Chapter 2

Gianna's POV

Going out with Vivian had been more of a headache than I wanted it to be. What started out with dinner turned into an all-night at a local club. The stench of puke Vivian had managed to get on me when I was holding her hair prominent on my skin.

It shouldn't have been much of a surprise how the evening turned out. Yet, once again, I was left to babysit her while she dabbled in her fun. I wasn't the party girl Vivian had become, and even though she knew that, she still tried to drag me around.

Sometimes I wondered if that was simply a way to make sure she had a designated driver or if she genuinely enjoyed my company. By the time we had arrived back at her home, the lights were off, and it was dark. Vivian's drunken form was unable to carry herself up the stairs, which meant that it had been my job to do. So, Lucky me! After I had gotten Vivian undressed and in bed, and a hot shower had washed away the remainder of the night from my body, I lay on my bed, trying to find the will to go to sleep. Too much had happened over the past few weeks. My mind still reeled from my breakup with Chase, but I also couldn't stop thinking about Lorenzo.

Lorenzo was different. Not only was he incredibly sexy, with lips so plump I wanted to kiss him for days, but he was old school. He seemed like the kind of man who knew how to wine and dine a girl. Treat her special, and never cheat on her with some mystery girl like Chase did to me.

I didn't know Lorenzo that way, but my mind constantly wondered. I wondered how he would treat me and about all the wonderfully sinful things he could do to me.

I didn't understand the rush of emotions he brought over me. I wasn't the bad girl type, and yet everything about him wanted to make me submit on my knees.

I'm an idiot to think a man like Lorenzo Moretti would be interested in me though. Vivian's mom, is beautiful and classy. She has taste and is sophisticated... And my Mom, well, she was perfectly suited to him, I still to this day don't understand their need for a divorce, but hey! I'm not complaining. I can never be them, though.

Vivian had plenty of male friends in this city, and even though I didn't want another relationship, I couldn't help but wonder if one of them would settle my needs.

Picking up my phone, I scrolled through social media and took in the various photos of Chase and I that were posted on my account. I hadn't had the courage to get rid of them yet, and looking back at it now, I felt even more pathetic.

With a push of a few buttons and much-needed courage, I deleted the history of my relationship with

Chase. I welcomed the hollow feeling in my chest when I was finished, but at the same time, it hurt.

"God, why can't I sleep," I groaned as I looked at the clock, realizing I had spent two hours laying awake instead of sleeping. Slipping from bed, I padded my way out of my room and towards the stairs. The idea of hot tea and a snack to settle my mind seemed more enjoyable with every step I took.

Despite the darkness, I made my way to the kitchen. The dim light over the stove was enough for me to see what I was doing, and yet, not disturb anyone in the home. Not that anyone would likely wake. It was 2:36 in the morning, and normal people slept at this hour. As I moved around the kitchen setting the kettle, I hummed a tune from earlier in the night that had gotten stuck in my head.

"Having fun?" a voice called from behind me, causing a small scream to leave my throat as I spun around, coming face to face with Lorenzo himself. His dark, brooding eyes stared at me with amusement.

As much as I wanted to form a coherent sentence at that moment, my thoughts were lost in the realization that Lorenzo, my mother's ex and my best friend's father, was standing before me in nothing but a towel.

Oh, sweet baby Jesus.

"Uh-oh, hey. Sorry, just making tea."

"I see that," he hummed with amusement. "Couldn't sleep either?"

Shaking my head, I shrugged my shoulders. "Not lately. Plus, after all the excitement tonight, I had to wind down." There was a moment of awkward silence that fell between us as Lorenzo stood by the counter, simply staring at me.

Clearing my throat, I turned back towards the kettle that was now hissing and poured the hot water over the tea bag so it could steep. Motion out of the corner of my eye made me freeze as I realized he had taken two steps closer towards me.

"You really have changed over the years... haven't you, Gianna?" he whispered softly, causing me to turn around and notice only a few feet between us.

