Page 103 of The Italian Obsession

He smiles and turns his hand over to take mine. “Then stop making me angry.”

I smirk, and that buzz between us is there again. “How does this go, Enrico? What is this between us?”

“Rici. You call me Rici.”

I look down as I try to articulate what I want to say. So clear in my head, so clunky in real life.

“You said we had more story between us,” he says.

“I did.”

“Can you honestly say that you feel like you turned the last page? Because I can’t.”

“No,” I say. I watch as the twinkle returns to his eyes, and I exhale heavily. “I’ll make a deal with you. You pick me up and take me on a date tomorrow night, and I’ll wipe the slate clean.”

“How about we just talk about it tonight?”

“And stop doing that.”

“Doing what?”

“Hypnotizing me with your sexiness.”

He smiles brightly at me. “No promises.”

I stand. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

His face falls. “You’re leaving already? Your drink hasn’t even arrived.”

“Yes. I’m leaving.”

He opens his mouth to object, and then shuts it, silencing himself. “See you tomorrow night.”

I kiss him on the cheek. “Tomorrow.”

ENRICO

I would have preferred to stay in with her tonight but I need to make an effort, so here I am. I knock on the door and Olivia opens it in a rush.

My breath catches at the sight of her. She’s wearing a strapless red dress. Her long blonde hair is up, and I’ve never seen anyone more beautiful.

“Bella,” I whisper as I look her up and down. “So beautiful.”

She performs a twirl for me. “You like?”

I take her in my arms as my cock hardens. “I love.”

I can’t stop myself; I lean in and kiss her softly. Not kissing her feels unnatural. It’s the weirdest thing. I want to talk her out of going out, but I won’t because I know she wants this. “Let’s go.”

She grabs her purse and shawl, and I take her hand and lead her downstairs. My car is waiting in the parking lot, and I glance over to see the four cars parked with my bodyguards inside them.

My every instinct is to drop her hand, but I know I’m already skating on thin ice. I grit my teeth and let her hold my hand. Just this once.

“What’s this car?” she asks as she takes in the black Audi.

“This is my sensible car.” I wink as I open the door for her.

“Are you going to be sensible tonight, Mr. Ferrara?” she teases.