Page 68 of The One
I glance at him, and his eyes are already on me. Intense, and… I don’t know, with something that makes my heart stutter in my chest.
His gaze is like a quiet storm, pulling me in, and the pastry in my hand is all but forgotten.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Mariella
We sit there, eyes locked.
The mood shifts, growing heavier, charged with something unspoken. My pulse stumbles and my breathing slows, as if my body is trying to steady itself against this pull to him.
The world around us feels smaller than before. Or maybe it’s just me, leaning in without realizing it. My focus narrows to his eyes, his face. He’s so close.
A shiver moves through me, warm tingles spreading in its wake. I bite my lip, and his gaze follows the movement before lifting to meet mine again.
Is he going to… kiss me?
Oh yes. Please.
I’ve dreamed about this man for so long, about a moment like this.
I’ve never been kissed. And I want him to be my first. Desperately.
Everything in me pulls toward him. It would take nothing, just the smallest shift to close the distance.
Out of the corner of my eye, I catch a flicker of movement. It’s barely noticeable, but enough to make my body tense.
What if that was Father?
I pull back instinctively. We’re out in the open where everybody can see us.
Glancing over my shoulder, I push a strand of hair behind my ear self-consciously.
What if Father or one of his men is lurking in the bushes, watching me with Mateo?
I wouldn’t put it past him. He’d think I’m playing into his insane plan.
The thought sickens me, like an icy shower, shocking, but not invigorating.
Argh.
Was hereallygoing to kissme?
A knot of uncertainty twists inside me.
Why would a man as powerful and commanding as Mateo De Marco want someone like me? He’s used to confident, beautiful women. Experienced women.
Is Father right? Am I just a temporary distraction, something to pass his time until another challenge comes along?
My mind is a jumbled mess.
I bite into the flakysfogliatelleI’m still holding, hoping to distract myself. The crisp layers crackle between my teeth, giving way to the creamy, sweet ricotta filling. A faint hint of citrus melts on my tongue.
Oh my God. This is good.
A moan slips from my lips. I can’t help it.
Mateo shifts on the grass and crosses his legs.
