Page 84 of King

I wish he could see how deeply I love him.

I climb out and wrap the fluffy towel around my body and another I twirl on top of my head to soak the water from my hair.

Slowly I go through the motions of my night time routine, all the while thinking, trying to figure out what to do.

Brushing my fingertips over my cheeks, I pat soothing serums beneath my eyes and touch moisturizing lip balm to my mouth.

I blow dry my hair and rub Argan oil through its length.

I’m delaying going to bed, because Giovanni is already there - and I’m angry and confused and not wanting to fight again.

With a mischievous smirk I let the towel drop from around my body.

My dark, silky hair flows over my shoulders and down my back as I stand naked, staring at my reflection.

Perfect. I grin.

Walking into the bedroom I act completely casual. It’s the most normal thing for me to walk around my own room naked.

From the corner of my eye I watch him. Giovanni immediately tenses.

His eyes are glued to me as I stand near the closet, pretending to choose something to wear.

“Zina.”

I knew this would get his attention.

I turn slowly, my brows raised. “Yes?”

“I. Uh. I need to know the truth. Can you please tell me what happened with you and Emiliano. Whatever it was - it’s in the past - but I need to know, anyway.” He sounds gentler than before, more able to talk without losing his temper.

I abandon my task of finding something to wear and walk towards the bed. Lifting the covers I slip beneath them and enjoy his discomfort. He’s struggling. I love it when he struggles to control his attraction towards me.

“Gio, I wish you could read my mind.” I shift closer to him. Reaching out I brush my fingers over his face, letting the heat of my touch shiver through him. He growls in frustration. “I wish you could see my thoughts and know that I haven’t lied to you. Nothing happened between Emiliano and me. Nothing.”

Giovanni closes his eyes, his shoulders tense.

When he opens them he grabs my wrist and pushes my hand away from his face.

My expression changes as hurt pulses through me.

“I can see straight through you.” He snaps. “Trying to distract me, trying to seduce me to hide the truth.”

“You’re a fucking idiot.” I shout my patience gone, replaced by hurt. “What would the point be? Why would I lie about this? What good would it do me? I’ve spent sixteen years waiting for the day when I can be with you. I’ve turned down countless men, countless opportunities to be loved by someone else - because the only person I could ever love - is you. Why would I risk this for anyone or anything? I didnotlie to you. There was nothing between that man and me. And if you don’t wake up see how desperately I am trying to be patient about this - you’re going to wake up and be left with nothing but regret.”

He watches me and there is the smallest flicker of doubt in his eyes.

I shake my head.

“I can’t stay here if you don’t trust me. I won’t live like that. I’d rather be alone than with a man who won’t let me love him.” My voice breaks as tears spill down my cheeks.

But the tears seem to anger him.

He rolls towards me and grabs my jaw, forcing me to look at him. His eyes pierce into mine as he towers over me on the bed.

“Are those real tears, Zina?” he snarls.

TWENTY-FIVE

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