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Angelo blinked repeatedly. “He told me that I was worthless and that I would never amount to anything. And then he told me to never darken his doorway again. He closed the door in my face.”
“But your mother—”
“Wanted to make her husband happy. Don’t you get it? Neither of them...they...didn’t want me.” His gut tightened into a knot and the air caught in his lungs as he fought back the pain of rejection.
This is where Kayla would turn away—just like his parents. She would know he was damaged goods. Not even his own parents could love him. He couldn’t face Kayla. He couldn’t see the rejection in her eyes.
“So you just left?” Her voice was soft.
He nodded. “I wasn’t about to go back.”
“But you were just a kid.”
“I was man enough to make it on my own. I didn’t have a choice. I couldn’t live with him after that. And he didn’t want me there. Nico brought my clothes to me, and with the money I’d saved from odd jobs over the years and my inheritance from my grandfather, I left. If it wasn’t for Nico and Marianna, I’d have never looked back.”
“And this is why you avoid serious relationships?”
He shrugged. “There isn’t any point in them. The relationship will fail and somebody will get hurt. It’s best this way.”
“Best for who? You? You know that not everyone will treat you like your parents.”
Suddenly he turned to her. His gaze searched her eyes. What was she saying?
Her warm gaze caressed him. “You can’t keep yourself locked away from love because you’re afraid. Some things are worth the risk.”
She is worth the risk.
He leaned over and dipped his head, seeking out her lips. Every time he thought he’d learned everything there was to know about Kayla, she surprised him again. What did he ever do to deserve her?
He deepened the kiss. She responded to his every move. Her heated touch was melting the wall of ice inside him that he used to keep everyone out. Every second with their lips pressed together and their fingers intertwined was like a soothing balm on his scarred heart.
He needed her. He wanted her. He...he cared oh, so much about her.
A person cleared their throat in the background. “Do you need anything?”
Yeah, for you to leave.
Fighting back a frustrated groan, Angelo pulled back. If it wasn’t for their attendant, he might have continued that kiss to its natural conclusion. Yes, he’d have definitely followed her into the shower and finished it.
In what seemed like no time, they were ushered from the mud bath into a shower and then into a private Jacuzzi. Angelo didn’t know what to do with his hands. Well, he knew what he wanted to do with them, but with their attendant floating in and out, those plans would have to wait for later. For now, he stretched his arms along the rim of the tub and pulled her close to him. He just needed to feel that physical connection.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” He just had to be sure.
“This is perfect. Thank you.”
“Well, not quite perfect. I did overlook the need for swimsuits.” The heat of embarrassment crept up his neck.
“And miss seeing you in your boxers?” She waggled her brows at him. “I think it worked out perfectly.”
“But you had to ruin your...um, clothes. They’re all stained now.”
“Oh, well. It was worth the sacrifice.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure to replace your...things.” Why did he get so tripped up around her? It wasn’t like him. But then again, everything was different when he was around Kayla.
“Will you be picking them out yourself?” Her eyes taunted him.
“Sure. Why not?”
