Page 138 of My Italian Love Affair

Because, well -

Ido.

Daphne hesitates just a fraction too long before following.

I notice.

Her eyes flicker around, scanning the room like she’s expecting to be caught in some forbidden place. She shouldn’t be here, not really, but it’s fine - she’s with me.

And in my space, that means she belongs.

Still, I narrow my eyes.

“Don’t touch anything.”

She lifts her hands in mock surrender, her lips curving.

“I wouldn’tdreamof touching anything.”

A pause, just long enough to make me look at her properly, and then -

“Except maybe you.”

My smirk falters.

What the fuck?!

I was not expectingthat.

I blink at her, processing, and -dio, is sheblushing?

A slow grin spreads across my face as I step towards her.

“Wellthat,you can always try,” I say, my voice dropping. “But I should warn you, I’m not that easy to touch.”

She scoffs, shaking off whatever moment of weakness made her say that out loud.

“Don’t worry. I’m sure you’ve had enough practice.”

I hum, watchingher closely.

“You sound jealous,giornalista.”

Her laugh is sharp.

“Jealous? Please. I was just making an observation.”

“An observation, huh?” I prod, tilting my head as I step closer.

She nods, crossing her arms over her chest like a shield.

“That you like attention. That you think you’re irresistible. That you -”

I move again, closing the space between us, and she falters.

Got her.

“That I what?”

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