Page 7 of Did My Heart Love Till Now?

Skipping over, she peered around the corner of the wall snickering. “So cool!”

Hunger rose within me when she poked her rear out, peeking around the corner at the fire pole. Dragging my thumb across my bottom lip, I cocked my head. “Do you want a drink?” Against my better judgement I stepped to the kitchen, now trying to prolong her stay.

“Sure! Water might be best since I have to drive soon.”

I grabbed a bottle of water and a beer from the fridge then closed the door with my elbow. I set her drink on the counter long enough to open my bottle and take a large swig.

“Can I slide down the pole before I leave?”

Choking, I lunged for the sink, spitting what was left in my mouth into the drain. My nostrils burned from the sting of inhaling the liquid. It foamed up and sizzled as it disappeared.

“Are you okay?” She appeared from around the corner, speeding over to my side.

Nodding, I wiped my mouth with my arm and slid her water to her with the other.

“Thank you.”

“Sorry, I got a text from my friend that caught me off guard.” I lied.

She twisted off the cap of her water, then took a delicate sip. Turning her attention to the large windows, she tilted her head. She placed her drink on the counter and sauntered to the windows, standing in the same place I was earlier in the day. Sliding the white sheer curtain back, she leaned on the large metal beam. Arms hugging her body tightly, she trailed her gaze up the sides of the tall buildings across the street.

Treading cautiously, I inched closer behind her, propping my elbow on the beam above her head. The aroma of her perfume intoxicated me. Closing my eyes, I deeply and slowly inhaled her scent.

“Pretty view." It was as if she were searching for something to say to cut the silent tension.

"You have no idea.” My gaze met hers in the reflection of the glass.

“It's not true, you know.”

Placing the bottle to my lips, I took a drink. “What's not true?”

She pivoted around. Her eyes widened at the lack of space between our bodies. Gaze meeting mine, she tilted her head. Sofia's eyes were the color of the sky when a storm moves in. Grey with blue undertones. They offered me a sense of peace as thunderstorms were my favorite kind of weather. I wanted to hate her because I was made to. Regrettably, it was difficult to look away. I was seeing her in an entirely new way. Privately.

I lost myself in Gavino's gaze. It was the first time I had ever been close enough to see the shade of his eyes. They drew me in, transporting me to my favorite place on earth; the forest. The earthy shade of brown, reminded me of the summers I spent camping with my family. I would sneak off to read underneath my favorite tree. It gave me a sense of protection from the rest of the world. I felt connected to him instantly. My father would kill us both if he caught us, but something would not let me leave.

We had grown up in rival families. I never hated him, but I am certain he hated me by default. We were born enemies. Never had I ever had a problem with his family, personally. It was hard to admit, but I had the biggest crush on him growing up.

He was always the untouchable bad boy my father forbade me from speaking to. It was like telling a child to keep their hands out of a candy dish but leaving it out in the open for temptation. I never acted on it.

Over time, I even grew to see Gavino for what he was, from a safe distance; an ill-tempered, dangerous playboy who slept with every woman he saw. It was a big turn off. Regrettably, he was also so hard to resist. After all, I had wanted him for so long, even if his choices in life were not the best.

He set his beer on the windowsill behind me then leaned on a steel beam next to us. Unexpectedly, his fingers trailed up my bare arm causing me to shiver. Gazes locked, he cocked his head. “So, what's not true?”

Mouth now dry, I swallowed hard averting my eyes. “The rumors about me.”

Placing his hand under my chin, he forced me to look at him again. His eyes flickered back and forth between mine as he searched my thoughts. A hint of turmoil revealed itself in the glimmering reflection of his iris. He ran his fingers through my long hair, tilting his head. Our faces inched closer, our mouths parted.

“I don't care about rumors.” Resting his lips against mine, he whispered. “Especially ones that benefit me.”

My father's ringtone ripped us from our trance. Jumping back, I slid my phone out from in between my breasts as Gavino withdrew his hand. Display facing him, I lifted my index finger to my lips.

Hi dad. I answered as cheerfully as possible without sounding suspicious.

Gavino sighed and rolled his eyes. He grabbed his beer and walked toward the kitchen.

Where the hell are you? My father sounded livid.

I-I'm about to watch a movie with Sienna at her house, eh...why?

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