Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 55750 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55750 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
When you asked me about the dark parts of my life … I can’t include explicit details here. You said you had to know, but you didn’t finish it. What were you going to say?
She sends a laughing emoji, followed with, Is this your way of saying sorry for storming out?
My smirk widens. I shake my head slowly. No matter what happens between us, she can always bring out my lighter side. The side I didn’t even know existed until the music of Bella came into my life—not just her violin playing. She’s the music herself.
I shouldn’t have left like that, but dammit. I can’t stand the thought of you even thinking of me doing something like that. I never would. I couldn’t. I’d die before I did that.
I had to ask, she replies. I had to know. Otherwise …
Are you teasing me again?
I’m not trying to. Maybe I don’t want to make the first move.
The first move has already been made.
Kissing is easier than what I want to say.
Do you want me to guess?
I stand up, walking in my boxer briefs across the room. Sitting in the chair by the window, I look over the vast estate. The bedroom light to the guesthouse is on. I wonder if that’s the one Bella or her friend is staying in.
Finally, she responds, Yes, guess.
I bite down as my mind works overtime. You have to know I’m not an evil man first of all. Second, I know you have feelings for me—the same feelings I have for you. Yet it’s moving fast, and we’re both used to being cold and distant. Hell, let’s call it what it is: we’re both scared. Being who I am only makes it even more complicated.
Are you a mind reader? she responds. That’s it, exactly. I couldn’t have ever said that better myself. I’ve never been in a relationship before. I’m not sure how this is supposed to work.
You’ve NEVER had a boyfriend?
Are those capital letters judgment or shock?
Pure shock, I tell her. I find that so hard to believe. You’re talented, beautiful, funny, and dedicated. I could go on.
You’re going to make me blush!
My grin widens even more. The last thing I expected after telling her the truth was any flirting. If that isn’t what this is, I don’t know what to call it. I’ve got a goofy grin on my face as I type out my response.
Are you sure I’m the man you want to make you blush?
All I know is that when the sun sets and nobody’s watching us, we can let our true feelings out.
My body thrums with pure heat. Is that your bedroom light on?
As I watch, it flickers on and off. The one that just flashed you?
Don’t get my mind on you flashing me, but yes.
Ha ha, she replies. With how crazy this is, it’s kind of neat to forget it all, right?
She’s right. That’s the main thing with us, which causes everything else to fade. Maybe that’s how all relationships start—the ability to let the rest of the world go. When I’m texting Bella, all I hear is her music; all I feel is her. Even tomorrow, with this war looming, I can’t stress. I can’t overthink or let rage grip me.
It’s like magic, I tell her. How you make everything else seem meaningless and make the rest of the world disappear is sweeter than any music. After what we discussed earlier, I thought we’d never speak like this again.
Were you okay with that?
Hell no. The idea makes me SICK.
Is that why you’re up so late? she asks. Or is it all the other stuff?
No, it’s you. I can typically sleep when I need to. Refuel my mind and my body so I can fight another day. This is one hundred percent the work of soon-to-be-world-famous Bella Rossi.
You really are trying to flatter me, aren’t you?
I can’t help it, but it would be much better to do it in person. How about a midnight snack? I was too stressed to eat earlier.
Me too, which is pretty rare for me.
My body stirs. If you’re trying to talk about your curvy, thick figure like it’s a bad thing, you’ve come to the wrong man. Your body is the very definition of perfection.
Then yes, Matt, I’ll take you up on that snack. We have to be quiet and careful.
Careful, yes, but quiet? No chance. I’ve got just the place for us.
“My dad used this room for private meetings,” I say, pushing the door open to reveal a small dining room with classical paintings on the wall, a two-person table, and chairs glittering beneath a small chandelier. “It’s completely soundproofed.”
She walks in behind me. I’m sure she must’ve put on some perfume. She’s changed from her house clothes into a loose-fitting dress, which means my men have collected their belongings from the apartment. The dress might be loose, but the way it grazes her curves has me stirring as I think about tearing it off.