My heart raced with anticipation of what the hell was happening. Was this what I hoped it was? But I couldn't do that to Vivian, could I?

"Yeah," I replied uncomfortably, "l guess I have. I'm not really the dorky girl I was the last time you saw me. Then again, I could say you have changed as well." He had changed. He had gotten older, obviously, but he didn't seem as sad as he once had. Instead, he seemed satisfied with his life. As if he finally found his calling after leaving his exes

"Interesting." His eyes took me in once more as he casually leaned against the counter. "So, did your boyfriend decide to join you this summer?"

My eyes kept drifting down his ripped, toned body. Every muscle was on full display, and only the towel kept me separated from the prize I wanted so desperately to have. I tried not to look, but I couldn't help it when he stood so willingly in front of me.

"Uh, no." I shrugged, trying to remain calm. "I don't have one. We broke up a few weeks ago." He seemed intrigued with my response as if that had been the answer he was hoping for.

"Is that right? Was it mutual then?" Glancing down, I shook my head. "No, not exactly."

No matter how innocent his question had been, the wound of Chase's betrayal was still fresh. So for Lorenzo to bring it up was like pouring salt on an open wound. "I'm sorry if I upset you, Gianna. That wasn't my intention."

"No, no. You're fine," I replied as my eyes met his again. "Just, shit happened, and it wasn't the most joyous moment in my life. Nothing I won't get over with in time, though." There was an unmistakable fire that crossed his gaze for a moment at my words. I wasn't sure what it was, but it was almost as if he was angry, but pleased at the same time.

"He was an idiot for letting a beautiful woman like you go."

Holy fuck, he just called me beautiful. The compliment caused my cheeks to redden with embarrassment as I bit my lip and quickly turned back to my tea.

I wasn't sure why his remark surprised me like it did. Men from his generation were notorious for being this way, or at least, that was the assumption I had with most men I knew his age. My professors and even my Dad's friends were from a generation of class. So why was it that his words caused me to react like this?

Trying to wrap my head around what he was saying, I cleared my throat and straightened my shoulders.

"Thank you for your compliment. But I am not as pretty as other women. Plus, l am driven when it comes to my career. So I wasn't giving him the attention he wanted." Excuses.

They were all excuses, but at the same time, these excuses were what allowed me to get past the pain I felt over Chase's betrayal. The excuses I made were ones I gave for his actions towards me. No matter how horrible they were.

"He didn't deserve you. Traits like that I think are sexy in a woman," Lorenzo replied moving closer to me, causing my breath to catch in my throat.

I was highly aware of the distance between us in the kitchen. The fact that he was in a towel sent me into hyper drive, and I hoped he couldn't tell how much he was turning me on. Slowly turning around with parted lips, I faced him. In the time I hadn't been paying attention, he had taken two steps closer to me, and the distance between us closing caused my heart to race. I wasn't trying to be bad, but the smell of him wrapping around me made my body want to do all kinds of bad things.

"Perhaps, someday, someone will show me what it is I deserve." My words came off more flirtatious than l meant them to be, and he must have noticed, because his response was to brush against me gently as he reached over my head for a cup.

The contact of his skin against mine caused my nipples to instantly harden and my core to clench with desire. I wanted him so fucking bad, but at the same time, there was no way a man like Lorenzo Moretti wanted me.

As he pulled back, setting his cup on the counter, I tried to clear my mind. There was a boundary I didn't need to cross, and with the teasing moments around us, I was dangerously close to crossing.

"Are you okay?" he whispered, causing me to slowly look up at him to see the amusement dancing within his eyes.

"Of course, why wouldn't I be?" I shifted uncomfortably. "Are you?" As his eyes drifted down towards my chest, I felt the stir within me once more.

"Oh, l'm more than alright, Gianna." He grinned and his eyes met mine again. It took me a moment to process what he meant, and as I glanced down, I saw the erect strain of my nipples pressing against the white tank top I was wearing.

"Oh, I'm so sorry" I stammered, wrapping my arms across my chest. "It's a bit cold."

