Page 44 of Charity's Torment

The men jumped from their seats simultaneously as if on fire and high-tailed it out of the room faster than race dogs chasing a fucking rabbit.

I traipsed to the exit and wavered. “Satisfied with their answer?”

Luca sat back in his chair and rubbed his stubble. “We’ll monitor it. It seems legit, but I don’t want to take their word for it.”

To be honest, it relieved me. I didn’t think they were up to anything odious.

Luca turned to Max. “Give us a moment, would you?”

Max gave me a peck on the cheek before walking out the door. My cheeks burned as I watched Luca observe our interaction. He revealed no signs of jealousy, which did something inside of me I couldn’t explain. His breathing increased, and he ran his thumb over his lip as his eyes raked down my body.

“Don’t go far,” I said, my gaze never leaving Luca’s penetrating stare. “We have work to do.”

He shut the door with a metallic click, allowing me some privacy with Luca. My heart beat against my chest at an alarming rate. Luca and I always became heated when left alone in a room. From anger or passion, but lately, it was a sexual attraction, so dangerous we were volatile.

“How are you feeling?”

“Better,” I responded and leaned my butt against his desk in front of him, folding my arms.

He pulled his desk chair closer, then planted his hands on my hips and laid his head against my stomach. His movement astounded me. Never had he been so gentle with me. I unfurled my arms and questioned if it would be okay to touch his onyx-black hair. I want to stay like this, not break the spell cast between us. His arms roamed around my waist and gently squeezed me, as though if he let go, I’d be gone forever. I touched his thick black hair, giving in to my desire to feel it between my fingers as we sat in silence, our words useless for things meant to be said.

“Luca?” a woman whispered from the cracked door behind me that neither of us heard open.

I turned and laid eyes on Kandy. Her booty jean shorts and tight black tank top instantly propelled me into a fury as I imagined her picking them out just for him. I ground my teeth and clenched my hands together, forming the fists that were going to beat her savagely.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Pushing against the desk, ready to dislocate her other arm, when Luca nudged me back. He glared his warning, and I sat, unwilling to piss him off.

He stood, towering over me, and said, “Why are you entering my office without knocking?”

“Sorry. I just wanted to see if you were still here and maybe catch a bite, but I see you’re busy.” Her lip quivered as her eyes welled with tears and unexpected response from someone who had the nuts to hit me.

I pressed up one more time, and Luca laid his large hand on my abdomen, holding me in place. His thumb rubbed just below my belly button, and my madness quickly turned to a rush of heat between my legs. His body crowded up against mine as his knee came to rest between my thighs. My breaths quickened with anticipation for what he had to offer. Tingles chased down my spine, leaving me antsy for more. I wasn’t into voyeurism, but if she didn’t leave…

“I’m busy. Leave.”

His thumb moved farther down my belly, stopping at my buttons, and I damn near threw my head back and pleaded for him to continue.

“S-sorry…” she closed the door.

Luca’s lopsided grin added to the overwhelming feelings rushing through my veins. “You’re so beautiful when you’re jealous.”

My cheeks flushed.

He chortled and rubbed his stubble, noticing my unease. I never knew how to accept compliments. He fisted his hand in my hair. “I’m glad you’re feeling better.” His gaze bounced back and forth, studying my eyes as if they would tell him my secrets, secrets that I think he already knew.

“Me too.”

His fiery breath scorched my lips. He was so close, just a little closer. “You better get going.” He stepped back, distancing himself from my oversensitive body. I exhaled and swallowed my disappointment, then released my grip from the desk I didn’t realize I was holding on to, and left.

I leaned against the hallway wall and settled my racing heart to a steady tempo. He jerked me around to the point of unquestionable confusion. I could never get a feel for him. Just when it felt like we would get close enough, he pulled away.

I met Max upstairs, sitting at his booth, eating pasta. I don’t know what is with these Italian men, but they need to learn that there are other food groups. Sliding in next to him, I stole a noodle and swallowed it whole.

“You like swallowing things whole?”

I smirked at his innuendo. “I think you already know the answer to that.” I nudged his shoulder, and pasta fell off his fork onto his lap. Alfredo sauce trailed across his crotch and to the floor.

---