Taking a few deep breaths, I turn on the water and get in. It doesn’t take me long to shower and towel dry my hair, but Mattia’s knock comes sooner than I expected.
“Leo,” he calls from the other side of the door.
“I’m almost done,” I shout back. While I washed, I tried to let the hurt go, but it was harder than I thought. I know it’s silly. So what if he’s not impressed with my boobs?
I didn’t bring clothes with me into the bathroom, so I put on my robe to get them. Right before I walk out, something comes over me that I can’t control. My mother used to call it the brat inside of me.
Pushing open the window, I slowly peek out into the back alley. I’ve never tried the fire escape, but I guess there’s no time like the present. I start to crawl out the window, but I don’t make it far before hands grip my waist and yank me back.
“Hey!” I shout. “I was checking my plants before we leave. They might need water.”
“You’re lying.”
“I could have plants out there.” I don’t, but that’s not the point. He’s being rude. “You assume I’m lying.”
“I didn’t assume.” He leans in closer, and I see him staring at my mouth. “You’ve been warned.”
His breath tickles my lips. Wow, he smells good. I feel my heart speed up with excitement, and it’s a rush. I can tell this feeling is going to be addictive.
“Are you going to kiss me?”
“Yes,” he says and licks his lips. I suck in a breath at how hot he makes it sound. “Get dressed.”
“What?” I try to pretend that the way he acted earlier doesn’t bother me because I’m cool, obviously. “Look, even if you don’t care for my boobs, you can still kiss me now.”
“What are you talking about?” He looks angry before he rips open the top part of my robe.
“Don’t be a perv,” I snap as I pull it closed. Holy shit, that was hot.
“You sure you don’t want me to be a perv, Maeve?”
“How dare you call me another woman’s name? Who is she?” I growl. “I want a full name and Social Security number. And if you have an address, that would be really helpful,” I add because I’m not sure what I’ll do with the Social Security number. That’s just what I remember people saying in movies. “Please.”
“She who intoxicates,” he says, and his lips twitch with amusement. “That’s what the name Maeve means. She was a legendary warrior queen in Irish mythology.”
“Oh. Well, I guess I’ll allow it. It’s fitting for me. Hit the nail right on the head with that one.”
“I’m glad you approve. Now will you please dress? Otherwise I’ll have to cut the eyes out of my driver. Or anyone else on the street that sees you.”
Is he flirting with me? I spin around to find clothes and hide my smile. I actually love when he orders me around, but I’ll never tell him that.
“I suppose I can follow this order.”
Mattia’s hand wraps around my wrist, and he turns me to face him. “Your tits are perfect, and when we get home, I’ll more than prove that point.”
“Really?” I lick my lips and try to sound casual. “Are you going to kiss me too?”
“Yes.”
“It will, ah, cost you.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a thick stack of cash. There’s a gold money clip around it, and he holds it up. “Did you have that last night?”
“I always have cash,” he says, and I nod.
“Right, me too.” I glance down at the money. “I should have robbed you last night.”
“There’s always tonight,” he offers.
“Good point.”