"No, it isn't." He chuckled as he grabbed his glass and went to the fridge to pour a drink. He may have been right, but the arrogant response made my mouth part in surprise.

"Yes, it is. It's a bit chilly, and well, yeah-" As the door to the fridge closed, he turned to face me, bringing his cup to his lips. The movement of his Adam's apple as he drank down the liquid caught my eye. I had never seen something as simple as that look so sexy before. "I know what you want, Gianna," he said, grasping my attention once more.

"I don't want anything," I replied, trying to play the moment off.

"Enough lies!." Setting his cup down, he quickly cleared the space between us once more.

His body was cornering me against the kitchen countertop, an arm on either side of me as the 'come fuck me' eyes gazed into my soul.

"Mr. Moretti-"

"I told you to call me Lorenzo, Gianna." His firm reply flipped the switch on the situation and instantly made me want to behave. "I can see that I turn you on, but I can promise you I'm not what you want. The things I would do... well, they would be too dark for you."

Holy shit. "Y-you have no idea what I can handle. You don't know me like that." My stuttered response showed clearly how uneasy I was with this situation, and yet I wanted it. I wanted him to show me exactly how dark he could be.

"Be a good girl, Gianna. You need to go upstairs and go to bed," he whispered as he inhaled deeply and pushed himself back from where we stood.

The distance he was placing between us gave me a chance to breathe once more. Without a moment of hesitation, my feet pushed me towards the stairs, only to be stopped again with a firm grip on my arm.

"Remember what I said," he all but growled in a sexy way that had me weak in the knees.

Turning to face him, I placed my hand on his chest, trying to push him away. But the realization hit me that I was touching him, and the feeling of his body under my fingers made everything worse.

The firm ripple of his skin under my fingers was intoxicating, and even with the slight show of chest hair present, I couldn't help but want to run my fingers through it as his plump lips devoured mine. Snapping out of my reverie, I quickly jerked myself from his grasp. His lips turned upwards as he stared at me, causing me to press my thighs together as I tried to control my arousal.

"Goodnight, Mr. Moretti," I stuttered, forcing my gaze from his before I turned and ran from the kitchen.

Lorenzo Moretti was a mysterious man, and there was no telling what he truly meant by what he had said.

Perhaps he was dangerous, but perhaps I would like it.

Chapter 3

Gianna's POV

The warm heat kissed my skin as I lay on a white lounge chair by the pool. As much as I wished I had this kind of comfort back at home, I didn't. It was more humid there than enjoyable,

Vivian had insisted on having a bunch of people over for a pool party, and as they milled around in the cool water laughing and drinking, I couldn't help but feel annoyed by that.

They seemed so carefree with their upscale lifestyles, able to come and go as they wanted. Never really having to work for anything, and having their parents hand them money whenever they wanted.

"Are you just going to lie there all day or come join us?" Vivian asked as her shadowed form peered down at me, blocking out the sunlight I had been enjoying.

"I am joining you, but just from this chair. The sun feels amazing, and I don't feel like swimming," I told her with honesty as I relaxed further into my seat.

"At least you're drinking," she smirked.

Holding up my margarita, I let the corner of my lips rise in a smile. "That I am. Tequila and sunshine my day couldn't be better."

"With hot guys?"

"Uh-no," I laughed. "I can satisfy myself. Haven't you heard it's the twenty-first century? Women don't need men. We have each other and toys for our entertainment purposes."

"Well, that needs to change. I want you to meet someone," she replied, rolling her eyes.

My lips met tightly as I shook my head. "No, Vivian. I told you before. I'm not ready."

"Oh, my god. It's literally been almost a month, Gianna. You're wasting your time being no fun at all because Chase was fucking someone else."

What the actual fuck?!

Taken aback by her forward response, I looked at her in shock. "Wow. Thanks for that."

She may be my best friend, but she was a fucking bitch sometimes. Letting out an exasperated sigh, she sat down next to me, placing her chin in her hand. "You know what I mean. I- just want you to be happy again."

