Page 68 of Spark

“Go.” Aurelio's voice thundered around them; the energy emanating from him made Mia want to run as well.

“Sorry, Mia,” Mac apologized as he turned and ran out to the garage. The door was open, and he was gone in less than sixty seconds.

Mia turned back to stare Aurelio down; the two remained unmoving as the tension grew thicker around them like vines, rooting them in place.

She crossed her arms, posture turning indifferent. “You really think keeping me in the dark is the best course of action here?”

“Yes.” Aurelio’s answer was clipped.

“Well, I guess I will have to do everything in my power to learn the truth.”

“Try,” He smiled at her, crossing his arms too.

“Aurelio, I swear if you don't share this with me…” she started, unsure what she could possibly hold over his head.

“What?” Amusement glinted in his eyes.

“I won’t let you touch me.” Mia's smug grin felt good, especially as Aurelio's fell.

“That's bad for you, too.” He reached out to her. “My hands not on your body.”

Mia moved back, face stern. “Aurelio, I'm serious. You need to tell me what's going on, or I can't do this with you.” She let her hands fall to her sides, her hair shaking around her shoulders.

“Mia, I don't want you to worry or deal with any of it. It's my shit that I got you stuck in.”

“Exactly! I'm in it! Let me help you.” Her exasperation was clear. Aurelio crossed his arms, his face betraying the turmoil inside. Mia slid closed to him, her hands moving up his arms, to wrapping around his middle as she pressed herself flushto him. His hands came around her, a deep sigh releasing from him.

“Please.” She whispered. “Don’t leave me in the dark.” She felt his body slacken in hers. His hand came under her chin, tilting her to meet his gaze.

“Then let's sit, please.” He said, Mia nodding as she stepped back from him. “I’ll explain what I can.” He gestured to the couch, his hand on her lower back.

“Fine.” Mia moved to one of the oversized chairs, settling in and waiting with an eyebrow raised. Aurelio frowned, looking at the couch before sitting as close to the chair she was in as possible.

He sighed, letting his elbows rest on his knees, putting his thoughts together. “I met with Dominick,” Aurelio began slowly. “He had pictures of you at work, school, and your loft.” His hands clenched together, knuckles going white. “He has been watching you for a while.”

“Then why did he just approach me?” Mia asked, nerves running high.

“He needed recorded proof of our connection, and he had it.” He eyed her. “He had a recording of you admitting I was your boyfriend.”

Mia's eyes went wide. “How?”

“I don't know. Who did you tell we were dating?” Aurelio's tone was almost accusatory, and Mia's hackles raised.

“I'm sorry. Are you saying this is my fault?”

“No,” he backtracked quickly. “No, of course not.” One of his hands went to the back of his neck, rubbing it and stretching. He was tired and stressed.

Mia closed her eyes and calmed down. “Of course you're not, I'm sorry. The only person I have told… was Tony, at the café.”

“Tony? That's the guy who caught us going to your loft a couple weeks ago?”

“Yeah, but he wouldn't…” She trailed off, disbelief clouding her mind.

“No,” Aurelio said, cutting through the fog. “He didn't. There must have been someone around, waiting for a moment like that. Was there anyone else in the café?”

“Yeah, but they were both distracted. I made sure.”

“Mia, never think someone isn't listening just because they appear to be doing something else.”

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