Page 70 of When She Tempts (The Fallen)
He gave me a taste, and he expects me to just forget it?
The truth is, even if I wanted to forget, I don’t know if I can. What awaits me on the other side if I do? More sleepless nights with shadows lurking in the corners of my bedroom? More endless hours of scrolling through posts of condolences and grief and pain?
I come to a stop at the edge of the forest, digging my heels into the ground and bending at the waist to catch my breath. My chest heaves.
I’m stuck here in this place with Giorgio for God knows how long, and I don’t know how to turn off the feelings I have for him. They’re so alive in my chest that my heart beats with them.
I want him.
I want his body and his touch.
I want to know what it feels like to have him naked and heavy on top of me, with his hands on my bare breasts and his length pushing inside of me.
And after last night, I think he might want the very same thing.
All he needs is a little push.
Am I brave enough to give it to him?
By the time I reach the foot of the tower, my jog has slowed to a walk. I’m sweaty and in desperate need of a shower, but I remember what Polo said about the view from the top and make a spontaneous decision to check it out.
There’s a small door cut into a larger gate. I slip through it and use my phone’s flashlight to illuminate the dark space. It’s not hard to spot the spiral staircase, and after what feels like a century, I finally emerge at the top.
I don’t know how tall the tower is, but it seems to me about the same height as a five-story building. Using my hand to shield my eyes from the sun, I spin around and take it all in.
Wow. The view is breathtaking.
I take in the vibrant green forest, the windy road at the bottom of the hill, and patches of purple and yellow wildflowers. Leaves rustle in the distance. Birds sing, their songs overlapping and weaving together.
From up here, I can see what looks like a small settlement in a valley in the distance. Perugia is too far, probably hidden behind one of the hills.
I focus back on the forest, raking my gaze over the pines until I spot a gap in the foliage.
Is that a small house?
My chest presses against the top of the wall as I lean forward, trying to get a better look.
There it is. A sloped roof with a chimney. The lines aren’t straight. I believe it’s sagging in some parts.
Is that a part of the property? Why would someone build a tiny little house all the way over there? I don’t see a road to it. It’s got to be at least a twenty-minute hike from here.
My stomach growls. With one final look at the mysterious house, I turn and head back down.
I use the side door to get back into the kitchen and find Tommaso scrambling some eggs, humming a tune to himself.
“Isn’t it still too early for breakfast?” I ask.
He glances at me over his shoulder. “Not at all. Giorgio is up already. Want me to make you a plate too?”
My heart cartwheels. Giorgio couldn’t sleep either.
“Yes, please.”
“Go ahead, I’ll bring it out to the dining room.”
I fix my ponytail and wipe a few damp strands from my face before I make my way over, my nerves ratcheting up with each step.
When I see him sitting at the head of the table, his broad back to me, I gulp down a steadying breath. His shoulders square, making me think he’s sensed my presence.