"Well, then maybe my boyfriend shouldn't have been fucking someone behind my back. Second of all, I am happy."

Groaning with frustration, she rolled her eyes again. "Let it go already. He isn't worth it."

"Oh, I am well aware of that," I scoffed. "Now, leave me alone. I'm fine."

"No, you're not. I don't know why you keep lying to yourself," she replied, causing me to shake my head. She had no idea what she was talking about.

"Why don't you stop worrying about trying to play matchmaker and find yourself someone to play with?" I urged her with a smile as I closed my eyes behind dark sunglasses and tried to get back to relaxing.

"I am really happy you came, Gianna," Vivian said after a moment of silence. "There is no telling where we will be next year, and I have missed spending my summers with you over the last few years."

Peaking open one of my eyes, I watched the sincere expression cross her face. She was being honest, but there was something about the way she acted lately that told me otherwise.

It was as if she was happy, but then also hiding something. Deciding not to press further, I let a smile crest my lips. "I'm glad I came too. But l'm still not letting you play matchmaker."

"No fun." She laughed hysterically. "Fine... do what you want."

"Oh, I will. Now, hurry and get back to that sexy redhead. He has been watching you with fuck-me eyes since the moment you left the pool and came over here."

Turning her head, she peered at him, pushing down her glasses slightly before giving him a small wave.

"He is cute, huh?"

"Yeah, he is," I replied. "But he is more your type, so you have fun. I will catch another man some other time. I am content for right now."

"Fine, fine," She smirked. "Don't say I didn't try." Turning on her feet, she skipped over towards the red-haired man who pulled her into the pool. Her giggling voice echoed through the air as I settled back into the comforting zone l was in before she arrived.

However, without warning, another figure took her place, and it was that of a godly built man with a clear agenda on his mind. "Well, hello gorgeous."

Raising a brow, I let my eyes rack over him before a sigh escaped me. "No."

"No?"

"Yeah, no," I snorted. "Look, I don't know what Vivian has told you, but I'm not interested, honestly. I just want to do my own thing and lie by the pool, relaxing."

"She told me you played hard to get. I like that in a woman."

Oh, for fuck's sake. Is he stupid?

"No, I am not the kind of woman to lead a guy on. l am genuinely not interested... I'm sorry, I didn't get your name..."

"Bryant," he replied. "What might your name be?"

"My name?" The question followed with laughter as he nodded his head. "It's.. l'm not interested." I wasn't trying to be a bitch, but I also wasn't going to beat around the bush. I grew up with the philosophy that it was better to be forward and to the point. Bryant stared at me for a moment with disbelief as I tilted my head, curious about his response. But in shock, he simply smiled.

"I like it," he claimed as he tried to lean closer, my eyes widening as I quickly moved back and stood from my seat. Was he really trying to make a move on me?

"Excuse me, but I told you I wasn't interested," I snapped as I grabbed my things and quickly made my way inside.

To think Vivian had actually sent that guy to meet me. Disgusting.

"Gianna, what's wrong?" Vivian called from where she was in the pool. "Don't be like that."

Don't be like that. Was she fucking serious right now?

Without saying a word, I shut the door to the kitchen behind me. Taking off the wide sun hat I was wearing, and laying it down on the counter, I took a deep breath. "I can't believe-"

"Where are you going, beautiful?" Bryant said behind me while closing the door. Spinning on my feet, I watched as he stumbled his way towards me. It was clear now this guy had been drinking, and from the way he kept looking at me, he only wanted one thing.

"Look, I will say this slower for you, So you understand. I'm not interested, honestly."

Laughter left his lips as he walked towards me. "You don't have to lie."

"I can assure you I am not lying," I replied, backing away from him. "Now, please just leave me alone."

"Leave you alone?" He laughed again. "Women wish they could be in your shoes. I am one of the most eligible men in Santa Monica..."

"Please, stop!" I yelled at him as he backed me into the fridge. My heart raced, and my palms were clammy. The last thing I wanted was to be in this situation, but at the same time, I didn't want to attack the man. I just wanted him to leave me alone.

