Page 11 of Stolen Tutor

Kids have an honesty about them that shines through. I cut some of my steak and tasted it. It melts in my mouth like butter.

“You don’t have to lie to me,” I say while chewing on my food.

“I’m not.” Her head tilts sideways, and concern fills her doe eyes. “I thought you liked my uncle. He’s good to me, even nicer than my parents ever were. He’s my godfather, although we never got to spend a lot of time together because my dad always sent me away.” She sounds so sad about missing time with her uncle, which I’m starting to get.

It’s only been a few minutes without him, and he’s a total asshole to me, but I want him back, holding me roughly while owning my body.

I swallow another bite and say, “I’m simply curious. He’s a tough man, and I worry about you.”

“It’s cool. I’m so glad you’re here.” I take another bite and smile. “My uncle promised to do a lot of things with me while I was on vacation, and maybe you can go with us.”

“That’s a good idea, flower.” I whip my head around to the door to find Niccolò has undone the first two buttons in his dress shirt, revealing his throat, and I have to swallow the piece of broccoli in my mouth in one bite while trying not to choke.

“Uncle, you’re back,” she squeals, hopping off my bed, nearly sending my plate flying as she runs into his arms. Why am I jealous that he’s hugging her? He’s an asshole guy who essentially kidnapped, stripped me, used my body against me, and then told me under no uncertain terms I was his prisoner.

“Yes, I took care of something small I had to deal with. Now, are you letting Lucy eat?” He didn’t miss that I almost lost my knife that slid off the plate onto the tray. The man doesn’t seem to miss anything.

“Yes,” she huffs, looking adorable.

“Is the food good?” He actually looks like he’s eager for my appraisal.

“It is. Thank you.” I nod.

“It’s time to get ready for bed,” he tells Anna, patting her head.

“Will you read to me?” she asks her uncle with so much excitement that I hope he doesn’t let her down.

“Of course.” Damn him, a part of me wants to hate him, and being good to Anna isn’t going to make it easy for me. It’s terrible that my hormones are in overdrive around him, lusting out of control.

“Will you join us, Lucy?” Anna says, bouncing back toward me with such happiness that I can’t refuse. Still, I have a job to do and that’s helping her grow.

I set my tray on the bed away from her energy so it doesn’t go cascading or she doesn’t get hurt. “Only if you promise to read a bit with your uncle. Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you should stop reading.”

She frowns as she ponders the uncomfortable idea before answering with a sigh, “Okay. I can try.”

“That’s all I ask.” I squeeze her hand, and she smiles up at me.

“Well, let me walk you to your room and you can change. Then we’ll be in there soon.”

She throws her arms around me this time and then I hear a growl come from the bossy ass. “Thank you for coming here, Lucy. I hope you fall in love with my uncle.”

“I told you we were getting married,” he says as if it’s true.

“Uncle, please. She’s not wearing a ring or anything and you just met her. Like Elsa says. You can’t marry someone you just met.” She rolls her eyes, shaking her head.

“Who is this Elsie?”

“Elsa, goodness. From Frozen.”

“It’s a newer Disney Princess movie,” I explained.

“Oh, I like the older princesses then,” he grumbles, taking Anna’s hand and leading her out of the room while I finish my dinner.

This whole situation is almost domestic in the way. My stomach jumps painfully, and I can no longer eat, so I set my food down on the dresser and wash my face and hands.

When I step out of the bathroom, I’m startled backward when I see Niccolò standing there. “You can take your time and finish your dinner.”

“Thank you, but I’m not hungry anymore,” I answered.

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