“And I have?!” The defense grinned back, his dimple showing again as he leaned further towards her.
“I don’t know.” Sabrina shrugged, looking away shyly.
Chapter Four
(Cesare)
Cesare leaned in further. She had spunk, but her moments of shyness were so endearing it was messing with his head. Not to mention her soft curves, her fucking fiery hair, and those pillowy, kissable lips. He wanted her like he’d never wanted anyone else before.
“Hey. Look at me.” He commanded, voice low and patient.
Her gaze lifted to meet his own once again in the stillness of the empty cafe.
“Well done.” He grinned. “Have you ever thought about going to law school?”
She gave a soft laugh and shook her head. “My interests lie elsewhere.”
The red head looked away once more, and Cesare relished the subtle intake of breath and slight flush to her cheeks; the bashful but curious expression that kept peeking through. He knew that look.
She had the look of someone experiencing something new. Something that required guidance. That thought, more than anything, brought Cesare back to center; brought him back to a place of discipline and control.
“You’re right to protect access to your life.” Cesare intoned. “You don’t know me, but I would like to get to know you.”
“What’s your name?” Sabrina asked curiously.
“Cesare Lombardi.” He grinned. “What’s yours?” He asked.
“Sabrina. Sabrina Hamilton.” She answered with a soft smile.
“What are you doing tonight, Sabrina Hamilton?” Cesare asked.
“I have plans.” She paused. “But I’m free Friday night.”
“Friday is three days away, Sabrina.” He replied in a very serious tone.
“Yes, it is Cesare.” She nodded, hazel eyes sparkling.
“I’ll take it.” He flashed another roguish grin as he looked at her mouth. “Do you have any cinnamon rolls left?”
Sabrina shook her head silently, the sparkle in her eye taking on a somewhat guilty inflection.
He eyed her suspiciously. “I think you’re lying.” Cesare surmised, crossing his arms.
“I have half of one left.” She shrugged sheepishly.
“Give it to me.” He softly requested, holding out a waiting hand.
(Sabrina POV)
Sabrina paused, feeling oddly conflicted at the desire to actually follow the direction. “It’s mine.” She retorted with a voice that sounded high and unusually innocent to her ears.
“Do you trust me?” Cesare asked calmly, leaving his hand out, palm up.
Sabrina’s chest gave an odd twist as she held Cesare’s gaze. This was a test, and she was curious to see where it went. Leaning into her curiosity, Sabrina reached for the small napkin beneath the counter and slowly placed it in Cesare’s hand.
“How are you feeling?” He asked gently.
She blinked before looking up from the remaining cinnamon roll in the napkin to meet Cesare's patiently expecting gaze.
