Page 46 of Promise Never

It doesn’t help that herlipspart just a tad as she looks at my mouth.

Uncontrollably, I trail my hand down her back andstop at her hip, giving her a slight squeeze.

Tiana shudders, and her eyes zip back up to lockwith mine. She doesn’t say anything, though.

I feel a jab in my chest as palpable shame fallsover her face. But why would she feel embarrassed? Is it because I’m touchingher? Could it be that she likes it?

She trembles again when I glance at her lips andlick mine. I want to kiss her. Perhaps…

“Alessandro,” Pietro calls out, stopping me fromdoing something that I’m sure would have resulted in Tiana slapping me. Hewaves me over when I look in his direction.

Tiana writhes away and wipes her hands on herdress. “I’m getting some air.”

She struts outside, hanging her head as she gripsthe railing. From her back view and thewayshe’shunching, she appears troubled. Is she warring with her emotions just as I am?

Does Tiana want me?

19

What the hell!

Why did I let Alessandro touch me like that? And Iswear he was about to kiss me.

Fuck.

What am I doing?

Runiand the driverpost nearby, flicking from me to Alessandro simultaneously.

Leaning against the railing, I listen to the wavesand other sounds in the night blending with the ambient music.

In no time, thoughts about my sister flood mymind.

I wonder where she’d be right now if she werealive. Probably in New York or Los Angeles, finally getting her clothing lineoff the ground.

I’d be right there with her or living thatadventure I always wanted.

As I turn to face the guests, I glimpse SolariMartelli on her way from the restroom.

Her chic, off-the-shoulder coral dress complementsher slender figure andsunkissedskin. She’s agorgeous woman. Akin to a brown goddess as she shines with her diamond rings,bracelet, and necklace.

Solari spots me. It’s not like we wouldn’t havenoticed each other, considering we’re the only black people here.

I straighten from the railing as she heads over,her curls bouncing with every strut.

“Hi,” she says in a tone that sounds like we’vealways been friends.

“Hey.”

She glances back at the guests before asking,“Overwhelmed?”

“Somewhat.”

A kind smile forms as she extends her hand to me.“I’m—”

“Solari Martelli,” I finish, shaking her hand.“I’ve heard. I’m Tiana. I came with Alessandro.”

“Oh.” She peers back again briefly. “So, how longhave you been in Sicily?”

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