Page 110 of Arturo's Temptation

“What?” My eyes popped from my skull.

“It’s a simple question. Do you love her?”

“I ain’t capable of that, mate.” I sighed, leaning back against the chair.

“Alright, gonna have to do this the hard way.” Rolling his eyes, he dropped into the chair behind his desk and dug around for his cigars. “Does she feel like yours?”

“She was mine the moment I met her.” I growled.

“Well then, I think you have your answer,” Jay replied, lighting up his cigar.

Fuck.

“Lads, what if I can’t give her what she needs? I mean… I can’t imagine bein’ without her, but what if my shitty past fucks things up? Am I stupid for getting involved with her?”

“I’ll tell you what's stupid. You sitting here with us two tossers while she is no doubt still asleep, naked I might add, and waiting for you!” Jay slapped his hand against his desk, the same desk I’d once bent her over.

“Erase the fact that she’s naked from that fucked up mind of yours before I find my own way to erase it.”

“Yup, the man’s in love… It's a big day for us. He’s finally growing up,” Josh teased, wiping a fake tear from his eye. “All jokes aside, mate, go and be with your woman. And for fucks sake tell her how you feel.”

“I’ll tell her when the time is right,” I replied, rising from the chair. If I told her now, she might only believe I was saying it because we’d finally had sex. “All I know is that when I tell that woman that I love her, it’ll be special.”

“Shit, he really is in love with the daughter of the most notorious fucker this city’s ever known.” Jay relaxed in his chair, a shit eating grin taking over his face. “You scared of what Lorenzo will do to you when he finds out you’re banging his only daughter?”

“First off, shut your dirty mouth. I won’t have you talking shit like that about my girl,” I snapped. “And second of all, I ain’t never been scared of anyone before, and I don’t plan on startin’ with Lorenzo fuckin’ Ricci.”

“Atta boy!” Josh cheered.

Rolling my eyes, I got to my feet. “Right, now, if you two clowns will excuse me, I have somewhere I need to be.”

As I took a step towards the door, Jay’s voice stopped me in my tracks.

“Before you go, forgot to mention… That lad, the one you royally pissed off, he was in here the other night, shouting hismouth off about what a dick you are.” I turned back to face him only to find his eyes carefully watching me.

“What lad?” I asked, wracking my brains.

“You know, young, annoying. Bit arrogant.” Jay said, swivelling his hand in the air. “Can’t remember his name. But he’s been in before.”

“Alright,” I shrugged, completely unfazed. “And I should give a fuck because…?” Jay and Josh shared a look before he turned back towards me.

“Kid was threatening to do something… Something pretty stupid.” He scrubbed at his stubbled jaw. “Just… watch your back, yeah?”

“Yeah, uh… thanks.”

36

I turned to face Arturo,only to find him not there. His side of the bed was cold and empty. I sat bolt upright, and fuck me, the head rush was real.

Did he really run out on me again?

No… he wouldn’t, would he?

I pulled on an oversized shirt before padding towards the door. I thought everyone would have been back, but the house was as we left it not long ago, dark and silent. It reminded me of one of those horror movies Arturo said he enjoyed watching. Me though? I always gave them a miss.

“Arturo?” I whispered to the darkness. There was no answer.

Fuck!

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