“SignorinaCaruso states that she has very clearly told you she is not interested and would like you to leave her alone on several occasions.” He rested his hand over his gun on his hip. I wasn’t sure if it was just a habit, a threat, or a precaution for his own safety. “Which you’ve apparently ignored.”
I glanced at Max, who was staring at me with an expressionless face. Yet, I could see in his eyes the hell he was planning to give me later.
“I don’t understand why she would—” My head snapped back to the officers. “Wait. Was her father with her when she made this report, by any chance? Mayor Caruso?”
“Why would that matter?” Marrone said, his eyes slanting slightly.
I snapped my fingers and tutted as if everything had suddenly fallen into place. “Okay. I understand what’s happening. Mayor Caruso… Piero… he doesn’t approve of our relationship. He’s very protective of Aria, and no man will ever be good enough for his little girl. I mean, he’s right. She’s fucking perfect.” I raised my hand up. “Excuse my language. That’s why we’ve tried to keep it quiet. The sneaking around, my bringing her lunch and sending her flowers at work. Because if he found out we were dating, she thought this might happen.”
There was a loaded silence as Marrone sized me up, trying to decide if he believed my version more than theirs.
“SignorBuccini. Are you aware of Article 612-bis of the Italian Criminal Code?”
“I am.Atti Persecutori.Stalking. A very serious offence.”
“Then I shouldn’t need to remind you that if someone does not consent to being followed, showing up in places that person is, sending unwanted gifts, messages or phone calls, or threatening them in any way, is a crime.”
“And they should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” I said seriously. “I can assure you, Officer. I’m not stalking Aria. There’s a mutual interest. But… I hear what you’re saying. Her father disapproves, and there’s been a misunderstanding. I’ll take a step back.” I took a physical step back just to emphasise my point and winked. “I’ll let her come to me.”
That seemed to satisfy him enough that he nodded, and they both headed for the door. I followed them out, thanking them for their time. As soon as I turned around, Max was on me with his ‘I-told-you-so’ bullshit.
“Wow.” He started slow-clapping as I walked past him. I gave a small bow for my performance just to rile him more. “She’s really head-over-heels for you, Romeo. Completely smitten. Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a restraining order.”
“Where’s the restraining order?” I held my arms out to the sides, walking towards my bathroom to take a much-needed shower. “I don’t see one.” Of course, he followed me, even as I stripped down and walked under the warm waterfall. He sat on the toilet seat, balancing one boot over his knee and bouncing his leg.
“That was a verbal warning, Sani. She’s filed a statement against you. It’ll go to court next time. We don’t need this right now. You’re just causing more problems.”
“No, she’s just playing hard to get,” I shouted over the sound of running water. I didn’t need to look at Max to know he was rolling his eyes.
“Time to back off the girl. We will regroup in Verona. Get Gio and Alessio up to speed on Damiano and focus on figuring out who is feeding Piero information. Those two things can’t be a coincidence. First, the shipment raids and now hiring an ex-Leone soldier. Someone knows more than we do. And I don’t fucking like it. You need to get your head out of the clouds and back down where it belongs so we can figure this shit out quickly. That means staying well away from the mayor’s daughter.”
I gave his argument a microsecond of thought, purely out of politeness. I turned off the water, deciding it was best I say nothing because I wasn’t keen on making promises I definitely wouldn’t keep. He threw me a towel and stood up.
“We leave in ten minutes. Don’t keep me waiting when I have a half-dead body in the back of my car because of you.”
Once he’d left, I rummaged through my wardrobe for a new burner phone and sent a message to my beautiful rebel. Living up to her name, wasn’t she? My dick hardened at the thought of spanking that ass for sending the cops my way. One day.
Honestly, I’m impressed, beautiful. Keep this up and see where it gets you.
The three dots appeared instantly, then vanished and reappeared.
Where will it get me? In a body bag?
I shook my head. Clearly, the bubble bath, food, and domestic chores weren’t enough to show her what my intentions were. I only wanted to worship her, not hurt her. Well, aside from spanking her, but that was different. She’d enjoy that.
Bent over my knee, dress around your waist, and that perfect ass red and raw.
When she didn’t reply, I chuckled, imagining her biting her bottom lip, cheeks blushing in that pink shade like a rose petal, and squeezing her thighs together because she hated how much that turned her on.
Why are you messing with me like this?
I paused, rereading the text multiple times because it didn’t sit right with me. How could she still not understand? I’d been as clear as fucking daylight about my feelings.
You’re mine, Aria. I told you the moment I saw you, I knew you were meant for me. I’ve been searching for you all my life, and there you were in that spa—innocent blue eyes, clumsy limbs, and sexy moans. I was hooked. You can try to deny what’s between us, but we both know you’re just lying to yourself. I’m trying to be patient with you, but I’m not a patient man, yet here I am, willing to wait. Just don’t keep me waiting too long.
You say that like I’m supposed to find it romantic. It’s terrifying.
Only because you know it’s true.
