Page 20 of Tilly
“Because you deserve more than what I can give you. And, well, I didn’t want to upset the peace between our families.”
I finally peer up at him. “And now? You want to upset the peace now?”
“No. I don’t. But I also don’t want to give you up. If that means stirring the pot, risking war, so be it. I promise I will come out on the other end of this.”
I’m not so sure.
I don’t say that aloud, though. I know my family. I know what they’re capable of. Then again, Antonio has developed a reputation of his own these last few months. He’ll definitely give my Zio Theo a run for his money if things come to a head.
“I think we should avoid war. It’s messy. Too much unnecessary blood is spilled and people tend to die.”
“What are your plans this weekend?” Antonio asks, clearly changing the subject.
“Not a lot. Studying, the usual Sunday dinner at Nonna’s.” I lift a single shoulder.
“I’m hosting an event, at Sin, on Saturday night. I want you there.”
“Didn’t you tell me that girls like me don’t belong in your club?”
“They don’t. You don’t. Because you’re too fucking good, pure for that place. But you’ll be with me, and nothing is going to happen to you if you’re with me.” He smiles.
“What’s the event?” I ask.
“A live band,” he says.
“Can I bring a friend, or two?”
“If it means you’ll come, then yes.”
Antonio and I chat throughout dinner. About everything and anything. My anxiety lessens with each minute that passes between us. And by the end, I’m so comfortable with the man in front of me I forget I was nervous to begin with.
Walking out of the restaurant later that night, Antonio rests his palm on my lower back and my body automatically leans into him. I can’t get enough of his touch.
I assumed he was taking me to my apartment, so when I realize he’s going the wrong way, I turn in my seat to look at him. “Where are we going?”
“Home,” he says.
“I live on the other side of the city.” I point my thumb towards the back window of the car.
“My home,” he corrects. “You don’t have class until ten tomorrow. I’ll have you back to your apartment early in the morning.”
I blink at him. I want to argue. At the same time, another part of me doesn’t. Because I also want to go home with him. I want him to take me to his bedroom. I just don’t know if I should be so easy.
“Don’t overthink it, Matilda. I like you and I sure as fuck hope you like me too. We’re getting to know each other,” he says.
“I have a question.”
“Okay.”
“If I’m yours and expected to not see anyone else.” I pause when Antonio growls. Actually growls at the implication. “Then are you mine too? Are you gonna toss out that little black book of hoes?”
“I’m yours, Matilda, and I don’t have a little black book of hoes.” He chuckles.
“Well, wherever it is you keep their numbers, you should lose them,” I say while chewing on my thumbnail.
Antonio reaches over and moves my hand away from my mouth. “I don’t have anyone’s number. Yours is the only one I’ll be calling.”
“Thank you.”
