Page 111 of Ruins
I hesitate again, then shake my head. “Never mind.”
His gaze sharpens, but he lets it go.
“Thank you for bringing me to bed last night,” I say instead, pushing the conversation in a safer direction. “I lost track of time while reading.”
His lips curve into a grin, but his eyes—his eyes remain intense, unreadable. “Not a problem.”
The way he says it makes heat creep up my neck. Then his gaze shifts, dropping to my bowl.
“You should eat more.”
Before I can respond, he steps closer, his scent—spice, musk, something inherently him—wrapping around me. He leans in, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek.
It’s brief. Barely there, but my skin burns where his lips touch. Then, without another word, he strides out of the room, leaving me breathless, sending a spark through me—small, but impossible to ignore.
I want more.
I think back to our wedding night, to the way I had practically thrown myself at him. Santo had promised he wouldn’t touch me until I wanted him. Well, every day, I want him more than I’d like to admit.
With a frustrated sigh, I push the thought away and finish my fruit, rinsing my bowl and placing it in the dishwasher before heading to the library.
I need a distraction.
The first date painting is nearly done—I could probably finish it tonight—but a new idea is already forming in my head.
Our first kiss.
I grab a fresh canvas, setting it up on the second of the three easels Santo had placed in here for me. My hands move on instinct, sketching out our silhouettes. I don’t hesitate—I know the moment I want to capture.
The dresser. My legs wrapped around his waist. My dress unzipped.
Heat creeps up my neck as the memory flashes through my mind. I trace the lines of his broad shoulders, the tilt of my head as he kissed me, the press of our bodies. Maybe he’d like it for his bedroom.
His bedroom.
The thought irritates me. We should be sharing one. A throat clears, snapping me from my thoughts. I turn to see Luca standing at the doorway, holding a rectangular box in one hand and a massive bouquet of lilies in the other.
My heart jumps. I rush toward him, reaching for the flowers first.
The bouquet is beautiful—pure white lilies, soft and delicate, nestled among sprigs of baby’s breath. The scent is clean, fresh, and unmistakably familiar. Tucked between the blooms, a small envelope peeks out. I slide my finger under the seal, pulling out a cream-colored card. A familiar scent clings to the paper—subtle, warm, unmistakable.
Santo’s cologne.
‘I didn’t have time for breakfast but wanted to make sure your day goes well.’
My fingers trace over his handwriting, my chest tightening with something I don’t want to name. This—this—isn’t something I expected from him. Thoughtful.
A soft smile tugs at my lips. “This is beautiful.”
Luca nods, setting a rectangular box onto the nearby desk. “Santo wanted me to give you this too. It’s your laptop.”
I blink. “Seriously?”
The moment the words leave my mouth, excitement takes over. I gently set the lilies down and hurry to open the box, revealing a sleek silver laptop. My fingers glide over the edges, appreciating the smooth, cold surface.
“It’s fully charged, and the charger’s in the box,” Luca adds, as if reading my mind. “Santo also saved his card onto it, so you can shop online if you need anything.”
My cheeks hurt from smiling so hard. I look up at Luca who looks unmoved, almost bored. “Thank you, Luca.”
