Page 63 of Taboo Flames

I need space from Aurora and all the trouble she comes with.

By the time I cross the gate to my house, I realize with self-disgust that I already miss her.

CHAPTER 17

Giovanni

“She has not run into any trouble, sir. I have my eyes on her at all times,” Carlos says into the phone when I call him for the daily update on Aurora’s whereabouts.

“She’s at the studio?” I ask.

“Uh, yes, boss.”

I wait for Carlos to say more, to give me more information about Aurora, but he just goes quiet. I grit my teeth in frustration.

It’s been two days since I left Aurora standing in Giordano’s driveway, and it’s safe to say that I absolutely miss her.

“Is there anything else you want to know about her, boss?” Carlos asks.

I just hang up, annoyed.

For a man who never has to make any effort to get women, this is starting to get pathetic, and there’s nothing I hate more than this feeling of losing complete control of my situation with Aurora.

It’s true she crossed a line by snooping around Giordano’s house, but that is who she is. I should have known she’d try something like that, especially given the fact that she’s not one to take orders lying down.

I pick up my phone several times to call her, but each time, I stop myself.

I know she’s still pissed at me, and I don’t know how to bridge the gap I’ve created. I know what Aurora wants from me, which are things I’ve never given to any other person.

I should have known it would eventually come down to this. All signs point to Aurora being the kind of woman who’ll never be satisfied with half. How did I think a purely physical relationship with her would ever work?

Now, I’m caught between baring myself to her and cutting her out of my life entirely.

Vulnerability is something I cut out of my life a long time ago. It reminds me far too much of being the little helpless street boy. Back then, I didn’t know to not show my every emotion.

It made me an easy target far too often. Everybody wanted a piece of the sniveling orphan. Being beaten and bruised was my default.

I don’t want to ever go back to that. If I open myself up to Aurora, I will be giving her power over me. And I don’t know if I want that.

But at this moment, I can no longer control myself. I have to hear her voice. Before giving it a second thought, I dial her number. My heart beats frantically as I wait for her to pick up. I release a sigh as soon as she answers her phone.

“Gio,” she says offhandedly.

I close my eyes at the effect her voice has on me. It feels like years since I last heard it when, in fact, it’s just been a few days.

“Hello, princess.”

“Don’t call me that anymore,” she snaps. “You lost the right when you abandoned me. I could have ended up headless in a ditch.”

I snort. “That’s unlikely.”

If she’s being her dramatic self, then everything is okay.

“Says you,” she huffs. “Anyway, I’m not accepting an apology this time. You’re going to have to do better than just saying you’re sorry.”

“Get dressed. I’m coming to get you in fifteen.”

“I’m at the studio,” she says exasperatedly. “And I have to go home and find something to wear and?—”

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