Page 62 of Arturo's Temptation

“Bells, are you okay? Your face has changed a good five times in the last ten seconds.” My father’s voice brought me crashing back to earth with an almighty thud, and suddenly the silence I had been enjoying in my own head was replaced with cheering families and screaming coaches. “Bella?”

“I’m fine, Papa,” I insisted. His brow creased as he stared at me. He could read me better than anyone else, even better than my mother. If I wasn’t careful he would figure out I was lying and push me for the truth.

“Are you sure? You seem like you want to be anywhere else but here.” That was true in so many ways, but, like the rest of my family, I had promised to support my brother at his game.

“Papa, I said I’m fine, can we drop it now?” I asked, hoping he’d take the hint.

“You and your mother only say fine when you really aren’t. So, come on… spill.” He continued.

“Papa, please can you drop it? I’m fine.”

Was I?

Yes, of course I was.

“Bella—”

“I’m going to the bathroom. I’ll be right back,” I replied, ignoring my father’s gaze as I climbed down the bleachers. I rounded the corner towards the entrance of the college, allowing myself to enjoy a moment of peace, and the further I got from my father’s insane round of twenty questions the better I felt. Despite it only being an excuse, I had just made it to the door when a noise stopped me.

“You know you really shouldn’t be wandering around in the dark.” I whipped around to see a figure stood in the shadows.

“And you really shouldn’t be lurking around in the dark. Guess we all do things we aren’t meant to.” I folded my arms and leaned against the cool brick wall.

“You don’t scare easily, do you?” With a chuckle, the figure stepped into the light, revealing a tall, good looking guy with a footballer’s body. His blonde, tousled hair fell onto his forehead as he smiled. I quickly noticed he was wearing the opposing team’s colours.

“Sorry to disappoint.”

“Disappoint? Nah, I like that in girls,” he laughed. I raised an eyebrow as he stepped closer, shoving his hands into his pockets. “I saw you out there, you know? Spent the better part of the first half trying to figure you out.”

“Oh yeah? Well, that must have been riveting for you.” I cocked my head to the side. Who was this guy?

“It was actually. Not that the older guy next to you appreciated it. Looked like he wanted to kill me every time he caught me staring.” I narrowed my eyes as the nameless guy ran his finger down my arm. To my surprise, the feeling was unwelcome.

“That’s because he could, mate,” said a deep, masculine voice, one I knew all too well. The guy frowned before turning around. I took the opportunity to suck in a deep breath. “Touch her again though and you’ll wish he’d gotten to you first.” The fine hairs on the back of my neck stood on end as Arturo’s voice got quieter.

“Oh yeah? That sounded like a threat, mate.” The guy laughed, brushing a hand through his hair. I rolled my eyes. Men trying to out testosterone each other, how wonderful.

“I don’t do threats, just promises. Now do yourself a favour and walk away. I’m only goin’ to ask once,” Arturo replied, his tone casual.

“Nah, I don’t think so,” the guy replied turning back to me. “We were just getting to know each other.” He smiled and made a gesture that looked as though he was going to take my hand.

“Alright then, guess I’ll just have her brother do a number on yours.” I suppressed the urge to tell Arturo to shut up as worry flashed in the guy’s eyes. Surely he wasn’t serious? “Can’t be too careful these days. A minor tackle from the wrong angle and…” he clicked his fingers, “bye bye football career.” At this the guy flipped, swivelling round.

“What the fuck is your problem?” He snapped as Arturo grinned back at him, looking every bit the perfect psycho.

“Me? List is endless, mate. Now jog the fuck on before I give a wave and watch your brother’s bone snap.” Finally the guy got the message, and turned back towards the field.

“It was nice to—” he started.

“Hey! Don’t talk to her. Don’t even look at her. Know what I’m sayin’” Arturo ordered. With one last glance in my direction the guy heaved an angry sigh before running off in the direction of the opposing team’s stand. I glanced around the corner to see him joining a group of guys that were a similar age to me.

Shaking my head and gritting my teeth I looked over my shoulder.

“Why did you do that?!” I snapped, as his gorgeous face came into view. “You made your feelings or lack thereof perfectly clear, so why the fuck are you shoving your nose into my business?”

Ignoring my question, Arturo simply replied, “your dad’s askin’ for you.” My eyebrows raised at this. Against my better judgement I stomped towards him to get up in his face.

“You know what, I finally have you figured out.” His eyes searched mine, giving nothing away. “You may have my mother and father fooled, but you’re just another piece of trash psycho, out for what he can’t have.” I could have sworn I saw his pupilspulse and his jaw tighten but as I continued to stare him down he didn’t so much as flinch. Clearly he didn’t care. “But don’t worry, I won’t fall for it again.”

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