Page 99 of Arturo's Temptation

32

A few days later,after spending most of the day at Oakwoods, we finally made it home. The house seemed quieter than usual, the lights were dimmed as if everyone was getting ready to either go out somewhere or go to bed.

Since the coast was clear, Arturo’s hands dug into my hips making me squeal in delight as he hit my ticklish spot.

“Stop it, someone will see,” I gasped, spinning to face him wearing a cheeky, boyish grin. “I like that.”

“Like what?” he asked, raising a brow.

“This,” I placed my finger against his lips, as he pressed a chaste kiss against my fingertip. “You should smile more.”

“Never had a reason to before,” he craned his head bringing his lips closer to mine, the warmth of his breath caused my skin to prickle. “Fuck, princess, the urge I have to bend you over this counter is fuckin’ killin’ me,” he growled.

“What’s stopping you?” I asked a little too eagerly.

“The kitchen’s no place for your first time,mi hermosa. And I ain’t takin’ you until I’ve worshipped every part of your body in your bed or mine,” he whispered against my lips, causing mywhole body to shudder. It was as though he knew his words were enough to make me unravel.

“Bells, is that you?!” Luca shouted from what sounded like the top of the stairs.

“I’m in the kitchen,” I called back, wriggling out of Arturo’s grip.

“Finally, where the fuck have you been?! I’ve been calling you for hours!” He snapped, his face like thunder.

“I was at Oakwoods. What’s up?” I felt Arturo’s posture change behind me.

“What’s up?! Are you kidding me right now?!” He bellowed, expecting me to flinch but I didn’t. “Have you forgotten what fucking day it is?!”

“Luca, lower your tone,” Arturo warned, the harshness in his voice could have cut glass.

“This isn’t your business, Arturo, so stay out of it!” Luca was on a roll, words spilling from his mouth like acid.

“Hey! Don’t speak to him like that. Whatever issue you have is with me, not him.” I stepped closer to Luca as he stepped backwards.

“You’re out there gallivanting around without a care in the world while me and Theo are living through the worst day of the year!” Luca slammed his fist on the island, his mouth a thin line.

“Papa, I got them.” Theo came bounding into the kitchen holding a bouquet of white lilies.

Peyton’s favourites… Fuck…

“Theo, go and wait in the car.” Luca barked, making Theo jump. He didn’t respond and instead sprinted out the door to the garage clutching the flowers to his chest.

“Luca, I’m sorry?—”

“I don’t want to hear it.” He huffed, his eyes wild with grief. He ran a hand through his hair as he seethed and stared daggers at me. “You’re always here. You never forget! What’s the matterwith you? Were you so worried about yourself that you couldn’t be bothered to worry about Theo or me for even a second?!” I’d never heard him sound so cold. “You’re so fucking selfish, Bella!”

“Watch your fuckin’ mouth, Luca,” Arturo spat, he was visibly irritated. I knew playing the bodyguard and nothing else was stretching him to the limit.

“I already told you once, this isn’t your business. Know your fucking place!” I watched Arturo ball his fists up as they stormed toward each other.

“Enough!” I screamed. Luca looked down at me with a frown, his nostrils flaring as he pulled in deep, irate breaths. “You seem to forget, Luca Giovanni Ricci,Iwas the one who cried with you.” I punctuated my point by stabbing him with my forefinger. “I was the one who has been there day in and day out. I’ve been here every single day since she passed, helping you to raise Theo, so how dare you call me selfish?—”

“What on earth is going on here?!” My mother stepped into the kitchen, shock filling her expression.

“Your daughter! That’s what. The one day I fucking need her, and where is she? Out spending time with people she clearly gives more shits about.” I frowned and looked at Arturo as my throat began to choke with unshed tears. “She’s a selfish bitch, who doesn’t care about anyone but herself.” I couldn’t listen anymore, tears stung my eyes as I felt the world begin to crumble beneath me. Looking up at my twin brother felt like looking at a stranger.

“Luca, don’t you dare speak that way about your sister!” My mother replied, shoving her way inside to stand before him.

“It’s fine, Ma,” I forced a smile before heading out of the kitchen, pausing on the stairs for a moment.

---