Page 59 of Shiver

The moment I give him a reassuring nod, he practically runs inside, full steam ahead. He runs his fingers over the edge of my duvet, taking his time to lift and stare at each individually framed photo and trinket placed on my nightstands and dresser.

When he’s made his way around my room, with me awkwardly standing in the doorway, he picks up the edge of my duvet, getting on his hands and knees to peer underneath it.

“Luca, what are you doing?” I finally ask, my temper getting the best of me after thirtylongminutes of watching him scrutinize my home.

When he peers over his shoulder at me, his firm ass still in the air, he slowly stands, and the sly grin he’s wearing is like a beacon, reminding me how much trouble this man brings everywhere he goes. Whatever he’s about to say is going to ruin my whole damn night.

“Well,principessa, I was just looking for your cat,” he tells me, prowling over to stand not even a foot in front of me.That damn, nonexistent cat.

I don’t step away though. I hold my ground, steeling my spine for whatever bullshit is about to come flying out of that sinful mouth of his. “But it seems the only pretty pussy around here”—he leans in farther, his cool breath coasting over my heated flesh—“is yours.”

My skin feels flushed, and as his words skate over me, my annoyance with him is renewed.

The fact that I’ve told multiple lies in the last few weeks irks me. It makes me feel slimy, and considering the negative association people often feel toward lawyers, that furthers my discomfort. But Luca’s words both ignite a fire in my core and extinguish it all at once.

I can’t lie about this fucking cat again. I clearlydo nothave a cat. More than that, I don’twanta cat. I can barely take care of myself these days; how could I be trusted to care for another living being?

Maybe this is why I haven’t gotten pregnant. Maybe I’m just not ready.

That familiar self-doubt wiggles its way to the surface, but Luca’s fingers trail across my chin, turning my face up to look at him and bringing me back. “Hey,princess, where’d you just go?” he asks softly, concern lacing his words.

I draw away from his touch, refusing to let this confusing man try to comfort me. “I think it’s time for you to go.”

His dark brows pinch together, and I’m hit with that two-tone gaze of his. “Samara, I’m sorry if I took things too far or if I’ve made you uncomfortable. I know you aren’t my biggest fan, butI like you, and when I’m nervous, I flirt. It’s a really flawed defense mechanism, but it’s something I’ve leaned on for a long time.” He sucks nervously on his bottom lip, and my eyes are drawn right to it. “I don’t want you to feel disrespected, ever. So I’m gonna leave now, but please tell me I’ll see you at the studio tomorrow.” He averts his gaze, his cheeks turning pink. “I’d really miss you if you weren’t there, and I’m not just talking about getting a rise out of you. I like being around you no matter your mood,” he confesses, sounding so sincere that it almost makes my heart crack in two.

Very few people have ever been that vulnerable with meunless they wanted something from me.The thought alone makes my hackles stand on end, but I need to take Luca at face value.

I have to recognize that I’ve been wired to be mistrustful of others, but that doesn’t mean he actually has bad intentions. What he’s shown me of himself so far, he doesn’t seem all that bad, and I know I’m embarrassed by the way my body responds to him. But truthfully, I’m more upset at myself by how much of a brat I’ve been to this man.

I guessthatis my defense mechanism.

Shutting my eyes tightly for a moment to calm my racing mind, I finally open them to see that Luca’s still staring at me, worry written all over his handsome face.

“I’ll be there,” I tell him, turning around to lead him to the front door. He follows after me, and as he walks out onto the porch, he presses a chaste kiss to either of my cheeks, turning to leave. “Goodnight, Luca,” I tell him in a hushed tone.

He looks over his shoulder at me with a shy smile. “Goodnight, Samara.”

***

As I chew on the inside of my cheek, staring down at my phone, I finally hit send on a text I wrote nearly ten minutes ago.

Did everything with Gia go okay?

Luca

So far, so good. No calls just yet, but Cici’s sent me a bunch of photos.

Three pictures of Gia download, and a smile touches my lips as I look at the pretty girl with her daddy’s stunning eyes.

I’ll give it to you, Luca. You made a damn cute kid.

Luca

I think you know what I want to say, but I’ll be a good boy and refrain.

My brows furrow as I read his message before flitting back up to the one I’d just sent. Heat climbs my neck as I realize the joke I’d just inserted myself in.

Ha ha ha. Very funny, Luca.

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