Page 105 of Flawed

A new rush of heat and euphoria crashes into the tidal wave of his orgasm. Our bodies convulse against the other as incoherent words swirl around us.

In the aftermath, our harsh breaths and beating hearts compete. He doesn't move off me, and I don't want him to.

Luca finally flips over and tugs me into his arms with him. We say nothing, and he strokes his hand over the curve of my waist.

It takes several minutes for my pulse to return to normal and my worries to return.

He confesses, "I thought I saw you in the backseat of a car once."

I freeze then ask, "When?"

He nonchalantly replies, "Long time ago. Probably not even a year after I last saw you. But the window was tinted, and the light turned. Before I knew it, you were gone again."

The hairs on my arms rise. I inquire, "Where was it?"

"Outside of a restaurant," he answers.

I close my eyes, fighting tears. The regret of what I've just done hits me.

This is reckless. Letting Luca into any part of my life is irresponsible.

I need to get out of here.

He kisses me on the head. "Let's go shower."

I don't move.

He sighs. "Stellina, what's wrong?"

I pull it together then face him. "I need a few minutes by myself. Can you stay here while I clean up?"

Hurt appears on his face, but he tries to hide it. "Sure."

I go to the bathroom and shut the door. I lock it then stare at my flushed reflection in the mirror.

This is so bad.

Shower and get out of here.

I quickly wash up then wrap a towel around my body. When I return to the bedroom, Luca's changed the sheets.

I chirp, "Your turn."

He steps in front of me, peering closely. "Everything okay?"

I force myself to smile and nod, lying, "Yes. Go shower."

He hesitates.

"Go," I order, pointing to the bathroom.

A soft smile lights him up. He dips down and kisses me, tugging me into him.

I kiss him back with everything I have. This is our last kiss. But unlike the last time I thought I was kissing him goodbye forever, I don't tell him.

I retreat and repeat, "Go."

He kisses my forehead, releases me, then steps into the bathroom.

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