Page 46 of Tammaro DeLuca

“Plus, don’t you have a wife to win over?” He looked at me with a raised eyebrow.

That was the million dollar question. Could I ever win Yolanda’s heart again?

YOLANDA

Tired from the day, I fell on to my bed, happy to finally be settled. Growing up, my parents had money, but I never used it as my own. So, it was different to have somebody moving us, packing and unpacking each room. I barely lifted a finger, but bossing so many people around was intense. Checking to make sure everything went, running from one room to the next, was more of a workout than I bargained for.

Ro was busy handling business, and I'd told him I could handle this alone. I could. I just didn't expect it to be so intense. So, I needed a nap.

I jumped when there was a knock on the door and in came Ro. He closed the door behind him and stood there looking good enough to eat. He looked good in black sweats, a zip up hoodie, and white tee. His sneakers looked brand new, and I loved how down to earth it made him feel. Damn, he was fine. Being attracted to Ro had never been a problem. Everything else was.

“Hey, baby.” He greeted me.

“Hey, Ro.” I stayed in my spot, comfortable with my head on the pillow in the center of the bed.

“How's Asmaria? I checked on her, but she was asleep.”

“She's better now that we're moved. She had a nightmare last night, but everything is good now. We agreed it may be good to have her go to therapy, since she’s having issues.”

“Whatever she needs, it's hers.” He nodded. “What about you?”

“I … am tired.” I wiped my eyes, knowing that everything was wearing on me.

“What do you need?” He asked, sitting on the bed gingerly, as if he thought the slightest thing would make me break.

“You're always asking me that.” I sighed. “What do you need, Ro?”

“My answer has never changed. You.”

I swallowed. If there was one thing I could say about him, he was consistent.

“Give me a chance to make it up to you, and you won't remember what you were angry about.” He leaned over and wiped the tears from my eyes.

“I don't trust anybody. You're no different. And I know you have something to hide.” I sniffed, trying to hold back my emotion.

“What am I hiding?”

“Why were you blackmailing my father?” I asked him.

“You know everything. I found out about his affairs. I used it to get him to drop Puff.”

“What else?” I asked him.

“My father was after him all those years ago. My job was to distract you. I didn't know why I was supposed to distract you. Just that I was. Falling for you wasn't part of the plan, either. I was supposed to meet you one time. That's all. All the other dates were all me.” He traced the lines of my face and paused at my lips. “I couldn't stay away from you, though. Beautiful, smart, and feisty. I was in love.”

“So many lies, Ro.” I shook my head. “I don't know which way is up.”

He nodded. “Let’s start from the beginning. Yolanda meets Tammaro. Right here and now. I don't care about the past, the future though…” He kissed my fingertips. “I'm going to eat that all up.”

I laughed at him, feeling the tension fall free.

“What if I run?” The words came out more flirtatiously than I wanted.

“Little bunny, take your clothes off and I'll give you a reason to run.”

Heat brewed low in my stomach as if the coasts below it were slowly burning.

“Maybe other women will drop to their knees to please you, but I’m not them. I need nothing from you, including your dirty money.”

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