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I nod. "For the most part."
"And... you work together, as well?" she continues curiously.
"We do."
She glances at the other two behind us before hesitantly asking, "What exactly do you do? I mean... to be able to afford something like this?"
A curious little thing, isn't she?
"Well," I start, "most of it is generational wealth. Much of this comes from my grandparents' grandparents, handed down until it reached me." She listens eagerly with wide eyes. "Since I don't have any siblings, there was no one to split the inheritance with."
Lucas strides forward, opening the door inside for her. "Rather than sell a house far too big for one, he chose to run the business out of it," he explains.
Antonio grins, patting Lucas's shoulder. "I think the poor guy was just lonely."
I skewer him with my stare. "Amusing, Antonio. Really."
Mia laughs and looks up at me, hazel eyes sparkling with delight. "Looks like you aren't alone much anymore."
9
MIA
Antonio looks up from his phone and meets my curious gaze with a smile. "Sorry, darling, I have to go take care of some business."
I pout. Antonio's presence has been oddly comforting since the instant that we met. I'd hate to cut things so short with him.
"I know." He steps forward and kisses both of my cheeks. "I'll make it up to you tonight."
Butterflies swarm my belly when he winks at me, shocking myself when I feel the urge to throw myself at him right there and then. How can someone be that damn attractive?
"Okay," I murmur.
He motions for Lucas to join him, who offers me a reassuring smile, leaving Xavier and I alone together. Nerves creep up my arms as I turn back to him. He smirks at me.
"Alone at last, hm?" he says, his accent peaking out again.
I clear my throat, nodding. "Thank you for being so welcoming. I mean, I know I didn't arrive here in the most commendable circumstances..."
Such as fucking your employee.
"Nonsense," he asserts, leaning against a decorative stand. "I see nothing wrong with a woman seeing what she wants and taking it."
My cheeks flush at his bold words, but I find myself unable to look away from him. There's a dangerous aura around Xavier that draws me in, making me want to explore everything about him. And as much as I shouldn't be feeling this way, I can't help but be attracted to him too.
"Is that what you think?" I ask, intrigued by his philosophy on life.
He nods, pushing himself off the stand and walking closer to me. "Life is too short to waste time on things that don't make you happy."
My cheeks flush hot at his words, feeling the heat rise up my neck. Xavier's suggestive tone has me all flustered and confused. I can't believe I'm feeling like this, especially while being so undeniably attracted to Antonio.
"Even if those things come at a cost?" I counter, mind racing with possibilities of what he means.
Xavier steps even closer, his cologne filling my nostrils and making my head swim. "Especially if those things come at a cost."
"Any cost?" I wonder breathlessly.
"You know what they say," he whispers, his breath hot against my ear. "The forbidden fruit always tastes the sweetest... and you're a temptation that I don't know if I can resist."