"I think you're just scared. I heard about your ex, and I promise I won't hurt you."

Was this man fucking serious?!

"How dare you?!" I screamed as I tried to move around him. "You don't even know me, and you have no right to say such things to me,"

Grabbing my arm, Bryant pushed me against the counter, pinning me with his body. I knew exactly what was going through his mind, but there was no way I was going to let that happen. Thinking fast, I brought my knee up and clocked him between his legs.

"You fucking bitch!" he roared as his hand came up, slapping me across the face. He had hit me, and my desperation in getting away became even more real.

"Let me go!" I yelled, hoping anyone would come to intervene. I didn't want to be the woman who was sexually assaulted at the party because no one noticed she was missing.

"Stop, stop."

He laughed as I struggled against him. "Stop fighting me, my love. Let me show you how to love again. I will forgive you for your actions just a moment ago."

"Get the fuck off me!" I screamed as his hand came over my mouth.

"Oh, baby come on-" he panted. "I know you want this."

"What the fuck is going on here?" Lorenzo snapped as he walked into the kitchen.

Bryant turned, looking over his shoulder, and scoffed. "Mind your business, old man."

It was obvious this kid didn't know who Lorenzo was, but with the way Lorenzo' eyes narrowed and his fists clenched, I could tell he was about to find out.

"Excuse me!?" Lorenzo sneered, "I think you need to leave... NOW!." I found myself wary about the way Lorenzo spoke, and I would have sworn that this guy would have as well. However, that wasn't the case.

"You heard me..."

Before Bryant could finish his sentence, Lorenzo grabbed him by the neck and brought him in close. "I am the owner of this house, and if you don't leave right now, I will make sure your future in Santa Monica is done. Do YOU understand ME?" Fear coursed through me as I watched the scene unfold.

Bryant was ripped from my body, and as he was, I fell to my knees on the floor, trying to catch my breath and calm my racing heart. If Lorenzo had not stepped in, God knows what would have happened. Bryant was much bigger than me, and I was already having a hard time fighting him off.

The two men struggled in the kitchen until security arrived, and Lorenzo had him thrown from the house. He had been my rescuer when no one else was around. Vivian and I were seriously going to have words about this.

I couldn't believe she thought this guy was the right fit for me. He was everything I despised in a man, and so much more.

"Are you okay?" Lorenzo asked, pulling me from my thoughts and from the floor. My eyes slowly met his as my breath caught in my throat. Through everything I had just gone through... He took my breath away and set my body on fire.

I didn't think twice, I rushed to him and kissed him as fierce as I could.

Chapter 4

Gianna's POV

Four days.

For four whole days, I had avoided him, and I was becoming more nervous every day. I didn't know how to face him after what had happened to me the other day. The altercations with Bryant had been traumatic in a sense, yes, but I was more embarrassed Lorenzo had seen it.

The memory of how he had wrapped me into his embrace sent a warm sensation through my body. The smell of his earthy cologne stuck in my mind as he had brushed his fingers against my skin. Every bit I loved, and yet, I knew I couldn't have him.

The sound of the front door opening drew me from my thoughts, and as I looked out the window, I watched Lorenzo walking to his car. His dark hair was styled to perfection as the three-piece suit clung to his body, showing off the sculpted muscles he hid

Fuck, he's gorgeous.

As if he could hear my thoughts, his sunglass-covered eyes looked towards me, and a smile crested his lip as he slowly turned and climbed into his car. Seeing him go was a disappointment, but a breath of relief.

As a heavy breath escaped my lips, I closed my eyes, relishing in the fact I had escaped another morning with him. Another morning where awkward silence would fill the space between us, and I would reel over a thousand words I wanted to say but didn't have the courage to.

Then again, perhaps that was what he wanted. The entire situation was more than confusing, and I had to figure a way to resolve my conflicts.

"Gianna?" Vivian's voice called from my closed door, pulling me back to the present. My eyes drifted towards the door.

