proposal, I’ll figure out how to deal with my feelings.”

His words catch me off guard. “You are such a...” I search for the right word.

“Catch?” he finishes for me, his lips curving in a knowing smile.

“I was going to say surprise.”

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