Page 30 of Tower of Temptations

15

PEARL

Three days since that night at Luca's apartment, and I still couldn't figure out what the hell was happening to me. Or with any of them, really.

Every morning when Nico brought me coffee, my heart would race just from the way he looked at me... like he could read every secret I was trying to hide. And the scariest part? I wanted him to keep looking.

And Vincenzo... I kept finding the stupidest excuses to let him help with my hair, just to feel those fingers against my scalp. It was pathetic, how I practically melted every time he touched me. I'd catch him watching me in mirrors sometimes, that perfect composure of his cracking just enough to make my breath catch.

Luca. Just his name brought a smile to my face like I was some lovesick kid. After that night in his apartment, something had shifted. Now, whenever he showed up with his ridiculous snacks and that grin of his, I found myself wanting to make him laugh, to see that surprised delight in his eyes when I matched his wit. To find that raw honesty we'd shared over midnight cereal.

Yesterday, Giuliano had stopped by my room. When he told me I needed to learn self-defense, with Angelo as my trainer, I couldn't help the little thrill that ran through me. I'd always wanted to learn, but never dared ask Vittorio—we both knew what his answer would have been.

Through my window, I could see Angelo training in the courtyard, all smooth muscle and controlled power. The sight of him moving with such deadly grace made moisture pool between my thighs. I slipped into my bathroom—the only place without cameras—and leaned against the cool tile wall.

Just five minutes to myself. That's all I needed.

I closed my eyes, and suddenly, they were all there, their hands on my skin making me shiver, their bodies pressed against me from every side. My breath hitched as they whispered how perfect I was, how they'd been aching for me, how they needed to make me theirs. God, the things they promised to do to me... My whole body was on fire, desperate for their touch, their kisses, their?—

My fingers had just slipped beneath the waistband of my shorts when a sharp knock made me jump. "Pearl?" Angelo's voice, right outside my room. "Time for training."

I yanked my hand away, face burning. "Just... just a minute!" My voice came out embarrassingly breathy.

God, what was wrong with me? These men were supposed to be my captors. Instead, here I was, hiding in my bathroom, getting turned on while watching one of them train and daydreaming about the others.

I wasn't ready for any of this. Not for Angelo's training, not for these confusing feelings, not for how completely they'd all gotten under my skin.

But damn, I wanted it. All of it.

The gymin the east wing wasn't what I'd expected. No mirrors or polished chrome like Vittorio's pristine workout rooms. Just mats, equipment, and the lingering scent of leather and sweat that made my pulse quicken.

Angelo turned when I entered, and I nearly stumbled. He'd changed into fitted black training pants and a sleeveless shirt that did nothing to hide the coiled strength in his arms. Those eyes raked over me, noting every detail.

"First rule," he said, voice clipped and professional. "Always be aware of your surroundings."

"I am aware," I managed, trying not to focus on how his muscles shifted as he moved closer. "Vittorio made sure of that."

"Noticing which fork to use at dinner isn't the same as survival awareness." Something dark flickered in his eyes. "Close your eyes."

"What?"

"Trust me." His voice had dropped lower, sending shivers down my spine.

I hesitated, then let my eyes fall shut. Immediately, my other senses heightened. The soft whirr of the ceiling fan. The creakof the mats. And Angelo's presence, radiating heat just inches away.

"Tell me what you hear," he murmured.

"The fan. Someone's in the hallway—Rocco, I think. His boots sound different from yours." I tilted my head slightly. "Your breathing... it changed when I mentioned Vittorio."

The silence that followed made me open my eyes. Angelo stood closer than I'd realized, close enough that I had to tilt my head back to meet his gaze. Something intense burned in those green depths.

"You're observant," he said finally. "That's good. But observation without action is just..." He moved with impossible speed. Before I could blink, he had me pinned against the wall, one hand gentle but firm around my throat. "...waiting to be hurt."

My heart raced, but not from fear. His body caged mine, all controlled power and heat. His thumb rested against my pulse point, and I knew he could feel how fast my heart was beating.

"So teach me," I whispered.

His eyes dropped to my parted lips for just a moment before that professional mask slipped back into place. But his voice was harder when he spoke. "When someone grabs you like this, most people panic. Try to pull away." His fingers flexed slightly against my throat. "But that just wastes energy. Instead..."

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