Page 132 of Arturo's Temptation

“Bells, you alright?” Emmet’s voice came through the earpiece, a slight worry to his tone.

“Yeah, yeah. Everything is absolutely fine. I need your help though.”

“Shoot… What do you need?” he asked.

“I need your help to fix Arturo’s bike,” I demanded in the nicest possible way.

“Come on, Bells. You know as well as I do that hunk of junk is toast.” There was an upset to his voice, as if it were his own bike.

“So everyone keeps telling me. Look, I don’t care what it costs, just find someone who can fix it.”

“Well, look who’s changed her tune. I thought you couldn’t stand the guy?”

“He’s… growing on me.”Ha, growing on me… That was a good one. If only they knew. “And besides, the only reason his bike got fucked up in the first place is because he sacrificed it to protect me. I figured the least I can do is repay the guy.”

“Bullshit. You don’t owe the guy a goddamn thing. The dude was hired for a reason. He shouldn’t have taken you out on it in the first place.” Emmet reminded me. Not that anyone knew therealreason he saved me.

“Ugh, Emmet, will you do it or not?” I asked, hoping Arturo wouldn’t overhear me and burst through the balcony door, ruining the surprise.

“Course. He’s a good guy and it would be nice to see a smile on the miserable bastard’s face for once,” he laughed.

“Oh, and another thing… Not awordof this to Papa. He doesn’t need to know. He’ll ask more questions than you.”

“And you ain’t ready to answer those yet, are you, hmm?” I frowned. What the hell was that supposed to mean? Did Emmet suspect something?

“I don’t know what you’re on about. Now, have we got a deal?”

“Bells!You know I hate lying to your Pa.” he groaned.

“Please, Emmet,” I begged. “You’re my only hope…”

“Oh, all right. But you owe me, girl. And I won’t breathe a word… Scouts honour.” I could tell he was smiling. My father would probably hang him out to dry by his balls if he found out he was keeping my secret.

“Thank you! Keep me updated!” I hung up the phone before he could change his mind.

Turning, I gazed out at the bright lights and lively evening streets of New York. The people below looked as small as ants and like always the skyline took my breath away, I’d never spent much time in the city since I had no need to. I only came when I wanted to breathe and get some space. But this weekend was completely different. Despite a few mishaps, the getaway had been pretty perfect. We may have had to lie about our whereabouts but I couldn’t bring myself to feel guilty about that. Maybe I would have a few weeks back, but not this time, not anymore.

“Hermosa, what you doin’ out here?” Arturo asked from the doorway. I had been so lost in the view and my thoughts that I’d not even noticed his footsteps.

“Just enjoying the view, and some fresh air.” I glanced over my shoulder, flashing him a smile. “I wish we didn’t have to go back to the house tomorrow.” I sighed.

“Me too, but I promise we can come here for a getaway anytime. Just let me know when and I’ll arrange everything.” I knew he would, he was a man of his word.

“Thank you.” I reached out for his hand, sighing at the feel of his warm palm against mine. I tried my best to stifle a yawn but of course, it didn’t go unnoticed.

“Come on, my love. Let’s go to bed,” he yanked me back through his penthouse apartment, not stopping until we reached the bedroom.

“I’m not tired.”

“Oh, princess… When are you goin’ to learn I always know when you’re lying?” he asked with a wink. Was there anything he no longer knew about me?

It was then I realised he was beginning to unravel everything.

“Welcome home,darling. How was the wedding?” my mother asked the second we stepped through the door.

“Better yet, how was training?” my father chimed in, sipping an espresso from the kitchen island.

“The wedding was beautiful, Lily looked so stunning in her gown. Her hairstylist did such a great job.” I smiled, accepting a hug from my mother.

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