Page 53 of Capuleto

His childish smile grew even wider, and Adriano did something I didn't expect. He hugged me with all his might.

"Thank you, Aunt Nikita."

It was the first time he called me that, and my body filled with a special, strange, and enveloping warmth. My eyes stung, and I felt like crying.

God, I was getting soft! I needed to get out of that room. I returned the hug and pulled away when the doorbell saved me from so much emotion.

"Rest now, I told you I was expecting someone for dinner."

I pressed my lips to his forehead. Adriano snuggled in, and I gave him one last look before leaving and turning off the light.

22

Spider web

The conversation with my nephew, along with the events of the past few days, had left me in a rather gloomy state.

As I came down the stairs, Ana was waiting for me with the policeman.

"They've come to see you, ma'am," she remarked, eyeing the tall man who must have been in his thirties.

"I know. Set dinner for two in the garden."

"Yes, ma'am." Ana María looked warily at the tall, scruffy man with a three-day beard who was watching me with a mix of anger and curiosity.

"Would you like some wine?" I asked, continuing to assess him.

"Red, please."

"Make that two, Ana." She nodded.

"Follow me."

We crossed the entryway and walked through the living room to the sliding door that led to the garden. His scrutinizing gaze roamed every corner of the house and, of course, my butt. I saw it through the reflection in the glass.

"Do you like what you see?"

I stopped in front of the door, not yet opening it. His eyes met mine in the reflection.

"Who wouldn't? My salary doesn't afford me a house like this, nor a woman like you."

I let out an ironic laugh, not liking what his words implied.

"I can't be bought, officer."

"Detective Inspector," he corrected me. "And I must say, that's not what the rumors say..." he responded smugly.

I turned around and leaned my back against the glass, letting the cold activate my breasts and giving him a good view of what he thought was for sale.

That response was just what I needed. A click in my brain's alarm system, although Segarra didn't know it. I walked up to him, biting my lower lip, and got very close. I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and slapped him hard across the face.

"What the hell?!" He didn't have time to react because I don't approach a target without having an attack planned. An unexpected move threw him to the ground, and although the detective inspector tried to get up, he found my stiletto heel pressing viciously against the back of his hand.

"Oh, my God!" Ana María exclaimed, bringing the wine glasses. I signaled her not to come any closer.

Segarra's free hand tried to grab my ankle to make me stop digging into his skin.

"Relax, Ana, the gentleman was just checking that the marble floor is adequately hard. Right, 'officer'?" I asked sarcastically, emphasizing the last word. "These days, materials aren't what they used to be."

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