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I look up into the smirking face of Dante Costa, Elio’s friend. My cheeks flush with embarrassment. “Sorry, I wasn’t looking where I was going.”
Dante’s eyes glint with amusement. “I can see that. Lucky for you, I don’t mind being run into by a beautiful woman.”
I roll my eyes, trying to ignore the flutter in my stomach at his words. “I’m sure you say that to all the girls who bump into you.”
Dante chuckles, his hands still resting on my arms. “Only the ones who catch my eye.”
I step back, breaking his hold on me. “I thought Elio was your best friend.”
Dante shrugs, his gaze trailing over my body. “He is. But that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a stunning woman when I see one.”
I cross my arms over my chest, feeling self-conscious under his scrutiny. “Does Elio know you talk to his girlfriend like this?”
Dante’s grin widens. “Girlfriend? I didn’t realize you two were official.”
I falter, realizing my mistake. Elio and I haven’t discussed what we are. I just assumed that since we’re dating, we’re exclusive. “We’re not... I mean, we’re just...”
Dante takes a step closer, his voice low and conspiratorial. “Just what?”
I swallow hard, my mouth suddenly dry as I examine Dante’s appearance. He’s not as muscular as Elio or Renzo, but his build has a lean athleticism that’s undeniably attractive. His midnight black hair falls in tousled waves, framing a face with skin that’s a beautiful, rich tone.
“I...” I trail off, my brain short-circuiting as Dante leans closer, his dark brown eyes boring into mine.
“You what, tesoro?” he murmurs, the Italian endearment rolling off his tongue like honey.
My heart hammers as I struggle to form a coherent thought. “I should go,” I manage to say, but I make no move to leave.
Dante’s lips quirk up in a half-smile. “Should you? Or do you want to stay and chat for a bit?”
I know I should walk away, but there’s something magnetic about Dante’s presence that keeps me rooted to the spot. “Chat about what?”
He shrugs, his gaze drifting to my lips before snapping to meet my eyes. “Anything you want. I’m a good listener.”
I let out a shaky laugh. “I’m sure you are.”
Dante reaches out, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. His fingers brush against my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. “I’m also good at other things,” he says.
I can’t shake what Lucia told me about the Nexus. My mind races as I stand there, pinned by Dante’s intense gaze. What if he, Elio, and Renzo are part of this secret group, trying to recruit me as their slave? The word makes my stomach twist, but an undeniable thrill courses through me at the idea.
Dante seems to sense my inner turmoil. He leans in closer, his lips nearly brushing my ear. “You look like you’re wrestling with something, tesoro.” His breath is warm against my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. “Care to share what that beautiful mind of yours is so preoccupied with?”
I swallow hard, my mouth suddenly dry. Part of me wants to confide in him, to ask him outright if he’s involved in the Nexus. But another part of me is terrified of the answer, of the implications it could have.
“It’s nothing,” I lie, stepping back to put some distance between us. “I should get going.”
Dante doesn’t move, his gaze holding me in place. “If you’re worried about Elio, don’t be.” He reaches out, trailing a finger along my jawline. “He knows how I feel about you. How we all feel.”
My breath catches in my throat at his words. Does he mean him, Elio and Renzo? “I... I don’t...”
“Shh,” Dante whispers, placing a finger against my lips. “You don’t have to say anything. Just know that if you ever want to explore, I’m here. We all are.”
He drops his hand, his fingers grazing against my collarbone before falling away. His touch brands me, and my skin tingles when he makes contact.
“I should go,” I say again, but my voice comes out breathy and unconvincing.
Dante nods, stepping back to give me space. “Of course. I wouldn’t want to keep you.”
He says it with a smirk like he knows exactly what kind of effect he’s having on me. I force myself to turn away, putting one foot in front of the other and walking down the hallway. But with every step, I can feel Dante’s eyes on me, and I can’t shake the feeling that this won’t be the last time we have a conversation like this.
