“We havegotto stop meeting like this, Elodie.”
He slips into the water opposite me, dunking his head beneath the warm bubbles before he emerges. Water drips from his black hair, down his face, off his sooty lashes, and through his closely cropped facial hair.
His eyes are darkly intense as he watches me before a wry grin lifts his lips. “White suits you.”
I tilt my head in question, taking a hot minute to realize he only dunked his head under the water to see what color bikini I’ve worn. I gasp in feigned shock, and he barks a laugh, as I stand, reaching over to swat him on the shoulder playfully.
I miss, and slip, disappearing underneath the bubbles with a squeal. I get slightly turned around, searching for a surfaceto push myself off of until strong arms encircle my waist, lifting me up.
I inhale the cool night air greedily when my head breaches the water, as Rafe’s voice whispers at the shell of my ear.
“Ti salvero, Stellina.”
“What does that mean?”
He runs the tip of his nose along the side of my neck. The action makes my knees feel weak, and a shiver rolls up my spine when he inhales deeply before answering.
“I will save you, little star.”
My heart slams against my chest, and my head feels light. I’m drunk on him, and the loss of control feels more than a little dangerous.
Sobering, I move out of his hold on shaky legs, turning to face him. “I can’t be here. With you.” I step back, shaking my head as my forehead creases. “I’m far too attracted to you. And we can’t… I’m not free to…”
I pull myself up out of the water, keeping my eyes fixed on him the entire time as he tilts his head to one side in adorable confusion. Bewildered dark eyes spear me, and I rush on before the last of my weakened resolve deserts me. “I can’t see you again. I’m sorry.”
As I turn my back to leave, his voice is a harsh growl. “Who the fuck did that to you?”
I turn about, following his line of vision to the fresh bruises on my abdomen and hips. Nico is nothing if not predictable.
He starts to climb out after me, but I turn and grab my robe as I leave the deck, running as fast as I can to the safe confines of my room. One more night, and we’ll be heading back to the city, and I can put the Conti’s new staff member clearly in my rearview mirror.
CHAPTER 17
RAFE
Elodie stopsmid-sentence when my cell rings in my pants pocket.
“For fuck’s sake.” I yank it out, cursing the timing of the caller, only to freeze when I see it’s Enzo.
I flip the screen around to face Elodie, and her face instantly lights up. “Quickly! Answer it. He might have news.”
At her prompt, I slide the answer button and lift it to my ear. “Aspetta un momento, Fratello.”
Then I mute the call without waiting for a response, and tug Elodie into my arms to press a soft kiss to her forehead. “I’d rather stay talking with you…”
She sighs contentedly, leaning closer against me as I inhale her essence for a long beat until she pushes back. “Take the call. My head kinda hurts. I think I’ve buried these memories for so long that recalling them is really taking it out of me.”
I help her to gather the box I gifted her with, and shout down the stairs for Emiliano.
“He doesn’t need to escort me everywhere, Rafe.”
As Emiliano ascends the stairs, I lean closer to whisper in her ear, “Believe it or not, hewantsto do it.”
She turns to me with a bright smile before Emiliano takes the box with a grin. “Can we take a detour,Coniglietta? I wound up missing lunch, and I?—”
“Youdefinitelydon’t look like you’ve skipped a meal,Fratello.” I slap his arm as I pass him, moving down the stairs to make my way to the privacy of my office.
My oldest friend glares at me as I leave before Elodie takes his arm in hers, rubbing it placatingly. “Now, Sasquatch. When would Ieverlet you go hungry?”
