“Thanks.”
“Come on, I’ll take you inside and show you where you can get changed,” I say.While I don’t want to step foot inside the compound, I knew it was inevitable.And I’d rather keep an eye on Harper, protect her, than let anything happen to her.Not that I’d suspect my father of ever laying a finger on her.
He’s not that type of monster.
He orders hits and has other men do the killing.
I grab my bag from the back porch and lead Harper inside.“Is Nova here yet?”Harper asks, still holding on to the birthday present.
“Not yet,” I say and shake my head.“Haven’t seen her, but I’m sure she’ll be here soon.”
“I am a little early.The interview ended before I thought it would, and then I caught the earlier train, and honestly, I was just hoping I could sit down and relax for a few minutes before all her friends show up.Sometimes I get nervous around new people.”
I never knew Harper had anxiety.Is that why she doesn’t come to the parties that we throw?
“Well, I’m here,” I offer and lead her inside.“I’m not new.”I hold the door for her, and once she’s inside, I close it and lead her down the hallway, past the first door on the left and to the second door, which is the guest bathroom.
I offer her my entire wardrobe, my duffel bag, and bring it into the bathroom, placing it on the long bathroom sink counter for her.“Take whatever you need.Make sure you dress warm since we’ll be outside for a bit.Ashton and I are going to get a bonfire started soon for you girls.”
“Oh, that sounds perfect,” Harper says with a smile as she unzips my bag and retrieves the box of condoms lying on top.“Were you planning on something?”she asks pointedly, tilting her head as she stares up at me.
“Better to be safe than sorry.”I laugh and back out of the bathroom, leaving her to search through my bag while I wait in the hallway for her to finish changing.
I lean against the wall, mentally chastising myself for bringing the entire box of condoms from home.One or two would have sufficed, since it’s not as though anything has happened between Harper and me.
Yes, I’ve wanted it to happen.Every time I stare into her eyes, smell her sweet scent, or brush up against her, I have wanton thoughts of her naked and writhing between the sheets.I’ve been playing it slow because I know that’s what she needs, but it’s agonizing and tearing me up inside, the desire building like a volcano ready to erupt.
And I swear she feels it too.
“Luca,” Moreno says as he walks by, carrying a set of papers with him.“It’s good to see you home for Nova’s birthday party.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” I say, putting on a forced smile.While I love Nova, if it hadn’t been for Harper showing up, I wouldn’t be here.
Last year, Nova and I celebrated her birthday at the lake.I bought her a new set of ice skates and we went skating.It was a nice gift and an easy way to stay out of the compound.This year, I wasn’t as lucky.
“Dante will be pleased to see you,” Moreno says, and his eyes crinkle just a bit, as though he’s realizing that he may not even believe his own words.
“You and I both know that isn’t quite fact.”
“He does care for you, in his own way,” he says.
He has to defend Dante.After all, he works for him, is second in command, and would do anything to protect the don.
“We both know I grew up to be a disappointment to him.”I don’t pretend otherwise.It would be foolish to think Dante loves me.He loves my mother, although I’ll never know how a man so cold as him can love anyone.I fold my arms across my chest, leaning back against the wall.
The bathroom door opens, and Moreno glances at the open door to reveal Harper.She’s wearing my Evergreen University sweatshirt, which is big on her but looks absolutely sinful, and my sweatpants that I planned to wear around here for bed.Usually, I sleep in boxers or in the buff, which might end up happening after all.
“And who is this young lady?”Moreno asks, raising a curious eye at the strange blonde and then at me.
“I’m Harper,” she says, holding out her hand to introduce herself.
“She’s my girlfriend,” I say, stepping closer to Harper protectively.While I don’t think Moreno would cause any harm to come to her, I also don’t want to take any chances.I also know that Nova’s parents aren’t aware that she’s been spending a bit of time at the university with us, and I’m trying to keep her out of further trouble.
Harper catches my stare and gives me a quizzical look.“Yes,” she says and doesn’t further elaborate.She hands me back my bag of clothes.“Thanks,” she says, staring at me, and leans in, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek.
If she’s playing the doting fake girlfriend, then I could definitely get on board with this scenario.
The backdoor swings open, and Mom comes waltzing inside with Nova behind her.
