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“Yes, because my apartment is on the top floor.”
His admission has me snapping my gaze to his, and I step back as my eyes widen in shock. “What?”
“I have an apartment in the building. I haven’t lived there in a few years, though.” Pain flashes across his face before he continues. “It’s not my permanent residence.”
“And you thought that me living here was a good idea because you could spy on me?” I cross my arms in front of me, and his gaze falls to my breasts that are still covered by the soft material of my bra.
When he meets my stare again, he shakes his head. “I bought it with my ex, she left, and now it’s mine.”
“Why do I have a feeling that’s not the whole story?”
“It’s not,” he agrees with a nod. “But like you said, it’s sex only. If I told you about my past, you’d have to tell me about yours. Unless you’re ready to do that?” His challenge is clear. Rome is holding his cards close to his chest, and he knows that I won’t confess anything about me.
Shaking my head, I smile. “Fine. I don’t need to know anyway.” I step by him, but he catches my arm, stopping me as I pass him.
“Don’t push me away,” he implores me. “I’ll tell you anything you want, but I need something in return.”
“You have my body. That’s all I can offer you.”
He considers this for a moment. My heart thuds wildly against my chest when he takes a step toward me. He pulls me into his arms, allowing his hands to roam my body before he releases me.
“Tonight, we’ll have dinner here, I’ll cook,” he tells me. With a quick kiss to my lips, he turns and leaves me in my beautiful new apartment. I head to the bathroom attached to my bedroom and strip off my underwear. I notice four bottles of various shower gels, including shampoo and conditioner, in the tray attached to the tiles.
I can’t believe Rome had this place furnished. He even included the toiletries. That can’t be a service he offers to all his clients. I want to think I’m special to him, but that’s what I don’t want. At least, that’s what I tell myself.
Twisting the taps, I wait for it to heat up before I step under the spray. The shower is big enough for two people, and I wonder if Rome and I would ever be in here together. The thought makes me smile as I close my eyes and allow the water to drench me.
I pick up the shampoo and fill my hand with a dollop before I massage it into my scalp. The tension in my muscles slowly eases as I inhale the calming jasmine-scented bubbles.
A thought comes to me as I rinse off—perhaps I can cook for Rome. I haven’t made a proper meal in such a long time; it would be fun to surprise him. I smile as I step out of the shower moments later and wrap myself in a white, fluffy towel.
The place is ready to move into, but I need to collect some things from the hotel and check out. I hope my car arrives soon so I can get ingredients for dinner.
Perhaps I’ll even bake something for dessert. My specialty is chocolate cake and muffins, but I wanted to try a new recipe with blueberries. I hope Rome likes them; the thought comes to me quickly. Normally, I’d push it to the back of my mind, but this time, I don’t. I allow myself to feel the happiness for a little while longer.
By the time I’m back in my dress that Rome discarded on the bedroom floor earlier, the doorbell buzzes, and the doorman informs me my car is downstairs. I lock up the apartment and head down to grab the keys.
On my way to the store, I’m thinking about dinner, dessert, and even what I could make for breakfast. That is if Rome stays over. The bubble I’m in bursts the moment I pull into the store’s parking lot, and my phone vibrates.
The name on the screen is one I didn’t want to see. Ever. But I know he won’t leave me alone until I’ve paid him back. Swiping the screen, I answer the call.
“Hello.”
“Elisabet,” he says in his thick Italian accent. “I trust your new apartment is as stunning as you are.”
“What do you want?” I’m not even surprised he knows about it. He must’ve had me followed. The thought of that doesn’t sit well, and my gut churns with anxiety.
“The payments will be moved up by a month,” he tells me. I can hear the smile in his voice, which makes tears sting my eyes.
“I haven’t opened yet. Once I’m up and running, that won’t be a problem. But you have to understand—”
