Page 82 of Spark

“No,” she said, her temper rising. “Didn’t you see enough when you broke in?” She cursed herself. Why was she provoking him?

Oliver’s face shifted; the smile fell, and his gaze suddenly matched his mouth, stern and angry.

“You have no proof it was me.” He pulled the door open more, the wood hurting Mia’s hand as she held on. “These doors are hard to secure properly. Could have been anyone.” He flashed that smile again, showing his teeth. Mia felt a sneer reach her lips, the desire to punch him in his cocky face. She knew that she was walking a dangerous tight rope.

“Oliver,” She said, keeping her voice calm, even, and hard. “Leave me alone.” She pushed on the door again, but still, his hand wouldn’t budge.

“Mia.” His shoulder rolled slightly as he spoke. “With all the male company you keep, why won’t you keep mine?” His tone was even, calm despite the words.

“Excuse me?” He was pushing her buttons; she knew she had to keep herself in check, but she was losing the fight.

“Fuck you,” She spat out through gritted teeth, eyes burning with hate. He gave a chuckle.

“Ah, I wish you would.” Stepping back, he kept his hand on the door.

“I will find Aurelio.” He leaned forward, his face inches from hers. “And then maybe…” he whispered for only her to hear. “…I’ll be granted that wish and fuck you silly.” His fingers tapped the door lightly. “Such thin walls here; sound really does carry.” He grinned. “And I know you are quite the screamer.”

Winking, he let his hand fall away, and Mia slammed the door closed. On the other side, she heard him release a deep, menacing laugh, before his heavy footfalls walked to his door.

Her heart was pounding; the room was closing in again. Reaching for her phone, she dialed Aurelio’s number, but before she could hit call, she froze. Oliver was playing with her, pushing her.

“No,” she breathed out, letting the smell of Aurelio fill her and calm the raging nerves.

Like gentle fingers, she could feel him around her, urging her to breathe. Her heart rate returned to normal; the calm she had felt earlier was long gone, replaced with a need to get out. Grabbing her car keys and bag, Mia threw open the door and slid it closed quietly. She did not want Oliver to hear and follow her. She ran across the street and slid her key into the old girl in moments. Her mind was spinning, but she took a breath and tapped the key, turning it and slipping in. As she exited the parking garage, checking both ways, her gaze passed over the entrance to the building. Oliver was standing on the sidewalk, waving at her with that same creepy smile on his lips. She shot off, going as far away as she could.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Not knowing where to go, Mia decided to head to the airport and park. Her brothers wouldn’t land for at least another four hours, but she needed to be in a crowded place. She needed people around so she would feel less vulnerable.

Parking in the lot, she pulled out her phone. Twelve-fifteen. The sun was shining, and a couple walked by with a little white dog as she left her car. They nodded and smiled at Mia as she passed them, a normal and nonanxiety producing interaction.

Despite herself, she found herself typing to Aurelio. She typed quickly, erasing and rewriting her message again and again. Finally, after five rewrites, she sent a simpleI miss youto him and waited. Only a moment passed before her phone rang in her hand.

“Hello, beautiful.” His voice called gently, calming her nerves instantly. “Hoe you feeling?”

“Awful,” she sighed. Aurelio gave a chuckle, and she frowned.

“Missing me that much?” He thought she was being sarcastic. “I miss you, too.”

“No, Aurelio. That’s not it.” She cleared her throat and took a breath.

“What’s wrong? Are you okay?” His rising concern only managed to deepen his voice. “Where’s Mac?”

“Mac left.” Confusion crossed her features. “I thought you called him?”

“No,” Aurelio basically growled into the phone. “That kid is so dead.” She heard a draw slam closed, tools clattering in the background.

“No, it’s fine.” She said quickly. “I’m at the airport.”

“Why?” Panic registered in his voice.

“My brothers are flying in today,” Mia explained.

“Oh, shit.” Aurelio said, his nervousness making his voice tighter, which Mia found utterly amusing.

“Are you nervous?” she teased, a feeling of ease settling into her as they spoke.

“No,” he said quickly, too quickly. “Just surprised. But in a good way.”

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