Page 73 of Stolen Seconds

“You’re telling me that you didn’t know he was in Italy?” He worked on buckling his belt as he tracked my movements. “He was here for business.”

“No, I didn’t.” Another lie. “We all have our own tasks to focus on.”

“And what does that entail for you?”

My chest tightened as I put my shirt on slowly, giving myself time to think.

“Data.”

He hummed and leaned against the table as he crossed his arms and set his attention on me.

Shoving my legs through my jeans, I briskly added. “I need you to keep this to yourself.”

“Why?”

“Aurora doesn’t know and I’m not ready to tell her.”

“I doubt it’d hinder your friendship.”

If only you knew the truth, you’d think otherwise.

I stepped toward him; his face leveled to mine now that he was perched on the table, making it easier for him to see how serious I was when I said, “This stays between us.”

He tilted his head, reaching for me. “Is that why you’ve been pushing me away?”

My hands settled on his shoulders and the intensity of his expression had me leaning further into his embrace, inhaling his familiar scent of musk and smoke.

I couldn’t answer him without falling apart. Lie after lie yet the answer to that question would always be yes. It didn’t matter if he didn’t know the reason.

He gripped my chin between his fingers. “What did I tell you before.” His voice carried a dark edge to it, sinking deep into my soul. “No one can stop me from having you, Irina. Not even you.”

Chapter 20

Luca

Aurora’s name lit up my phone which meant one of two things: she was going to yell at me for who knows what or it was Roman trying to reach me.

“Where are you?” she asked when I answered, and I could picture her green eyes narrowing in agitation.

“And here I thought you were the nice one,” I mused, staring at my father’s limp body. I’d come tovisithim again and the sight of his bloodied face brought me pure joy. Courtesy of your one and only.

“Maybe if you weren’t late for dinner, I’d still bethe nice one.”

Right, the goodbye dinner for Irina. A farewell I had no intention being a part of because she wasn’t leaving. I wouldn’t let her.

“I’m on my way.” I sighed before hanging up.

I set the bottle of wine on the kitchen island in front of Aurora as she feigned annoyance.

“A peace offering for being late.” I smiled at her, knowing she could never stay mad at me. Honestly, I think she’s always been one for dramatics, so I play the part to keep her happy.

Ever since she came into our lives, she’s been a light, more so because of her ability to tame the beast, as in her husband.

“You’re lucky it’s white and not red.” She snatched the bottle and put it in the fridge to chill.

“You traumatized me the last time I brought red.”

The sound of her chuckling came out playful as she peered at me. “You were scared, huh?”

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