Page 21 of Dominance

Jiggling the latch, I manage to get it unstuck before holding up the tatters of material, ripped in two places. Ruined.

“This shirt was $300!” I hiss, clutching it to my chest.

“I’ll buy you a new one!” Adriano argues in a low, urgent whisper.

“I’m also topless!”

“I know. I was really enjoying that.” He nearly laughs and I want to punch him right in the mouth. That perfect, full-lipped mouth…

Or kiss him again.

Fuck.

“Jacket, now!” I swat his arm, pointing toward my stuff out on the tables. Adriano trots over, tossing me my jacket and heading toward the door.

“I’ll distract them—” He glances back to make sure I’m out of sight.

“Distract us from what?” The voice is light, cocky, and full of laughter.

“From sticking your noses where they don’t belong!” Adriano replies, blocking the entry to the archives and leaning on the door.

“We tried your cell and you didn’t answer, so we figured you might be at work. You know, cause you’re a wet rag and spend all of your time at the office, even on weekends.”

“Yep. That’s me.” His flat tone is interrupted by anoofas I hear bodies collide in an embrace just around the shelves out of sight.

“It’s good to see you, Adri!”

“You too, Ciro. Come on, let’s go upstairs and talk.”

“Sure, sure…” The voice fades slightly, like he’s turning around to leave. Then a scuffle.

“Hey!”

“Ha! I knew it, you’ve got someone down here with you!”

And right then, a handsome, thinner, taller, but definitely-related-to-Adriano man pops around the shelves, pointing one finger at me and grinning like he just caught someone stealing a cookie.

“Hi! I’m Ciro, you must be Gloria.” He’s across the room and thrusting a hand out toward me before I can blink. Thank goodness I managed to get my jacket on and buttoned.

“Uh. Hi. Gloria. Yes.”

“Ciro!” Adriano groans, chasing him down.

“Bold outfit. I always loved the jacket with no shirt look.”

Even as I feel the heat rushing to my cheeks, he ignores the hand I put out to shake his, dragging me into a very brotherly hug, pulling me back at arm’s length to look me over.

“You didn’t tell me how unbelievably beautiful she is, Adri!”

“No. I didn’t.”

“Actually, you didn’t tell me much of anything about her at all. ’Cep that you two are getting married. Looks like you’re getting to know each other, though, huh?” He elbows Adriano, letting me go in the process.

Leaving me free, but completely flabbergasted at the friendliest assault of prattling. He’s like a whirlwind of words and smiles.

And completely endearing.

I catch myself covering my mouth as I start to laugh.

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