Page 38 of Claimed By the Possessive Mafia Prince
She swallows and smooths her hands down her shirt. “I’m not sure if that’s a good idea.”
I wink. “Scared you won’t be able to keep your hands off me?”
She’s not smiling. “Does this seriously seem like the time for jokes?”
“Hey–I’m sorry.” I take her hands gently. “You’re right. I meant what I said. I don’t want to leave you. I wouldn’t forgive myself. Stay with me. I’ll be on my best behavior.”
“Maybe I could… but as friends, that’s all.”
“Sure, friends.”
“Try to say that without sounding sarcastic.”
“I don’t think I can.”
She looks around the room, sighs. I want to pull her into a hug to relieve some of her stress, but then she might not agree to stay with me if she thinks I’m going to try something.
“I need to work today.”
“Exactly.” I squeeze her hand supportively. “Which means you can’t spend time worrying about this. Let me worry about it for you.”
She nods. “Okay.”
“Where’s your bag? As we collect your stuff, we can see if this jackass took anything.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
Whoever did this took nothing, meaning it was a message, not theft. We pack Siena’s suitcase and then carry it to my hut. I moved some cushions and a blanket to the couch.
“I can take the couch,” Siena says.
“Seriously, don’t worry about it.”
She bites down, looks from the couch to the bed a few feet away, and across the glass floor that shows the ocean beneath.
“I think I’m going to put a sheet up.”
I laugh. “A sheet?”
She glares. “We’re not sharing a room. These are two separate rooms. There just isn’t a wall. That’s how I’m thinking of it, and that’s how I want you to think of it too. Don’t laugh at me–don’t make this harder than it has to be.”
I tenderly touch her shoulders. “I’m sorry. If putting a sheet up makes this easier for you, go ahead. I’ll even help.”
We grab a fresh sheet from the closet and tether it to the rafters. It drapes across the room.
“Do I knock on the sheet if I need something?” I joke.
When she laughs, I touch her face softly.
She reaches up, clasps my hand. Savors the moment. Then, pushes me away.
“Okay, work time.”
“Don’t go wandering,” I tell her. “Stay where people can see you.”
“I’ll be surrounded by people all day.” She swallows. “Do you think I’m in danger or something?”
“We don’t know who did this or why. Better safe than sorry. And call me if you need anything.” I reach into my pocket, take out my cell, and hand it to her. “Enter your number and then text me so I have yours.”
