Page 23 of Something Borrowed

In fact, he drives my wildness and pushes my boundaries in the best ways.

He’s perfect.

And Iwoulddate him.

But it’s not possible. My father would never let it happen. So, I can fantasize about these things from a safe distance, but I could never date Rufino.

I stare at him through lowered lashes, wondering why he’s asking these things. But I’m glad he did because I’ve been wanting the answers too. I don’t mind playing games - as long as I know it’s a game. my heart has been slipping, tripping over him, falling for him - and if that’s happening to me while he’s still thinking this is just a game - well that would be a recipe for disaster.

The most mischievous smile dances over my face.

He tilts his head.

“What is it?” his deep voice melts me every time he speaks.

I lick my lips. If I ask this question, there is no going back.

But fuck it. Since when did I hold back with whatever was on my mind.

“Are you in love with me, Rufino Vece?” I stare at him. Not letting my emotions show.

He remains silent, those pale green eyes looking right into my soul.

I feel the anxiety growing in my stomach.

I was stupid to ask.

I did not know how much I wanted his answer to be yes and now if it isn’t yes I think my heart is going to shatter into a thousand pieces.

Why the hell did I ask that? he doesn’t love me. We only just met a short while ago. This is just a fling. Nothing more. An adventure. A mistake.

What was I thinking?

Panic surges inside me.

It’s hard to keep my face calm enough to hide the turmoil erupting in my body.

He chuckles, brushing hair away from eyes. His fingers trailing over my skin and sparking desire inside me.

“I would tear this fucking world to pieces for you. Yes. I am in love with you.” His answer is a dark whisper of truth. An underground river, moving in below the surface of my body.

Even if I wanted to, I wouldn’t have been able to hide my happiness and relief at hearing his response. My body melts against him and I grab his face in my hands and kiss him hard.

Charged energy sparks between us, fueling my body, screaming through my soul.

I’m in love with Rufino Vece.

From the moment I laid eyes on him, it was him. We are destined to be together. Fate threw us into that moment and now no one can tear us apart.

I love him.

And now I know he loves me too.

Love.

“Dance with me.” He says, pushing me towards the velvet curtain and down stairs to the dance floor.

Somewhere in the back of my mind I remember my bodyguards are here with their eyes on me, annoyed that I disappeared for a while - but maybe they won’t recognize Rufino for who he is. Just another guy in the club on the dance floor with me. It’s hard to care about idiots watching you when your heart is overflowing with excitement and wonder.

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