Here’s me thinking I’d test the limits of my authority, only to realize I’ve brought toy swords to a gun fight.
I swallow. “Lead the way.”
God, that impervious smirk. What I wouldn’t give to smack it right off his face.
I tally one for DiAngelo, but assure myself I’m nowhere near done with this war.
CHAPTER 23
TERINA
Present
Renzo’s houseis a time machine. The ancient brownstone has been fully updated with modern versions of the materials used in its heyday. The style is an authentic expression of historic charm, but everything is new.
Old homes that preserve original materials rather than remodel with modern replicas seem to cling to the present, haunted by the ghosts of the past. But when I’m at Renzo’s, it’s different. His house gives the sensation of actually living in a bygone era. It’s like walking through a portal to another dimension every time I visit.
Today, it’s a little less noticeable since my thoughts are focused elsewhere. And by elsewhere, I mean a lumbering musclehead who finds it amusing to ruffle my feathers at every opportunity. I want to return the favor. It only seems fair.
I’m probably asking for trouble, but holding my own where DiAngelo is concerned is the one bit of control I have left in my world. If I can’t stand up to him, what power do I have?
I wouldn’t do anything to put either of us in danger. That would be ridiculous. But when my brother asks how things are going, I recognize an opportunity when I see it.
“It’s an adjustment. I didn’t realize having a bodyguard meant being watched atalltimes,” I say the word with just enough innuendo to plant a seed of impropriety.
Renzo’s eyes narrow. “What are you trying to say?”
“Nothing,” I answer innocently. “I’m sure you and DiAngelo know exactly what you’re doing. I just didn’t realize I’d have eyes on me dayandnight, but you trust your best friend, so I’m sure his degree of supervision must be necessary.”
It occurs to me as I’m talking that if DiAngelo gets reassigned, he won’t be in the line of fire any longer. At least, not because of me. I love and hate the idea at the same time, making me realize I have more of a selfish streak than I realized. I want him safe, but I don’t like the prospect of losing him either.
When I steal a glance at him, his cutting glare slices into me.
Yikes!
It looks like it’s time for a subject change. “Anyway, I think I’ll go wash my hands. I didn’t get a chance to wash them after yoga.”
Renzo wears a dumbfounded expression as I slip away in search of the nearest bathroom. I take my time, splashing a little water on my face in anticipation that the two men will be in Renzo’s office talking for a while. However, upon exiting the bathroom, I discover their meeting has yet to begin because DiAngelo is lying in wait for me instead. It seems ambushing me outside bathrooms is the new favorite pastime for all the men in my life.
Arms crossed, he leans against the wall opposite the bathroom door. “What exactly were you trying to accomplish in there with that little performance?”
“I don’t think I said anything that wasn’t true.” I hold my ground with a small lift of my chin.
“You were trying to get me in trouble.” He peels himself off the wall and inches closer.
“If the truth makes you look bad, that’s not my fault.”
Slowly, he walks me backward into the bathroom. It’s a small interior room with no windows, so we’re now totally ensconced in shadow. Again, I’m peering up at him in the dark, golden brown irises ringed with green stare back at me. Just like last night.
My thundering pulse pounds in my ears and throat … and lower.
My body remembers.
It preens and blossoms in his sight.
“As if you didn’t get off on me watching you,literally,” he says in a lazy rumble.
“I … I was already coming—you had nothing to do with it.”