"Uh-yeah!" I called back. "Come in, I'm just getting motivated."

The last thing I wanted was for her to know I had been eye fucking her father. Even if that thought made me sort of excited.

God, what the fuck is wrong with me lately? As the door opened, I smiled, trying to act casual.

Vivian's brow raised slightly as she stared at me with a hint of amusement at the corner of her lips. "What are you doing?"

"Nothing, why?" I quickly replied, not trying to seem obvious.

"Because you look like a kid who got caught doing something she wasn't supposed to be doing. I mean, I haven't seen you look like that since summer camp."

Rolling my eyes, I groaned, knowing exactly what she was talking about, but not wanting to relive that memory. I was still pissed at her. "I said nothing. What did you want?"

"Uh-huh." She sighed, shaking her head. "So, I was thinking we could head down to the beach today."

Is she being serious? After the other day...

"I don't know. l'm still not happy with you about the other day." Staring at her, I saw the guilt in her eyes.

She hadn't meant for Bryant to act like that towards me, and when she found out the truth, she couldn't stop apologizing. "I told you I was sorry, Gianna. Please don't let this come between us."

"Dude, he tried to sexually assault me. Thank God your dad was there to stop him." I scoffed as I moved around the room, picking up the clothing I had scattered about.

"I know, and I'm sorry," she pleaded. "He didn't assault you though... so, that's a good thing, right?"

"Vivian!" I snapped. "It doesn't matter if he did or didn't. It was the principle of the fact. You disregarded what I told you and tried to push him on me anyways. That right there was messed up."

"You're being over dramatic-" Stopping in my tracks, I stared at her with shock.

"Are you fucking serious right now?"

"Gianna-"

"No!" I snapped again. "Are you being fucking serious right now with that comment? Because the girl I used to know would never act like that. Ever since your parents divorced again, you have become another person."

Mouth parted and eyes wide, she stared at me, speechless. She knew I was right. There was no arguing what I was saying, because she had changed.

As her eyes filled with tears, I felt the guilt eat at my heart. "How can you say that?"

"Vivian, you know it's true."

"It's not," she sobbed. "I'm still the same person l always have been. Why do you think I have changed?"

"Uh, because you have," I scoffed as I crossed my arms over my chest. "You literally have become another person." Her father had tried to get her to go see a counselor for years, but pride be damned, she refused not wanting to taint her high society image.

Shaking her head, she refused to believe me, "No, I haven't. Please let me prove that to you."

Taking a deep breath, I tried to get past her denial. Perhaps we were talking about it now. I would be able to help fix her. "So, the beach?"

A smile fell across her lips as she nodded. "Yeah, will you forgive me and come?" Taking a moment to think about it, I sighed with a nod as I went against my better judgment.

"Fine. We can go." I had a feeling might regret it later, but then my decisions were never very smart when it came to this girl. I was seriously going to have to learn to say no to her.

Squealing with delight over my response, she quickly threw her arms around me and smiled. "Yes! Get your ass ready. We're leaving in ten."

Before I could protest on how long before we were leaving, she was out of my bedroom to get ready herself, while | was left to ponder the conversation in my mind. Perhaps coming back to Santa Monica for the summer wasn't the best of ideas.

On one hand, I was dealing with Vivian and her lack of common sense, and on the other hand, I was dealing with her father Lorenzo, and the sinful things I wanted him to do to me.

If I wasn't careful, I was going to fall down the rabbit hole just like Alice in wonderland.

***

Four hours later, and lots of drinks on the sand, Vivian and I stumbled through the front door, laughing at the things we had seen through the day. It was nice to spend time like this with Vivian, considering the difference we encountered over the past few years.

Especially after the argument she and I had earlier that morning.

"So, Catherine wants to go shopping after and get a coffee. Are you down to go?"

Vivian stopped at the top of the stairs and stared at me as she swung her car keys around her finger. She didn't need to be driving if she was drinking, but she would not listen to anyone but her father.

Unfortunately, he wasn't here.

