Page 46 of Dangerous Games

“So you’ve said.” Without warning, Gio leans down, sealing his lips over mine in a hard, closed-mouth kiss. His dominance on display as his hand slips behind me and cups my ass, pulling me flush against him. “I’ll pick you up after work.”

Without another backward glance, Gio leaves me there in shock as he leaves.

“What the fuck was that?” Nate asks, breaking the silence in the store.

I robotically turn toward him, my eyes wide and lips still tingling from the feel of Gio’s mouth on mine. “Nothing.”

“Bronwyn, be for real right now. An Adduci brother just walked you into work and kissed you like he owns you. Cough up the tea, babe.” Nate slams his arm dramatically on the counter and holds out his hand, moving his fingers against each other like he’s asking for money.

“It’s…” I trail off, trying to find the best way to describe it. “I don’t know what this is.”

“Bullshit.”

“I’m being serious, Nate! He pushed his way into my life and won’t leave. It’s annoying, honestly.”

Nate studies me through narrowed eyes. “Fine. Don’t tell me. I’ll let you keep it as your little secret…for now.” He twirls around the corner, heading to the storage closet. “Remember, secrets don’t make friends!” he calls over his shoulder.

I roll my eyes. He’ll get over it.

“I didn’t know you loved drama so much!” I yell back.

“I do when it’s not mine!”

I snicker to myself. I believe that. I don’t know how he doesn’t get tired of constantly dating. I would have given up already if I were him. There’s only so many times I could tell someone my favorite color before I would want to stab them in the eye.

Just as I’m about to follow him into the back to help bring out the items we need to stock the store, the phone rings.

“Thank you for calling AFK, how can I help you?” I say into the phone after picking it up.

I listen for a response, but nothing comes. I can faintly hear someone breathing on the other end.

“Hello?” I ask. “Are you there?”

The breathing gets heavier and louder, filling my ear. It’s so loud it sounds like the person is standing next to me. My mind must be playing tricks on me because I swear I can feel the warmth from their breath trickling across my cheek and sending a chill down my spine.

“Hello?” I try one more time.

Nothing.

Not wanting to waste my time anymore, I hung up.

“Wrong number?” Nate asks as he comes up behind me with a box.

“I think so. No one answered.”

“Happened to me yesterday after you left except they hung up as soon as I said hello.” Nate shrugs.

Hmm, that’s weird.

The workday seemed to pass by at its usual speed. We were steady, which I was grateful for. It kept my mind off the fact that my life seems to have turned upside down. I’ve been feeling extra anxious because no matter what I do or how I try to isolate myself and not be involved, something happens that reels me back in. It’s like I have no control over anything anymore. And with a man like Gio involved, it feels like a very dangerous game to be playing.

Growing up and watching my dad, I learned never to gamble or take risks. Obviously, I’m attracted to Gio. He’s the only man who can set every nerve ending in my body on fire. But would I have approached him on my own? Absolutely fucking not. Guys like him don’t notice girls like me, and that’s another thing that makes me suspicious about why he’s pushing so hard.

By the time I realize it’s time to close, Gio isn’t here.

I think deep down I knew he wouldn’t come back like he said to pick me up. This morning must have just been a huge production to show he isn’t the hit it and quit it type of guy.

Ugh.