Page 102 of Unravel Me

My heart immediately starts to go boom-boom as our eyes meet.

Gianni immediately turns bright red, seemingly embarrassed.

He makes several signs toward Mauro, and there is something almost apologetic in the energy coming off him.

Mauro signs a few things back, but I don't sense any anger from him. If anything, Gianni seems to be the one having an unnecessarily panicked reaction.

I decide to speak up. Why not? They could keep signing to each other forever, and I want my part in the conversation.

"I gave Gianni a little glow-up. What do you think?"

I turn Gianni’s chair slightly toward Mauro, but he isn't looking at Gianni.

He keeps looking at me.

Gianni, meanwhile, glances at himself in the mirror and blinks in surprise.

For a moment, he just stares at his reflection with his mouth hanging open.

I think he looks good. His features are only enhanced; the makeup doesn't replace any of his natural qualities.

And then… without thinking, I add, "I'm also trying to convince Gianni to contact Storm, the matchmaker I know. Maybe he could help him find his—"

"No!" Gianni suddenly blurts out. He abruptly stands up, moving away from my hands.

"I… really appreciate everything you're doing for me, Jared," he says, casting another glance at himself in the mirror. "I look really different because of you, but… that's not me." His lips curl into something that looks dangerously close to tears, and he gestures toward his face. "This. This is your world, Jared. Beauty and glowing up, men, flashes, excitement, millions of likes… That's simply not me," Gianni whispers, taking one step back, then another. "I'm sorry."

He suddenly turns and runs out of the room, raking his hands through the curls I'd just carefully arranged.

I sigh deeply and look at Mauro.

"Ugh… maybe I was being a little pushy… I only wanted to show him how he could maybe—"

Mauro shakes his head, then pulls out his phone and types a few sentences.

"That was so kind of you, I really appreciate it. Sadly, my granddad has been trying for the past four years, ever since Tomasso died, to get him to date, but nothing ever came of it. Gianni is too closed off."

"He told me what happened to him in the past." I swallow hard. "I still believe Gianni has a chance. There are good alphas out there."

Mauro slowly approaches me until he's standing so close I can pick up every nuance of his scent: his aftershave, shower gel, shampoo, even the smell of laundry detergent clinging to his clothes. Still, the only thing I can't detect is his… Allure. Why?

Mauro types another message on his phone.

"You have a good heart, Jared. You have no idea how much it means to me that you tried to befriend him. He needs the presence of another younger omega in this house. My granddad and Uncle Emilio haven't been very successful at getting him out of his shell. Maybe you could do it if you decide to stay here?"

Silence falls. Mauro and I stand facing each other.

If you decide to stay…

That part is crucial. It practically resonates between us in the air.

Mauro takes the last small half-step toward me. His eyes are glowing with intensity. I can almost physically read his wishes in them.

He wants me. He needs me to stay…

His breath brushes against my face, and the air immediately seems to grow more charged, sweeter, filled with magic.

Mauro moves first. He slowly raises his hand and, in a gentle gesture, brushes a strand of hair away from my face. His fingers slide along my cheekbone, and I close my eyes, letting him indulge in that featherlight touch.