"Uh-" I hesitated, thinking about it, "I think I will pass honestly. I want to call my dad and take a shower. You go, though, and have fun."

Her eyes seemed to gloss over me for a moment before she shrugged her shoulders, and pulled out her phone. "Alright then."

I couldn't help but wonder if she had actually been interested in me coming, but as she walked to her room and changed her clothes, I accepted the fact this was just who Vivian was.

So much for trying to help her. My stomach rumbled with hunger as I stepped into my room. I hadn't eaten dinner, and the cook, Lorenzo, was long gone.

"Take out, it is then," I said to myself as I pulled my phone from my pocket and ordered delivery before making my way towards my dresser in search of more comfortable clothing.

"Alright, I'm heading out!" Vivian called to me a few moments later as she walked down the stairs. "Call me if you change your mind!"

"Will do." I laughed, rolling my eyes at her behavior. There was no way I was going out anytime soon.

The only thing I wanted to do was to let the hot water run across my skin and try to take my mind off of everything that had happened over the past few days.

Especially Lorenzo.

Stepping into the shower, I tried to push away the thoughts he created. However, it wasn't as easy as l expected. The thought of his rugged, well-cut body pressing up against me sent sensations to

my core that I couldn't handle. My fingers gently brushed over the sensitive nub between my legs, and with every stroke, it brought me closer to the edge.

"Lorenzo " I moaned softly as I slowly came undone over my fingers.

His plump lips against my own had been enticing. My mind dreamed about his long thick erection pressing through my folds as he dominated me and thrust relentlessly.

There was no stopping the images when they started, and the pleasure that grew in the pit of my stomach grew like a raging fire until I exploded in a cry of pleasure. The hot water washing away the traces of the deed from my skin as a smile lined my lips. I wanted him, and I knew it was taboo, but I didn't care.

At least I didn't think l cared. By the time I was done exploring myself, the water ran cold. Grabbing the white fluffy towel from the rack, I wrapped it around my body and checked my phone for the food delivery I was expecting.

I only had five minutes until it would arrive, and the thought had my stomach rumbling with anticipation. I was starving. Throwing on a black nightie, I ran the brush through my hair just in time to hear the doorbell ring. Shutting off the bathroom light, I skipped down the stairs and froze in place.

A face I hadn't been expecting stood at the bottom, holding my takeout bag. Lorenzo. Oh, shit.

"Hungry?" he smirked, holding up the bag.

"Um-" nodding, I took the last few steps down. "Yeah... a bit."

Hesitation flowed between us as he slowly held out the bag for me to take. But as my fingers reached out, his own brushed against me and a chill ran down my spine.

"You've been avoiding me, Gianna." His words bring me back to reality.

"I-I wasn't." I was trying to avoid him, but I didn't want him to think that. Our situation was already awkward, because as much as I wanted to avoid him. I also wanted him to bend me over these stairs and fuck me till I couldn't stand.

Both decisions were equally confusing, but if I wasn't careful, lust would get the upper hand.

"Yes, you were," he laughed. "Every time I tried to catch you... you were gone. But, I really wanna talk about that kiss." He took a step closer to me, and I couldn't help but step back. The subtle way his body moved enticed me, and it was more than evident if I didn't check myself, I would become nothing but ridiculous in his presence.

"I don't want to. What do you want?" I whispered, my eyes scanning over him as I watched his white smile brighten the shadowed staircase.

"Nothing, I was just going to take care of this." Reaching up, he pulled something from a strand of hair hanging by the side of my face before carefully tucking the strand behind my ear. "There we go."

My breath caught in my throat at the simple action. It was sweet, and yet, I felt like he was holding back on something.

"Thank you." The whispered reply left my lips as his fingers gently lifted my chin, forcing me to look him in the eyes.

"You never have to thank me, Gianna. Anytime you need something.. all you have to do is ask. You know where my office is. I will help you in any way you want."

The statement felt so sinful, but I felt like I was reading too much into it. He was just being nice, he didn't actually want me.

Or does he?