Page 75 of Dex

But, Dios, he looked so good.Too good, even coming straight off a long ten-hour flight, this man stole my breath away.Crisp white shirt, sleeves pushed up just enough to show his forearms, tailored pants, that slightly messy hair that looks like it’s been through his hands a few too many times.He shouldn’t have this effect on me, because this isn’t real, but he does, and I don’t know what to do with it.

He’s a man who doesn’t want to get involved, and it would be so wrong to get involved.I must focus on my father’s health and business, and let those be my driving force.

But Dexter makes me sit up and take notice.

During these past few weeks, I’ve found myself thinking of our conversation, lingering over our kiss, feeling something deeply buried inside me light up like a fire.

It’s something I’ll work on and try to stop.Not fan the flames of desire I mostly feel when I think of him.

We have a year.And the most important thing is that AO Eletronica benefits.

Not me.

My heart sinks when I watch my parents.This is so real to them.I want to shake them and remind them that this is an alliance and nothing more, but I’m fearful now that they’re buying into this story.

One look at Dexter and they’re acting as if this fairytale could turn into a happily ever after.

When he gets up to use the washroom, I consider going after him, to try to get a moment alone with him, to see how he is, but I don’t want so many pairs of eyes on me, so I leave it.Then when I notice that my father is missing, I get nervous.I have a feeling he wants to talk to Dexter alone, but my father doesn’t know Dexter, and I don’t want my father giving him any “advice”.

I find him outside, exactly where I thought he’d be, and thankfully, he’s alone.I step outside, my sandals silent against the stone.“There you are,” I say, light and careful, because I can’t gauge his mood.“I figured you might want an escape route after dessert number two.”

He turns at the sound of my voice.“You say that like you didn’t go for seconds with the chocolate truffles.”

“Brigadeiros.”

“That what they’re called?They’re insanely delicious.”

I grin.“I consider them to be a food group.”

He holds my gaze and something inside me lights up like a star.This feels so intimate, and real.But then my insides heat up when Dexter gives me a look, half wary, half something else.Something that feels like longing, or maybe regret.

I force myself to take a breath, remind myself that this is a performance, and we are merely actors reciting our lines.But when his mouth curves, and his eyes turn soft, I feel light and giddy again.

Is this how our year together will be?Full of ups and downs?Me not knowing if he’s being genuinely nice to me or mocking?

“Your parents are … something else.”

I cringe a little.“They can be intense.My father especially, though my mother isn’t far behind.”I put my hands to my face, thinking of how she was practically force feeding him.I move my hands away.“I’m sorry.I hope you didn’t find this too much.”

“No.”He cuts in.“Your parents are wonderful people.Truly wonderful.The best kind,” he says softly, looking out into the inky darkness.For a moment it seems like he’s talking to himself.I feel like I need him to just be.“You’re very lucky,” he tells me.

“Thank you.”

“I understand now, in a way I couldn’t before, why you’re doing this.”

A soft breeze blows, wafting the scent of jasmine and lemon leaves.I wrap my arms around myself, listening to the familiar hum of the cicadas in the trees.

“You were very good with them, Dexter.The last thing I wanted was for you to feel put upon.”

“I don’t feel put upon.”Then, quieter, “I just feel like this matters more than I expected it to.”

I look at him and see something vulnerable in his expression.Maybe uncertainty about tomorrow and the consequences of our marriage, or maybe, it’s the quiet panic of someone who isn’t used to being cared for.

I feel like he’s still trying to make sense of it all.Not just our alliance, but my parents, and this evening.My family life.

“You have a lovely home,” he says.

“Thank you.There are a lot of memories here.”

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