Page 21 of When She Tempts (The Fallen)
“You know what. I’m getting my phone back.”
His lips twitch. “Hmm. It might be harder than you think. I doubt you’ll accomplish it in a day.”
“We’ll see. I’m very determined.”
Something satisfied settles over his expression. “I had an idea for another way you can channel that determination.”
“I’m fine, thanks.”
He chuckles. “You know, your brother described you to me once as a ‘sweet little girl.’ There was no mention of this attitude, though.”
Ugh. Did Dem really say that to him? I hate when my brother talks about me like I’m still five. I love him more than anything, but I swear it’s like he’s in denial about the fact that I’m fully grown. Sometimes, he still treats me like I’m a child.
I’m not, though.
And the thought that Giorgio might think of me as one makes me bristle with indignation. “Yeah, I’m sweet to people who don’t confiscate my stuff.”
His eyes spark. “Hmm. Well, like I already told you, my house, my rules, so you’re just going to have to put up with listening to my ideas whether you want to or not. Have you ever learned any self-defense?”
His question takes me by surprise. “No. Why would I? I’ve had bodyguards my entire life.”
“And what happens when they’re incapacitated or get separated from you?”
“I guess I’m screwed.”
He adjusts his cufflinks. “You can’t make a habit of relying on other people. You need to be able to take care of yourself if it comes down to it.”
My eyes widen. I agree with him…but Dem would definitely not. One time, I asked my brother to show me how to use a gun, and he categorically refused. He said he’ll always be there to protect me, so I don’t need to worry about it.
But that’s not how things have worked out.
“What do you think about giving it a try?” Giorgio asks.
“I don’t know.” If I knew some self-defense, could that have really helped me fight off Lazaro when he showed up in Ibiza? Maybe. Then again, he was so strong, his arm felt like it was made of solid steel when it was wrapped around me. I felt completely powerless. Vivid memories of that day surface back up.
“I just…” I sigh, dropping my gaze to my lap. “The man who attacked me was very strong.”
“There are techniques that allow you to use your opponent’s strength against them.”
I shake my head, still staring at my lap. I’d probably suck at it and embarrass myself in front of Giorgio. Haven’t I managed to do that enough already in the past twenty-four hours?
Something presses against the underside of my chin—his fingers. He makes me meet his gaze.
“I could teach you,” he says, his voice so soft I barely hear it over the burn from his touch. There’s a flutter in my belly. It multiplies when he says, “I have a feeling you’ll learn quickly.”
He searches my expression, and I wonder if he can read all the hesitation spelled out across my face.
“I’ll think about it,” I say.
He looks like he’s ready to argue further, but then Allegra’s voice streams back into the room, and quickly, he drops his hand.
When Allegra returns, she’s not alone. Tommaso follows behind her, along with a younger man.
Tommaso greets me as warmly as the night before and then gestures at Allegra.
“We’re married,” he says, “although she’s been threatening to divorce me for the past decade.”
“Quiet, Toma,” Allegra chastises as she hands me a cappuccino. “Martina has just arrived here. You can wait a few days before you air out all the dirty laundry in front of her.”
