Page 55 of Duty and Desire

I stared at him. “Then get it over with.”

Franz twisted his hands. “If you don’t tell Gio the truth—and I understand why that might not be top of your list right now—then how will he get the chance to know the real you?” He looked me in the eye. “And after the mess you went through these last few days, when you thought you couldn’t trust him, just think about this: how willhereact if one day this all comes out, and he realizes you’ve been living a lie?”

“No one on this island knows the truth,” I retorted. “You expect me to tell everyone?”

“You’re not sleeping witheveryone, though, are you?” he fired back, his eyes blazing. “I get it. You’re scared to tell him. And I’m not saying he has to know right this minute. But at least concede that you might have to tell him at some point.”

I took a moment to view my situation as objectively as I could. My secret kept me at arm’s length emotionally, unable to open up about my life. And when it came to Gio, that secret created a dilemma.

What’s more important? My personal happiness—or protecting Gio from a truth that could change everything?

That voice in my head piped up.

Protecting Gio—or yourself?

In the silence that fell, I had to admit Franz was right, however.

I took a deep breath. “I’ll tell him. Soon. Just… let me enjoy this for a short while?”

Franz’s smile held a trace of sadness. “It’s your life, Nick.”

I didn’t need to hear the words he held back.

I did my best. Don’t blame me if you mess it up.

Chapter Eighteen

April 15

Gio

As soon as I heard the click of the gate, I was on my feet and hurrying to the door. Nick stood there, wearing dark blue shorts, and a pale blue shirt that complemented his tan, a bag slung over his shoulder.

“Missed me?”

I tugged him across the threshold, slammed the door shut, and gathered him in my arms. He dropped his bag and our lips fused in a heated kiss, his hands cradling the back of my head as he fed me soft moans of pleasure while I drew the scent of him into my nostrils, loving the smell of clean hair and clean skin.

Great minds, huh?I’d taken two showers since his departure.

“Wow,” he breathed when I released him. “That was some welcome.”

“I thought you’d be back before now.” I glanced at the bag. “Are you moving in?” I quipped.

“I came prepared.”

I grinned. “For what?”

“Another night here. Just my toothbrush, toiletries, and a change of clothing.” He flushed. “And some… supplies.” My ears grew hot, and Nick’s eyes sparkled. He stroked them with his fingertips. “You could probably heat my house with the warmth coming from these.”

“They’re bright red, aren’t they?” Something that hadn’t changed as I grew older. My mom said she could always tell when I was hiding something, or ashamed.

“I could say no, but I’d be lying.” He bit his lip. “Did I just embarrass you?”

“Not exactly.” I coughed. “I might have done a little shopping myself, that’s all.”

Nick gave a slow, sexy smile that sent heat coursing through me.

I groaned. “You smile like that, and all I can think about is taking off every stitch you’re wearing, then spending the rest of the day?—”

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