Page 27 of Take Me Under

And with that, he turned and headed toward the bedroom. Iwas left gaping, unsure what to think about this strange turn of events.

I didn’t know what he expected me to do all day—or I should say, all night—in this lavish space, but if it bought me time until I had to shell out more cash for a hotel room, I was more than happy to make do. I began a mental list of all the calls I had to make and emails I needed to send.

I also found myself questioning who Rebecca—capital R—was to Anton.

Four hours later,I stared out the massive windows of the living room. The city lights twinkled like a thousand tiny stars. Dawn was fast approaching, and my thoughts were a chaotic whirlpool as I struggled to digest the bizarre situation I was in.

I’d tried to call my mother, but she hadn’t answered. More than likely, she was busy at the shop on Via Fillungo where she sold hand-sewn dresses to locals and tourists. In a way, I was relieved that she hadn’t picked up the phone. It allowed me to leave her a brief, nondescript voicemail explaining my travel delay, saving me from an incredibly awkward explanation. I could practically hear her shock and disapproval if I’d have told her exactly where I was and how I’d come to be here—never mind that a strange man had undressed me and tucked me into his bed.

An image of my mother making the holy sign of the cross filled my mind and I smiled. No doubt, this would make her feel compelled to attend church twice a day for the next month.

I had a good relationship with my mother, but she wasn’t who I needed at that moment. I needed Caterina, my best friend. Her familiar voice was the anchor I desperately wanted, but she hadn’t answered my call either. All I could do was send her aquick text asking her to call me back. That had been three hours ago.

I reached up and rubbed my temples before moving my hands around to squeeze the base of my neck. From the whirlwind events of the Met Gala to my unexpected sickness, everything was a blur. Add in how I’d willfully allowed a stranger who looked like a Greek god to see me naked, and it was all too much.

This wasn’t who I was, but somehow things just seemed to be happening to me. I wasn’t known for spontaneity. Structure and order defined my days. Strangely, a part of me was drawn to the chaos. It both fascinated and terrified me.

What am I doing here?

I pinched the bridge of my nose as I further contemplated the situation.

I should leave before Anton wakes.

I could easily touch base with him about dinner once I was settled in a hotel. However, I wasn’t sold on the idea of having dinner either. After all, there was no reason we couldn’t conduct business over the phone—long distance, where I wouldn’t be distracted by those onyx eyes. Heaven knows, it would be much easier to present a proposal if I didn’t have to physically look at him. He was so attractive, it hurt.

Perhaps I should skip it.

An evening with Anton would only heighten this unexplainable desire I had for him. It was better if I kept a safe distance.

I glanced around the penthouse as if somehow the walls would provide the answer to what I should do. The expensive artwork and sconces stared back, silent witnesses to my struggle. They offered no guidance, only more uncertainty.

Pressing my lips together in a tight line, I shook my head. I’d indulged in nonsense long enough. Decision made, I went to the master suite to collect my things. It was time to go.

CHAPTER TEN

Anton

My feet thudded against the revolving belt of the treadmill, propelling me through the final mile in my home gym. Beads of sweat dripped down my face, mingling with the salty traces already staining my skin. I welcomed the burning sensation in my muscles and the steady rhythm of my breath. A good cardio workout was exactly what I needed to clear my head—especially after the shock I’d experienced after I woke up.

She was gone. Really gone.

I wasn’t sure why it had bothered me so much. Perhaps because she’d left without so much as a goodbye. Her suitcases had vanished, and if it weren’t for the lingering traces of her perfume, it was as if she hadn’t been there at all.

But even as I pushed myself to run faster and harder, my mind couldn’t escape the memories of Serena Martinelli. They had plagued my sleep and every waking thought since our first meeting. The fitful dreams during the night had left me feelinglike I’d barely slept at all, igniting a wildfire within me and exposing just how mundane my life had become.

Before meeting her, I’d been content. I had money and could do whatever I wanted, yet now everything seemed dull. Finding the Brutus Denarius was important to me, but the idea of obtaining the coin was suddenly far less important than uncovering the truth about Serena. She was extraordinary, and I wanted to know more about her.

As I reached the end of my run, exhaustion burned in my muscles. I hit the kill switch on the treadmill and slowed my pace until the belt came to a stop. I pulled the sound buds from my ears and set them on the bench press, silencing the Imagine Dragons album that I’d been listening to. My chest heaved as I caught my breath, sweat dripping down my face and neck. Grabbing a nearby hand towel, I closed my eyes and wiped it away. Behind my lids, Serena’s piercing blue gaze invaded my mind, an alluring vision searing into me.

I couldn't help but imagine what she would look like with her lashes lowered in submission. I liked to indulge my Dominant side when the mood struck, and Serena had hit every pressure point. She’d be an unlikely sub. She had too much fire and strength in her to follow a command without question. But that didn’t mean I wasn’t up for the challenge. I wanted her naked body kneeling before me. The image was both tantalizing and maddening, sending an electric jolt of desire straight to my groin.

Get a grip.

Shaking off these thoughts, I chided myself for being so consumed by a woman I barely knew. But try as I might, I couldn’t deny the intense pull she had over me.

Tossing the towel onto the ground, I left the gym and made my way to the master suite.

As I entered my bedroom, I tried not to look at my bed—the place she’d slept for two days. Even that was now a reminder of her. Striding past it, I grabbed a change of clothes from the closetand headed toward the bathroom. Pushing the heavy door closed, I heard the satisfying click of the latch—the very same one that had failed Serena, leaving her exposed and naked in front of me.

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