Page 17 of Flawed

She tilts her head. "Why? Why can't you just go?"

My chest tightens. I slide one hand into her hair and the other onto her cheek, replying, "Tell me what I've done to upset you."

She squeezes her eyes shut then whispers, "Luca..."

More time passes as her tears continue to fall. I finally kiss her forehead then pick her up.

She gapes at me. "What—"

"You need to rest," I claim. I set her down, place the covers around her, then sit on the mattress. I slide my fingers through her hair, tucking a thick lock behind her ear.

She stares at me like a scared bird.

It feels like a knife's slashing my throat. I blurt out, "Have I ever hurt you, stellina?"

She inhales sharply.

The tick of her clock seems to grow louder. I push, "Well? Have I?"

She hesitates then slowly shakes her head side to side, answering, "No."

I trace her jawbone, asking, "Have I done something for you to believe I'm the type of man who would physically harm you?"

She bites her lip, her eyes widening.

"Well?" I interrogate.

She quietly replies, "No."

Relief fills me. "Good, because I would never harm you. So why do you look so scared?"

She scrunches her face and tries to turn away, but I don't let her. I bend closer so my face is inches from hers. Her pouty lips tremble slightly, turning my dick hard. I reprimand myself, but the onslaught of her floral bubble bath scent and flushed cheeks growing hotter only intensifies my reaction to her.

All I can think about is kissing her. Her chest rises and falls faster. The sound of her breath hits my ears. Our eyes lock, as if we're each waiting for the other to crack first and make a move. I hold off as long as possible, then cave. I brush my lips against hers, slowly slipping my tongue along them until she retreats and breaks our gaze.

Her eyes dart to my cheek, and her fingers push on it. She sternly orders, "Do not kiss me with another woman's lips on your cheek!"

Oh shit! Not this again!

I blurt out, "I told you—"

"Do not sit on my bed with the reminder in my face!" she spouts.

"Chanel—"

"I deserve better than that," she seethes.

I can't blame her.

She's right. She deserves so much better, even if I didn't do anything.

I sigh, release her, then rise off the bed. I undo my belt and unzip my pants.

"What are you doing?" she cries out.

I don't flinch, continuing to peer down at her. I drop my pants and underwear to the floor, then unbutton my shirt.

Her eyes dart over my body, pausing on my erection, then she relocks her eyes on mine. "Wh—" She swallows hard.

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