Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 78192 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78192 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
I look like all the girls I always admired.
Feeling emotional, I stare at myself for a few minutes before I head downstairs so I can prepare dinner.
I don’t have a lot of time, so I’m making mac and cheese.
Just as I place a pot on the stove, I hear familiar footsteps, and my heart skips a beat. Spending evenings with Augusto, I’ve gotten to know a whole different side of him.
A side I like very much.
When Augusto comes into the kitchen, I immediately notice tired lines on his face and worry stirs in my chest.
The moment he sees me, a smile tugs at the corner of his mouth, and admiration fills his eyes. “I love the outfit.” He nods his approval as he comes closer. “This looks much better than the short dresses. Now I don’t have to worry about men drooling over your legs.”
He sounds possessive, which is a new experience for me.
No. Maybe just a little protective.
“I’m glad you like it.”
I’m in for a surprise when he pulls me against his chest, and as he lets out an exhausted sigh, I get the urge to return the hug. Especially after everything he’s done for me.
Giving in, I wrap my arms around him, but he jerks before pulling away. “Sorry. My side’s a little tender.”
My eyes widen as they fly to his face. “Did you get hurt?”
“A failed assassination attempt. Nothing to worry about.”
Shock shudders through me as I gasp. My first instinct is to check his wound, but not feeling comfortable enough, I remain standing where I am.
He sits down on one of the stools, and taking hold of my hand, he gives me a gentle look. “Do you have any idea who would want to start a war between the Yakuza and the Cosa Nostra?”
Kuso! I hope I don’t get in trouble. Things are going so well, I don’t want something to ruin it.
I hesitate before I shake my head. “I was never told anything.”
“It was worth a shot.” Augusto glances at the pot. “Don’t worry about making dinner. Let’s order in.” His gaze returns to me. “What are you in the mood for?”
I’m overly aware that he’s still holding my hand, his fingers strong around mine. Feeling a little shy, I murmur, “You choose.”
“Burger and fries.” Instead of placing the order, he stares at me, and when I give him a questioning look, he whispers, “It’s been a rough day. Looking at you is calming.” Lifting his other hand to my neck, he flicks the bowtie. “This is cute.”
I smile as I glance down because I think so too.
“Look at me,” Augusto orders, his tone suddenly deeper than usual. When I meet his eyes, he shakes his head. “Smile again.”
A nervous tension fills my stomach, and I can only manage to lift the corner of my mouth.
His irises turn darker as he stares at my lips, and when a weird current passes between us, my heartbeat speeds up.
A phone rings, and it feels as if a bubble pops as it draws Augusto’s attention away from me.
Letting go of my hand, he gets up as he removes his phone from his pocket, and walking out of the kitchen, he says, “Is the body disposed of?”
Lowering my head, I look at my hand where I can still feel Augusto’s touch.
What just happened between us?
My heart is still beating faster than usual, and there’s a fluttering in my stomach as if a kaleidoscope of butterflies has been set loose inside me.
No way. I feel attracted to Augusto?!
Just as I begin to worry that it’s too soon, I remember everything he’s done for me and how much he’s changed my life.
I would’ve died if I had stayed one more week with my father.
Besides, I’m married to Augusto. It’s a good thing if I can develop feelings for him. Right?
“Yuki?” My eyes dart to Augusto as he comes back into the kitchen. “Is everything okay?”
I hesitate before I push through and ask, “What will happen once I’m ready?”
Slowly, he comes closer. “Ready for us to take the next step?”
I nod, the spinning in my stomach increasing.
“We’ll transition from this to being intimate.”
Just to hear what he’ll say, I ask, “What if I’m never ready?”
He stares at me while he thinks about his answer. “I’ll find a way to live with it.”
“But that’s not what you want?”
He stops right in front of me, and bringing his hand to my face, he brushes his fingertips over my jaw and down my neck.
“No, and I don’t think it’s what you want either.” He keeps touching me, his eyes locked on my face, and when tingles erupt across my skin, I slap my hand over his, a gasp bursting from me. “I think you want more than a loveless marriage, where we continue to live like roommates.”