Page 236 of Roberto

This was NOT the way I’d thought it would go.

“What are you doing here?” I snapped.

He glanced down at my gun in amusement like it was a toy. “Should you really be showing that in public?”

No, I really shouldn’t, but –

“There’s no one around,” I snapped.

“Will that stop a police car from driving by?” he asked with a slight smile. He pointed at the Camry about 20 feet behind him. “Let’s get in my Uber and talk. It’s dry, and we can – ”

“Are you fuckinginsane?”I asked, flabbergasted at how nonchalant he was being. “I’m not getting in there withyou!”

“If you don’t want to talk in the car, let’s at least step away from the main road so you don’t get arrested.”

Okay…

Hedidhave a point.

But I wasn’t about to go back there where his fucking car could run me over.

“Send the Uber away first,” I demanded.

“Alright,” he agreed sunnily.

It was the weirdest fucking conversation I could have possibly imagined.

Maybe he reallywasinsane.

As we walked towards the Camry, Roberto said humorously, “You might want to hide the gun.”

I shoved the gun inside my trench coat pocket but still kept the barrel aimed at him. “Don’t try anything – I’m still pointing it at you.”

“I gathered,” he replied.

When we reached the car, Roberto gave the driver a bunch of money. After I translated a few things between them, the driver left, leaving us alone in the alleyway.

We stared at each other – me angry, and Roberto looking like he’d never been happier.

“Why are you following me?” I demanded.

That was when my entire world got turned upside down.

“Because I’m in love with you,” he said.

His voice was full of conviction. Hemeantit.

He also sounded kind – not dangerous or unhinged –

And utterly, overwhelmingly sexy.

He moved closer as he said, “I’ve never felt this way about anyone else.Never. I think about you every moment I’m awake; I dream about you when I sleep. I need you more than the air I breathe. You’re more precious to me than my own life.”

My heart was pounding in my chest –

But it wasn’t from fear.

Well… not the fear of himphysicallyhurting me.

---