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Shit. I gulped. The way he peered into my eyes was a look I had had seen before from other men, but there was no way on earth, he wanted me…notmeof all people. Many times, I fantasized about him as I played with myself in bed at night, or in the shower, and if I was being honest, every time Mr. Bernardi fucked me I pretended it was Vincenzo.
“Lizzie.”
“Huh?” I snapped my gaze to his.
“Are you okay?”
“That’s why I got in trouble and have to work for you now.”
“You see working here as a punishment?” A subtle smirk appeared on his lips.
I shook my head. “No, but still…it’s not the type of punishment I’m used to…orlike.” My eyes widened at the words I exclaimed. I wasn’t shy by any means, but I didn’t ever talk like that in front of my parents or their friends.
Puzzled, he tilted his head. “Don’t get your hopes up.”
Bravery rose in me. Before I could control my mouth, I narrowed my gaze on his. “Your loss.” Mortified, I turned to leave. The moment my back was turned, I blinked rapidly, exhaling.What the fuck was that?!
He grabbed my wrist, spinning me to face him. I gasped.
Gritting his teeth, he leaned close. “Lizzie, let’s get a few things clear.” He gripped tighter. “Number one, your father is my best friend. Number two, I’m more than twice your age. Number three, you’re just here working for me, so whatever shit you had going on with your teacher will get you nowhere here.” He let go of my arm.
I clasped it, rubbing the remnants of his touch. The way he handled me was simple, yet so commanding. I longed for him to hold me like that again.
He glanced down at my hand and lifted his gaze, staring directly into the windows of my soul. “And all that other stuff aside, this is a game you donotwant to play with me.” Leaning close to my ear, he growled. “Trust me.”
“Hey Eliza!” Marissa’s voice sang from the doorway.
Vincenzo’s expression softened as he took a step back.Go. He mouthed before turning to his sister.
I twisted around. “Hi! I’m just on my way out.”
“Awe, but I bought semolina flour,” she held up a grocery bag, “and I’m making pasta for dinner.”
Giggling, I waltzed toward the door. “Thanks, but I have to go home and watch my brother.”
Hand on the door frame, I leaned over, snatching my handbag off the chair just inside the entrance. I offered Vincenzo a last glance, but he was rubbing his chin, glaring out the window. Rolling my eyes, I stepped past Marissa. “Raincheck?”
She nodded. “Duh, of course, but isn’t he old enough?”
“Tell that to my parents.” I snorted, half-smiling. “Bye, Vinny!”
Slowly, his head bowed toward me. He slid his hands into his pockets. “Ciao, Elizabeth.”
Oh no, he’s angry. He’d only ever called me that once. It was the summer I was ten and pushed him in the pool at a party he was hosting.
4
TEASE
“I’m going out.”
One second, Maddie. I turned from FaceTime to my brother, who was standing in my bedroom doorway. “Cool.”
“If they ask—”
“Yeah, yeah.” I waved my hand. “You know I don’t care what you do.”
Lucas was old enough to make his own decisions. I didn’t care if he stayed home or not. As long as he didn’t involve me. It was better he went out and partied than staying home and have a repeat of last time. I was away at school when the incident happened, but they trashed the house. When my parents arrived home that night, they found condoms and mini vodka bottles in their room. They'd not trusted him since.
