Page 31 of Arturo's Temptation

Shit, Bella.

I shook my head and gripped the edge of the kitchen island in front of me. I knew I shouldn’t have lost my temper, especially in front of her, but the way the guys all looked at her was too much to take. In the few weeks I’d been here, I’d heard far too many comments and whispers about her. Stuff that made my blood boil.

I gritted my teeth and started pacing the kitchen.

The truth was she had awoken something inside of me. A darkness I despised that I’d spent years burying. She shouldn’t have to see this side of me. Who knew what could happen to her if I lost the grip I had on my sanity.

Cursing, I retrieved two new sundae glasses. Having no clue what she liked, I scooped in every flavour available then smothered both sundaes in chocolate sauce, sprinkles and a tonne of other stuff I’d never seen before. I had to admit they looked pretty damn good considering I’d never made one of these sodding things in my life.

When I got back to Isabella’s bedroom, the only sound I heard was of a five-year-old boy giggling away to an animated film while his aunt slept soundly beside him.

“Hey! You brought ice cream?” he beamed as I handed him a glass. And from the way he started demolishing it I was surprised he didn’t get a brain freeze.

“Mhmm, I also brought one for your aunt but it looks as though she won’t be needing it.” Turning, I started back towards the stairs.

“Do you want to finish the movie with me?” His little voice asked.

“Wish I could, kiddo, but I’ve got work to d?—”

“Pleeeeease? It’ll just be for a little while.” I sighed as his big eyes stared up at me.

“Can I have this ice cream?” I negotiated, raising an eyebrow.

“Of course! Auntie Bells isn’t eating it.”

“Alright, what’re we watching?”

“Yay! A cartoon movie.” Theo scrambled to the end of the bed. Smiling, I sat down beside him to watch the rest of the film. After a beat though, Theo spoke.

“Uhm, is Auntie Bells okay?”

“What do you mean?” I smiled, loading my mouth with the sweet, creamy concoction. I didn’t eat dessert very often and I was surprised by how good it tasted.

“Auntie Bells’ foot hurts. She said it doesn’t, but I know it does.”

“Does she do that often, mate?” I asked.

“Do what?”

“Lie about how she’s really feeling?” I enquired, putting my glass to one side. Theo gave me a curious look but didn’t reply.

Ah, he’s protecting her. Loyal kid.

“Your aunt's not in trouble, kiddo. I’m just asking so I know how best to protect her.”

“Well, I think she just doesn’t like it when people worry about her.”

Where have I heard that before?

Theo turned to watch the movie, I took Isabella’s foot in my hand as gently as possible, so as not to wake her. I ran my fingers across the bandage protecting her cut. So, princess, you push people away so they don’t worry. I can relate. A soft smile toyed on her lips as she slept soundly. It was probably the only smile I’d receive from her but I’d take it…for now.

“What the hell are you doing in here?” Stiffening, I placed Isabella’s foot back on the bed and got to my feet.

“Good evenin’, Lorenzo.”

“Don’t give me pleasantries, Arturo,” he hissed. His expression was lethal as he gazed down at Isabella. “Why does my daughter have a bandage around her foot?”

“Let’s step outside.” I gestured towards the door as Theo waved at his grandfather.

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