"You implied it." I tilt my chin up, wanting to appear strong, even as I feel like a silly girl. "Our marriage is a business arrangement."
"Don't put words in my mouth, Isabella."
I frown, because I’m pretty sure he said he didn’t want kids and that our marriage was business.
His jaw tightens. "I said I wouldn't force you. I never said I didn't want you."
The air between us crackles with tension.
I step closer, watching his pupils dilate. "So, you do want me?" I'm playing with fire, but I can't seem to stop.
"What game are you playing?"
“No game. Just wanting to know the rules. The boundaries.” I shrug with a casualness I don't feel. "No sex, then. That's fine."
"You're deliberately misunderstanding me."
"And you're deliberately being vague." I smile sweetly. "For a man who values honesty, you certainly dance around speaking plainly."
Alessandro's hand catches my wrist, not painfully, but firmly enough that I feel my pulse hammering against his fingers.
"Let me be plain, then. I find you attractive. More than I expected… more than I want. But I won't act on it unless you want me to. Understood?"
I swallow hard. "Perfectly."
His gaze drifts to my mouth, and my insides go molten hot as I anticipate him kissing me. My breath stills as I wait.
He releases my wrist and steps back as he clears his throat. “I think we’ve covered enough of this arrangement for now.” He turns, striding back to the house.
Later, after Alessandro leaves, I’m summoned to my father’s office.
His eyes narrow as I enter. "Well? Did you manage not to embarrass this family?"
I shrug. "We got along fine."
"Fine isn't good enough." His voice sharpens. "Was he pleased with you?"
The question makes my skin crawl, but I maintain my façade. "I believe so."
Father's expression shifts from suspicion to cautious approval. "Good. The wedding plans will proceed. Don't give him any reason to reconsider."
"Of course not. If that's all..." I’m not interested in rehashing my meeting with Alessandro to my father.
“Yes, that’s all.” He gives me a dismissive wave.
Once safely locked in my bedroom, I collapse onto my bed, replaying my encounter with Alessandro.
A smile tugs at my lips as I recall our verbal sparring in the garden.
The way his eyebrow raised when I challenged him.
The flash of approval in his eyes when I refused to back down.
Most men want docility.
Alessandro seems to crave my fire.
I find you attractive. More than I expected… more than I want.
