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Dante kisses me every day now, he lingers by my side whenever we’re together. Is it a stretch to want something more?
I remember back to my first conversation with Nicola and the mention of being Dante’s pet. He doesn’treallysee me that way, right? If I wanted something more… is he going to accept or laugh in my face and pat me on my head?
“Are you alright?”
He’s no longer looking at the menu and his eyes are turned toward me. This man knows how to read my mind. I don’t know how he does it, but he can tell whenever I’m going down a spiral.
Not helping my case by nodding, I smile at him. “Just thinking is all. Trivial things, nothing important.”
Lying to him isn’t going to get me anywhere, but it’s easier to ease my thoughts when he returns with a small smile.
I’m pretty sure this infatuation of mine has transformed into actual love. I didn’t tumble into this either, I fellhard. Now I’m too worried about protecting my feelings.
I’ve never been in a relationship. Ever since I entered adulthood, I’ve hidden behind the screen of my computer. I don’t know if his kisses mean what I want them to mean.
Dante doesn’t seem to be the type of person to announce his feelings, but I doubt waiting a little longer before revealing my own will to do much damage.
The last thing I need is to have an awkward walk home in case he pops my bubble.
Before I know it, we are in the front of the line and he orders us both a slice of pepperoni pizza. Spoiling me too much, he even orders a small basket of pretzels and cheese.
Instead of standing around on the sidewalk and consuming our dinner here, Dante opts to walk while we eat. Rather than toward our home, we head toward the open park further down the path.
Despite it being nighttime, I don’t feel a hint of fear.
Everything that can hide in the shadows I know doesn’t stand a chance against the man at my side.
I’ve seen the scars engraved in his skin and I know each has a story to tell. One day, I’ll get the courage to ask him. For now, I’ll remain curious.
We hit a row of benches, all illuminated by streetlights. Claiming one for our own, we relax and eat while watching cars whiz by. Around this time, I can imagine most of these people are going home after a long shift at work.
The pizza goes down quickly and I eat more than half of the basket of pretzel bites. Nibbling on the next, I hear a chuckle at my side.
When I catch Dante watching me, I can’t ignore the amused look behind his eyes.
“What are you thinking?” I asked him, aching to know what he sees in someone like me.
Every day, I feel like people look and judge me. From disgusted looks to curious ones, whether people know it or not, I always feel like I stand out like a freak.
Dante looks like heenjoysstaring at me. For a few moments, when I catch him lost in thought, I feel attractive. Like I’m the only woman in the room in his eyes.
“You really want to know?” The corners of his eyes crinkle and his mouth twitches. “From the moment I met you, you’ve reminded me of a rabbit. With your appearance and all. Now andthen, you do little things that cement the idea even more. Seeing you eat those small bites, it’s adorable.”
A rabbit? He finds me amusing?
“He’s never been fond of pets either. You must be quite the special case.”
Nicola’s words burn in my head at the worst time and I realize I’m more bothered by the pet idea than I originally thought. What if what he feels isn’t close to this ache that’s been digging at my chest?
As each day passes by, I expose my heart more and more for the world to see. I’m becoming vulnerable because I want the same from Dante.
What if I am just some form of amusement for Dante? Not only did he have to put himself on the line to keep me alive, but he found a way to enjoy his sacrifice.
Fuck, am I any better? I used to watch this man as ahobby. I burned my free time away chuckling whenever he barked orders, ran his shift with a tight fist, and justexisted.
I’m worse than him. At least Nicola hinted at it. He doesn’t even know how long I’ve watched him.
When I don’t reply quickly enough, Dante stops smiling.
