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We haven't seen each other in a year, and this is how he greets me? He's pissed, but I haven't done anything wrong.
"That's not what I mean." Luca's dark eyes are fierce, his voice gruff and demanding. "Why did you ignore me during the crew meeting?"
Standing tall, I thrust my chin forward in protest. "I didn't ignore you!"
"Yes, you did." His voice rises.
How could he think I’m ignoring him when I'm right here, ready to fall into his arms? I am desperately yearning for his touch, but if all I can do is breathe the same air as he is, I’ll be content with that. At least for now.
If anyone overheard us, they'd think we were fighting for real, but this isn't a fight. It's more like a regular family squabble.
Isn't it?
Two
LUCA
I've seen many beautiful women throughout my career, but no-one holds a candle to Audrey. I can keep my cool with anyone, but not her. When I’m around her, a primal part of my psyche comes to life. It's deeper than desperation, wilder than carnal hunger. I feel like a beast prowling the dry, dusty savannah during mating season. I am the pride's only hope for keeping the species alive.
I lose my shit when I'm around her. But she’s engaged to another man and there’s nothing I can do about it. I vowed to keep my hands and opinions,cough, to myself even if it took every ounce of willpower I could muster.
She’s the most beautiful woman on earth, even when she has steam coming out of her ears. Her amber eyes are wide with indignation, and she pops a hand on her hip. The little minx. What is she playing at by saying she didn't ignore me?
"Yes, you did!" Frustration makes me snap. I don't intend to sound harsh, but I've kept my distance from her for an entire year.
The opportunity to work with her was too good to pass up. I couldn't wait to see her and thought she'd feel the same, so why is she acting this way?
"How did I ignore you?" Her eyes narrow, her features sharpen, and she blasts me with thelook.
It's the kind of look which would make a lesser man shrivel up and die, but not me. The look speaks to the passionate Mediterranean blood flowing through her veins. There's unspeakable heat when her gaze is on you, and insufferable cold when her attention shifts to another. Man, that is.
"I was looking at you during the meeting." I wait a beat, but she stares, her brows drawn low over her eyes. She scowls like she has no idea what I'm talking about. "I was standing next to Julianna when she was talking to you. You looked me straight in the eyes, flipped your hair, and turned away. Don't deny it."
Her jaw drops, a hand fluttering to her lips to hide the shock on her face. She places a reassuring hand on my upper arm, her eyes filled with compassion. I dip my head. My heart aches with how easily a simple touch could crush me.
"Luca," she croons. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to embarrass you in front of the cast and crew."
Embarrassed? Our eyes lock and I see the same yearning and unmet desire I feel for her, reflected back at me. Damn it. I shouldn't be doing this. She's engaged to another man, but Christ, I can't help myself.
Why do humans desire the forbidden? Is that what we're doing? If we were together, would our love become dull? Would we shift from simmering sexual tension to banal everyday phone calls?
Darling, could you please pick up a gallon of milk on your way home?
No. Never. Not with Audrey.
"I'm not embarrassed. Do you think I give a flying fuck what any of those jokers think?"
Her eyes light up and she gives me a slow sexy smile. "Oh Luca."
"Don'toh Lucame. You snubbed me."
Anger flashes in her eyes, and I steel myself for the onslaught. She's going to let me have it, and even though I don't know why, it doesn't matter. She can beat her fists on my chest, tear strips off my soul with her words, rip my skin to shreds and leave me a bloodied mess but I don't care. I'll take whatever she has to give. I'll do anything for her.
She walks her fingers around to the front of my shirt, fussing with the buttons. The way she controls her temper is evidence of why she will always be the angel to my devil.
"Don't you think you're being a little melodramatic?"
“Yes, of course I'm being dramatic. I can't help it if I feel things deeply.” It’s how I create, but this isn’t about art, or anything abstract. It's about us. Audrey and me.
