Page 46 of Tempted By the Devil

It’s no surprise that when we arrive at the Newport General emergency room less than ten minutes later, Adagio and Maurizio are already on the scene.

My brows knit as I throw a glance at Rafael. “Do they always go where you go?”

“They’re my private security of sorts.”

I don’t ask any more questions as we leap out of the ambulance and approach the bright artificially lit emergency room.

Rafael insists I come with him to the station where he’ll be worked on.

“She’s my wife,” he lies to the ER nurse. “Newly married.”

My cheeks warm when the nurse smiles at me and says, “Of course. Congratulations. We’ll get you patched up in no time.”

I wait until she’s drawn the curtain around the station and walked away before I shove his good arm. “We’re not married. We’re not dating. We’re not even on cordial terms.”

He winks at me, a slight grin playing at the corner of his mouth. “For now,dolcezza. That will change soon.”

…ugh. Why does he have to be so damn fine all the time?

“What part of never going to happen don’t you understand?” I ask instead.

“You made me come to the hospital.”

“So what?”

“You care more than you say you do,” he says.

I roll my eyes. “I don’t want you shot dead. There’s a wide ocean between that and being your wife, Rafael.”

“It’s a thinner line than you think,dolcezza.”

For the moment I let him believe what he wants. The doctor comes in and sews up the wound from the graze skinning the side of his bicep.

“All good,” the doctor says. “You’re lucky, Mr. Calderone. If you had been half a second slower, the bullet could’ve really hit you and done damage.”

“Good thing I’m always a few steps ahead,” Rafael answers. He jumps off the exam table and reaches for his bloodied dress shirt.

I avert my eyes, trying hard to keep from ogling his broad shoulders and sculpted chest that would make most women’s mouths water. It’s a little hard in such a confined space and as memories of our time in Sicily flash through my mind.

Rafael Calderone is attractive. He has dark, gleaming eyes and a strong jawline. He’s fit and muscular and an impeccable dresser.

I’m only human.

My body temperature rises against my wishes.

“Ready to go?” he asks, buttoning up his shirt. “I’ll take you home.”

“No… no thank you. I’ll ride the subway. It’s only a few stops.”

“At this hour? No chance. You’re coming with me.”

It’s not up for debate.

I realize this as Rafael scoops up my hand and leads me out of the station. Adagio and Maurizio are just outside waiting for him. He gives them a nod that seems to communicate a command they understand.

As we step into the cold night, they fall behind us by several paces.

Privacy.

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