Page 2 of Promise Maker

“Peachy. You act as if we’re buddies when really,we met once as kids and haven’t seen each other in eight years. That oneencounter doesn’t give you the right to scold me and take my cigarettes.”

He only snorts, continuing to study me hard.“Sei sbocciato in un fiore ancora più bello.”

I lift my brows. “What did you say?”

Domenico scoffs at me. “You should learn thelanguage. Not only because your father does business with Italians, but you’lllive in Sicily with me in the future.”

“Excuse me?” I sputter a chuckle out of surpriseand fold my arms. “What makes you think I want a man from my dad’s world? I’drather a nice computer engineer. It’s my dream to marry a nerd.”

He steps closer, causing a shudder when he grazesmy cheek with his thumb. “You’ll be in Sicily with me, as my wife.Somake sure to tell the guys you’re taken.”

“Like hell, I will.” And yet, I feel a dip in mystomach. My body is already preparing to be obedient.

I’ve considered losing my virginity to Bradley, mylab partner in chemistry. He’s sweet and isn’t a player like most of the guysat my private school. But now I’m strangely thinking of throwing myself atDomenico. The intense way his captivating eyes regard me has my pulsequickening.

I moisten my lips and remain composed. “Don’t youhave a girlfriend back in Italy? She probably hopes you’ll be togetherforever.”

He snorts. “I like how you attempt to find outwhether I’m whoring with other girls. The truth is I’m single.”

“I bet you’re no virgin, though,” I throw back athim.

His gaze lowers down my body, shamelessly admiringmy knee-length dress. “Are you?”

I suck my teeth before lying, “Of course not. Ienjoy fucking. I’m not the innocent virgin you hope I am.”

Domenico turns his head. “That’s fine because Iwill be the last man you open your legs for, Solari. That’s a promise.” Heslants to go inside. “Be ready in six years.”

“Why six years?” I blurt.

He gives me a cocky smile in return. “Because bythen, you’ll have finished college, and I’ll come to collect what’s mine.” Hemotions to the French doors. “Come on. I’ll give you the last piece of my cakeagain.”

Like an entranced girl in carnal heat, I followDomenico inside. He’s about to take my hand when Dad walks over.

“There youare,honey. Isee Domenico found you.” He smiles at the Italian prince charming before askingme, “Where were you hiding?”

“In the garden,” Domenico tells him, and my heartleaps out of fear he’ll snitch about the cigarettes. But he playfully adds,“Sulking.”

Dad looks at me, a scowl morphing his smooth brownface. “All right. I’ll take you home.”

I no longer want to leave.

My eyes drift to Domenico.

Figuring me out, he says to my dad, “I could takeher home if you’d like to stay longer, Mr. Brigham. I’m sure Solari wants tohear more about Sicily.”

“It does sound nice,” I add when Dad cuts to mewith a questioning look.

“Uh, well, I guess if it’s—”

“Nico,” a gruff Italian voice bellows from acrossthe room. Mr. Martelli nods to Dad and waves his son over. They look so muchalike, except for different eye tones.

Domenico appears regretful when he steers back tome. “I’m sorry. Another time.”

“Are you staying in Lakewood for the summer?”

Okay, that sounded desperate, Solari.

“I’m leaving tomorrow, actually,” he repliesapologetically.

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