Page 154 of Divine Obsession

“Trevor, I’m serious.” I took a few steps back, raising my hand as if to stop him. “Don’t.”

He didn’t pause.

“That’s not what I meant–” My lower back hit something and there was a softclink. Glancing over my shoulder just in time, I caught the lamp I nearly knocked over, placing it back on the console table.

When I turned back around, I was faced with his large, muscular chest. I hissed – hating the effect he had on me – when his hand went into my hair, pulling me into him. Then his other hand went into my hair too, angling my face to meet his.

“You know how this is going to end, baby.” His lips were only an inch away from mine. “Stop pushing me away.”

Fixing my face, I looked him dead in his eyes. “Maybe I didn’t use technology to meet someone.”

He ran his tongue over his teeth. “Sure. I wouldn’t have been able to know without hacking your phone. But you have this requirement that men take you on dates before going any further.” His smirk took a dangerous turn. “You never had that issue with me.”

Stronzo.

“I’m taking back what’s mine, Natalia.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t have lost it in the first place.”

“Go on, baby. Tell me who you’ve been with that I don’t know about. Tell me, so I can rip their fucking hearts out of their chests.”

“Why?” Natalia sighed, her breathing still shaking with unshed tears, and I wanted to stab myself in the ribs for making her cry.

“Because you’remine, Natalia.”

Her soft, brown eyes turned glossy. I felt her jaw tense under my hands, and I knew she was going to bring up me leaving again. So, I spoke first.

“Have been.Since the moment you spilled your champagne on my shirt, and I’mfucking sickof pretending otherwise.”

She inhaled a sharp breath.

“So, I suggest you give Francesca a call and let her know you won’t be making it to the blind date after all.” I held her firmer in my hands, pulling her tighter into me, masking the roughness in my movements. “Because neither of us is leaving until this is fixed. Once and for all.”

“This?”

“Us.”

Her lips pouted and a single tear fell down her cheek. “I can’t go through this again with you, Trevor.”

My face fell. I frowned, my jaw set with determination.

Before I could respond, she turned away from me, giving me her back as she rested her hands on the console table, her head hanging low.

I could blame her. I could blame her father. I could blame Gìovanni. I could blame our families’ rivalry.

But in reality, the only one who was at fault was me.

“I’m sorry.”

She shook her head.

My strong arms wrapped around her, circling her waist as I pulled her into me. I nuzzled my face into the crook of her neck.

“You’re right. All of this is my fault. I shouldn’t have left. I should’ve fought harder.”

Her breathing calmed.

“I’m not asking you to forget or forgive what I did. I’m asking for a chance to let me make it better.” When she didn’t respond, a sharp pain shot through my chest. I hugged her tighter. “Natalia,please…”

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