Page 18 of Promise Never

Silence settles in the gym. I can’t stop thinkingabout the cruelty of Luca and why his younger brother was in the hospital.

“What about your parents?” Alessandro breaks thequiet. It seems he wants a calm dialogue with me.

The low lighting does make it a little easierbecause his face isn’t very illuminated.

I would like normal interaction with someone. It’sbeen so long, and I’m... Shit. I’m lonely.

“I don’t know them,” I admit. “My sister and Iwere given away when we were three and five. We stayed in the foster caresystem until she turned eighteen and took me with her. She...” My voice hitchesfrom a sudden prick in my chest.

The box is opening.

Pain is starting to seep out.

I press my hand at my heart. God, it hurts inside.

“What’s that?” Alessandro urges.

He edges closer, stopping under the light. I winceat his features. His face thrusts my head back to that tragic night, and themoment I saw Luca.

“Uhh...”

Alessandro clutches my arm before I run away. “I’mnot him, Tiana. I won’t hurt you.”

It takes a second for the memory to clear and formy nerves to calm.

Alessandro is still touching me. I ease away,hating the strange burn on my skin and the side of me that wants contact.

“Sorry. I forgot you told me not to.” He swallowshard. “Could we keep talking?”

I almost tell him yes, but my ice shieldstrengthens. “We’re not friends. Talking is pointless. Just hurry and take careof Zeno so we can put an end to this situation.”

He curses in Italian and wipes his mouth with theback of his hand. “Fine, Tiana. Until then, stay out of my house at night anddon’t come looking for me.”

My brows fly up. “Whothe fuckwaslooking for you? I was restless. I can’t go anywhere.”

“Or perhaps you need something.” He creepsforward, making me shuffle back. “Something a man can give you.” There’s ateasing touch to his deep voice.

Heat floods my face and a particular part of my bodythat hasn’t felt a man in so long. It doesn’t help that I glance at his broadshoulders and chest, noting how sweat is seeping through the fabric of hist-shirt.

He’s so firm.

Out of nowhere, my fingers start to tingle withthe desire to trace his muscles.

I ball my fists tightly and act tough. “Don’t getany ideas.”

“What sort of ideas do you think I have?” His toneis husky and teasing, unraveling me. He moves forward again. “Tell me.”

I back up. “You know exactly what I’m talkingabout, Alessandro.”

He raises his chin, quiet as he regards me. “Younever have to worry about that, Tiana. I can see how much I disgust you.”

It’s aggravating that something inside is tryingto erase my coldness towards him.

He’s aFattore, Iremind myself.

“Sorry I interrupted your workout,” I rasp. “I’mgoing to bed.”

“Goodnight.” He marches back to the punching bag,hitting it ruthlessly.

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