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“Maybe something to change into? I’m sorry, I should have thought this through a little better. I didn’t pack anything.”
I huff out a breath. “It’s fine.” I head into my closet and pull out a black shirt. “Here, you can change into this. I think we should take turns getting ready for bed. You can go first.”
I exit the room without a backward glance, heading into the living room. I grab extra blankets for myself and fashion a makeshift bed on my couch. My mouth curls in distaste as I stare down at it. I’m half-tempted to ask Astoria if we can share my bed, but I don’t trust myself to do that. Even the thought of sleeping next to her makes my blood thrum.
On some level, I understand that being attracted to her is normal. She’s beautiful and so fucking smart. That doesn’t mean I’m not berating myself with every look and every indecent thought. This is purely business.
When she steps outside of the room ten minutes later, though, it becomes impossible to remember how to be professional. My mouth dries as I stare at her. Her dark hair is down, curly strands billowing behind her.
She’s wearing my shirt, which is so large it practically swallows her and stops at the middle of her thigh. I never thought I’d get off on seeing something as simple as my clothes on another woman. She shuffles on her feet and my eyes are immediately drawn to the awkward look on her face. I’ve been staring too long.
Without a word, I head into the room, deciding a shower might be in order. I strip out of my clothes. My muscles are tense and her proximity’s really fucking with my head. By the time I’m done, my head’s much clearer. I put on some shorts and a black tank before heading back out.
I don’t immediately make my presence known, choosing to watch as Astoria walks around the living room. When she stops in front of a glass showcase containing some of my more prized possessions, I stiffen. There’s a hidden compartment holding all of my guns that she shouldn’t be able to see. It’s something else that catches her eye. She reaches for a small wooden box and has barely opened it before I’m ripping it out of her hands.
She lets out a small squeal of surprise, whirling around to face me.
“Don’t touch that,” I say, my voice coming out sharper than I intended. I reach over to place the box back.
Astoria blanches. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize it was…” She tapers off.
I take a deep breath, rubbing an aggravated hand over my face. I’m on edge.
“No, I’m sorry for snapping.”
She nods and I’m suddenly acutely aware of our closeness. She’s right in front of me, and now her scent is starting to needle my senses. I take a step back, then another.
“I am so sorry,” Astoria says again.
“It’s fine, Tori.”
“Not just that. I mean for everything. You had to give up your bed and I’m here and I’m touching your stuff. I’m just sorry we’re in this situation.”
“It’s not your fault,dolcezza.”
“Actually, it kind of is,” she mutters. “Anyway, I’m going to bed now. Good night, Carlo.”
She starts toward the door.
“It was my father’s.”
She immediately stills but she doesn’t turn around.
“The thing in the box belonged to my dad. That’s why I—” I stop talking. I’ve already revealed much more than I’m comfortable with.
“I understand.”
I release a slow breath. “Good night, Tori.”
She walks into the bedroom and I’m left alone. I rub the back of my neck, letting out a frustrated breath. It’s going to be a long night.
* * *
I wakeup to the sound of soft cries. My eyebrows furrow as I sit up and check the time. It’s 2am. I’ve only been asleep for two hours. When the cries turn into quiet screams, I bolt up and immediately head for my bedroom. I hurriedly open the door.
Astoria’s in the middle of the bed. Ice immediately floods my body at the sight of her. She’s shifting uneasily in her sleep, soft cries as she begs someone not to touch her. My hands fists at my sides as I approach the bed. Tiny shivers are racking her body and her breathing is erratic. I need to wake her up but I’m not sure how to go about it. I climb onto the bed, sitting beside her and placing my hand on her cheek.
“Astoria,” I say gently.
