Page 164 of Flawed

I jump then go to the door. I press the button and ask, "Yes?"

"Ms. Moulin, Mr. Luca Marino is here. Should I send him up?" the security states.

"Yes, please," I reply, then tap my fingers against my thighs.

A few minutes later he knocks.

I take a deep breath and open the door.

"Wow! You're... Wow, stellina. You're stunning," he declares, eyes me over a second time, then pins his dark-fire gaze on me.

"Thanks," I reply. Heat rises to my cheeks. Frozen, I stare at him.

"Can I come in?" he asks.

"Yes! Sorry," I apologize, then step back.

He shuts the door and then reaches into his suit jacket. He pulls out a square box. "This is for you."

"You didn't have to get me anything," I state.

"I wanted to." He shakes the box in front of me. "Are you going to open it?"

I nervously laugh then reprimand myself.

Why am I so nervous?

It's Luca.

Is this for real? Are we really going on a date?

I clear my throat. "Yes. Sorry."

He steps closer, palms my cheeks, and presses his lips to mine. Unlike our kiss yesterday, it's slow, as if he's savoring me.

My heart pounds faster. He retreats, grinning, and leaves me wanting more.

He states, "You seem nervous."

"I am," I admit.

He strokes my cheek, ordering, "Don't be."

"Easier said than done," I add.

He steps back and then nods at the box, demanding, "Open it."

I pull the red ribbon then lift the lid. My pulse creeps higher. It's a beautiful bracelet that matches the necklace he gave Zara. I ask, "Was this your mother's, too?"

The faint sadness that always appears at the mention of one of his parents, flickers and then leaves his expression. "Yes. My mother would have loved you and Zara. I think you'd both have loved her, too. I want you to have it."

"It's beautiful," I state, choking up.

He smiles. "I'm glad you like it."

I pick it out of the box and hold out it to him. "Can you help me get it on?"

He nods, takes the bracelet, and clasps it around my wrist. He asks, "Ready to go?"

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