“You don’t know that.”
She didn’t respond. Maybe he’d been wrong. Maybe he’d been wrong about it all. That look in her eyes on the podium. That kiss.
He drew a deep breath before he spoke next. “Or maybe it didn’t matter whether you won or lost.”
Just then the elevator stopped on the third floor, and the doors opened. She stepped out but paused and turned around. “What do you mean?”
The doors were about to close, but he held them open. “Maybe it didn’t matter because win or lose, you were okay with the consequences. Whatever it was, you were prepared to give it to him. Maybe even wanted to. Maybe even still want to. Is that why you left the casino? Are you planning to meet him?”
“No!”
“Well, I don’t know what else I’m supposed to think, given you won’t tell me.”
“I don’t give a damn what you think. What’s it to you anyway? Why do you care?”
He removed his hand, crossed his arms, and stood staring hard at her. The doors began to close.
“It was something stupid,” she cried.
His hand flew up, and the doors sprung open again.
“Careful,” she said. “Is your hand okay?”
He stepped out but remained silent, waiting.
She sighed and looked at his feet as she spoke. “If I lost, I would join him during the break. He’d asked me before when we were dancing, and I saidno.”
“Then why would you agree to it?”
“I told you. I knew I had him beat. Otherwise, I never would have. I had—have—no intention of doing anything with him.”
Rocco sighed and smiled. “That’s good. Because you’re coming with me.”
Nico’s heart began to pound. He was asking her.
Was he asking her?
No, he’s not asking you! Annoying, arrogant, asshole, prick doesn’t think he has to ask. And he certainly doesn’t think I have anything better to do.
She cast aside the obvious—she didn’t.
She also cast aside her desire—how very much she wanted to. For most people, that would have them going all in. But for her, it had the opposite effect. It had her entire body working hard not to want it. It filled her with dread at the disappointment she felt certain was waiting on the other end of that desire.
It’s because of that kiss. None of this would be happening if you hadn’t kissed him.
She steeled her jaw along with her will.
“Look, I know what this is about. That kiss. I shouldn’t have done it. I’m sorry.”
“I’m not.”
She blinked and opened her mouth, but all she could manage was, “Oh.”
He took a step toward her, and she stumbled until she met up with the wall behind her.
He leaned in, placed one hand on her throat and his lips on hers as he whispered, “Say yes, Nico.”
He left his lips there, barely touching her own.
