He walks to the glass table and pours himself a drink before going to stand in front of the windows.
Wrapping my arms around myself, I remain rooted to the spot while I try to process the enigma of a man that’s taken my life by storm.
If his kisses are this intense, I can only imagine what the sex will be like.
I’m a vanilla girl. I’ve cared about the two guys I’ve been with and always thought that all-consuming passion you read about was a myth. Sex was always just…sex. Good sometimes, occasionally comforting, but never the kind of experience that made the world fall away.
Never something that left me breathless from more than just physical pleasure.
But with Adriano, this stranger I’ve only known a day, a single kiss feels dangerous. It’s like he’s able to strip away every thought in my head until all I can focus on is him, the feel of his mouth, the weight of his attention, and the possessive way he touches me.
I’ve never experienced anything like this and don’t know how to handle it.
Besides Elise, every single person that I’ve crossed paths with has made me feel like less. Eventually, they all lose interest, and I become an annoyance they’re saddled with.
I give my all and get a slap in the face in return.
But I don’t have to worry about that with Adriano. He’s paid for me. I already got my reward, so to speak, and once I sign the contract, I’ll get another five million.
Whether he’s in my life for a week or a year doesn’t really matter.
I sort through my thoughts until I come to the conclusion that I should leave my emotions out of this relationship, or whatever this is. The kisses are mindblowing so odds are the sex will be great.
And that’s all it will be. No love. No connection. No heartbreak and feeling like a piece of discarded trash when the deal comes to an end.
Having made up my mind, I say, “If you want to have sex, we can. I mean… you already paid for it.”
Adriano doesn’t reply but instead sets his empty tumbler down and walks to the elevator. I watch as he pushes the button, and when the doors open, he steps inside before locking eyes with me.
“Go sleep, Laurie.”
The doors shut, and I’m left feeling like an idiot for mentioning sex.
Why the hell do I feel rejected?
Chapter 11
Adriano
By the time I have the contract and marriage license, I have zero fucking patience left.
It feels as if hellhounds are nipping at my heels, threatening to rip Laurie away from me.
I’ve made peace with the fact that I’ve lost my mind where she’s concerned.
The clerk’s office would’ve required Laurie to appear in person, but there was no way I was risking that. With a single phone call and a thick envelope of cash, a judge on the Cosa Nostra’s payroll took care of the problem.
On the way to the hotel to pick her up, I had Little Ricky stop at a bridal boutique where I bought a dress off the rack. It’s simple, elegant, and perfect for Laurie.
I want to see her dressed in white when she stands beside me, saying ‘I do.’
By this afternoon, Laurie Barnes will legally belong to me.
I’m bracing for one hell of a fight, though.
When the elevator doors open, there’s no sign of my butterfly. I walk to the bedroom and slowly nudge the door open.
She’s sitting on the foot of the bed, concentrating on whatever she’s doing on her phone.