Page 22 of Diavolo

Because she liked him.

Because she was a goddamnidiota.

This slew of unwelcome revelations shocked some sense into Elyse. Fucking hell. They were both going to need hard, fixed boundaries for this arrangement to work. Elyse coughed. "Then stop wasting your efforts on me. We can't keep doing this."

"I do not know what you are talking about."

The man appeared to be an expert at playing dumb. In exasperated tones, Elyse spelled it out for him, "The flirting. The teasing. And the pet names. It has to stop. I'm going to be your physician. Nothing more."

"As you wish...Dr. Romero."

Elyse regarded him closely. Alessandro had referred to her asDr. Romeroand notangelo. A step in the right direction. But he'd also agreed way too quickly. Like a beast pretending to be tame. She couldn't let her guard down. In slow, stealthy increments, Elyse tried to ease her way out of bed.

"Where do you think you are going?" he murmured in mocking tones.

"Away," she replied, "from you.”

"Your words wound me."

"You survived a bullet. I doubt words can hurt you."

"In case you have forgotten, a rather vital organ in my chest has been broken into infinite fragments because of your cruelty."

Irritably, she fired back, "Do you have to talk like—"

"What?" Alessandro interjected with a look of innocence.

"Like you're reciting bad poetry all the time?"

In roguish tones, he defended himself, "What can I say? I amItaliano. We were born to be romantics."

She rolled her eyes. Alessandro continued to preen and boast, "I also attended boarding schools in London. For a time. There—I learned how to speak English better than the English. I do not think my words sound inferior. You are simply too American to appreciate English when it is used to its fullest potential."

Too American, was she? Elyse scowled. "Do you enjoy irritating all the Americans who work for you?"

He grinned. "Only the beautiful and brilliant ones."

The bastard was impossible to shame. She wanted to smack the amusement from his stupid, handsome face. But there was also a part of Elyse that wanted to wrap her legs around his waist and fuck him to the moon and back. The mere thought made her core throb. "I thought we agreed to keep things professional?"

Alessandro shrugged. "Youagreed to keep things professional.Isimply did not disagree. While I find your self-control to be enticing, I admit, I am far more interested in exploring all the ways we can unleash your restrai—"

She commanded, "Stop."

Alessandro laughed. It was a strained sound. "Very well, Dr. Romero, have it your way.I will behave."

Elyse regarded him with suspicion. Was it possible for a man like Alessandro to behave? As her gaze dragged over him from head to toe, she found her eyes dipping toward his crotch.Mierda. Maybeshewas the one who needed to behave? Elyse quickly redirected her gaze.To a nearby wall. Several paintings hung from it. Elyse stared at each piece of art as though they were the most interesting things in the room.

Sullenly, she grumbled, "If you don't mind, I want to get dressed."

He crossed his arms over his chest with a challenge in his eyes. "Be my guest. But do let me know if you require assistance."

Elyse scowled. "I think I'll manage. Now be a gentleman and look away."

"Must I?"

She mimicked the British tones in his accent, "You must."

Alessandro flashed a wolfish grin before disappearing into the large walk-in closet beside the bathroom. While he was out of sight, Elyse hopped out of bed to pull on a bra, a gray sweater, and a pair of black jeans. Then, she began throwing her belongings back inside her suitcases. Elyse intended to move out of his room this very instant.

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