“I’m not sure.”
“Not sure? I don’t understand. Are you numb to my touch?” I stood and went to her side, while keeping our fingers locked. Kneeling next to her, I inhaled her scent and moved in for a kiss.
“Alessio. I’m. I’m. I just. I just…” She stuttered in the cutest way I’d ever heard, clearly affected by me as I was by her.
“Shh.” I brushed my lips across her cheek. “We’re allowed to be intimate like this.”
“I didn’t think you’d want to.”
“Honestly, I didn’t an hour ago.” I placed a soft kiss on her satin skin. “Even considered having a mistress.” I kissed her again.
“A mistress?” She tugged her hand out of mine and flew off the chair, putting several feet between us. “Then why get married?”
“Because it’s my duty as it is yours.”
She gaped, wholly offended. “But unlike you, I would never dream of being with another man after we took our vows. If you want a mistress, by all means, have one.” She turned on her heels and quickly made her way to the exit.
“Giovanna, don’t overreact. I’ve changed my mind.” I stood and followed her.
“I’ve also changed my mind about you. You’re not who I thought you were. Or rather, you’re exactly who I thought you were.” She ran up the stairs.
“That’s not fair! You’re not letting me explain.” I chased after her, getting angrier and angrier with every step. “I command you to stop!”
“You don’t own me yet!” She picked up her speed. I had a feeling if she made it to her bedroom before I caught her, she’d lock me out.
“Stop!” I pounded the wooden floors, narrowing the gap between us.
She burst through her door and attempted to close it. Of course, she failed when I blocked her.
“Get out!” she yelled in my face. “If you don’t leave, I will scream.”
“Then scream and get it over with because I’m not leaving.” I slammed the door behind me and locked it. Turning to face her, I gasped for air as my blood boiled. “Don’t you ever run from me again.”
“You’re crazy if you think I will take your shit. My brothers taught me to never let a man mistreat me.”
“How did I mistreat you? We’ve only known each other for one day.” I moved toward her, and she backed up.
“Precisely! We haven’t even tried to be a couple and you’re already wanting to bring another woman between us.”
“It’s not like I just met her. She’s been my lover for years.” As soon as the words left my mouth, I regretted them.
“Oh. I see.” Giovanna collapsed on the bed with a shellshocked look on her face. “Go to her. I won’t stand in your way or cause you problems.”
My feet stopped moving. I didn’t know what to do or say. She was giving me permission to be with Cara. I should be relieved and grateful, but I felt none of that.
“Please leave. It’s been a long day and I’m tired.”
“I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.”
“Oh, you didn’t.” She smiled but it didn’t reach the corners of her eyes. Her whole personality changed in an instant. “Now that I know your expectations, I can relax. There’s no need for me to try and impress you when you already have someone. What a relief.” She wiped her brow.
But I could tell she was faking her relief, which confirmed in my mind that she’d felt the same sparks I’d felt.
“Someone my family would never approve of.”
“I understand stand. You don’t need to explain anything to me.”
“She’s a commoner.”
