Page 97 of Carnal

"I just said no."

"Then why are you fighting with me about this? You know I don't control when Papà gives me orders. And what would you do if you were at the club with me? It's not like you'll let me tell anyone about us. Unless you changed your mind?" he questions.

It's another sore spot. Last week, Tristano wanted to take me to a new restaurant opening. I said no. It would have meant outing us to his entire family. I reply, "I'm not ready for that."

"How convenient for you," he mumbles.

"Don't do that," I order.

"Don't be a hypocrite, Pina. I'm sorry I can't stay for dinner. I'll come back after I do my job and eat it then," he claims.

"Don't bother," I snap, then pick up the saucepan and toss the contents down the drain.

"What are you doing?"

I turn on the water and rinse the remaining liquid off the metal. I answer, "I'm not hungry anymore."

"That wasn't necessary."

I scoff. "I doubt you spending all your nights at the sex club is necessary, either."

"Are you serious right now?"

"Do I look like I'm joking?"

Tristano shakes his head. "Okay, Pina. Have it your way. See you later." He turns and walks toward the door.

Fear pummels me, but my ego doesn't let me tell him what I'm feeling. I follow him. "What are you saying, Tristano? Be very clear."

He opens the door, glances back, and says, "I'm not letting you accuse me of doing things I haven't done. Since we got together, I've not touched another woman. I have no desire to. But I'm not going to shirk my family responsibilities. You work for us. You know the nuances of the job."

Guilt crashes into me. I can't argue his statement. I do understand how the Marino family works. If Angelo orders you to do something, you don't argue. I'm not being fair to Tristano, but the thought of him going into the club makes me feel ill.

I have no reason not to trust him, but knowing what goes on there and what he's done in the past doesn't give me any peace. Women throw themselves at all the Marinos, and Tristano is no different than any other man. I'm sure it takes a lot of willpower for him to pass on every woman who hits on him.

My silence angers him. He scolds, "Really, Pina? Wow. Good to know what you think of me." He steps out into the hallway.

I grab his bicep. "Wait."

He shrugs out of my grasp. "I'm going to be late. Have a nice night."

"Tristano!" I call after him, but he disappears down the stairwell instead of waiting for the elevator.

I go inside, shut the door, then lean against it, slightly banging my head.

Why did I have to do that?

I hate him spending so much time at the club when I can't go.

But then the Marinos would know about us.

Maybe it wouldn't be as bad as I think.

Nope. No way. Dante will never forgive me.

Then where is this going?

The more time I spend with Tristano, the more my fears nag me. I'm trying not to fall for him, but it's proving impossible. Besides the last-minute cancellations, which always happen when I'm cooking him dinner, everything between us seems to get better. He's funny, doesn't seem to have any issues being emotionally available, and our chemistry is unlike anything I've ever experienced. Plus, right when I think sex can't get any better, he proves me wrong.

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