Chapter 149

Luca slammed his book shut, the sound echoing through the room. Despite the numerous windows, a wave of claustrophobia washed over me as Luca’s gaze locked onto mine, stealing my breath. His eyes quickly shifted to Cornell Vitalio.

“Did you touch my assistant?” Luca asked the old man.

Cornell replied indifferently, leaning forward on the table. “No.”

Luca looked at me. “Did he?”

I gulped as our eyes met.

“Aurora?” Luca’s voice softened. “Did he touch you?”

I hesitantly nodded.

“I’m sure it was an accident,” Cornell said, his coolness infuriating me. I wanted to kick him.

“Well, the meeting is adjourned,” Luca declared.

Cornell raised an eyebrow. “Is it? You need this deal, Romano. Otherwise, you can kiss your Spain expenditure goodbye.”

“I can pay double and rent any space I want,” Luca retorted.

“Quite a drain on your income, don’t you think?”

“Better than doing business with an opportunist.” Luca’s jaw clenched, his fists curled.

“Now, now, let’s not be hasty. It was just a graze,” Cornell said. “I apologize for the incident.”

“No can do,” Luca said, leaning back. “Get out.”

“You’re making a mistake, Romano.”

“I won’t ask again.”

Cornell gritted his teeth, glared at Luca, and stalked out, head held high. His assistant quickly gathered their papers and followed. I felt pity for her. He'd touched me, a complete stranger. I hoped he never did the same to her.

Edward’s sigh broke my reverie. I turned back to the table.

“I’m sorry,” I mumbled to my boss.

“You should be,” he replied, his eyes cold.

My gaze dropped. What was I supposed to say?

“He touched you, and you didn’t tell me immediately?” Luca asked, surprising me. I thought he wanted me to apologize for the incident.

“I—I—” I stammered, speechless.

“Edward, leave us alone,” Luca said, his eyes fixed on me. Edward nodded, gathered the remaining papers, and hurried out, just like Cornell’s assistant.

“Who is he?” Luca asked, without looking at Edward.

“He’s my brother’s bodyguard. Alex insisted I bring him to the meeting,” I replied, my gaze downcast, partly from embarrassment, partly from the intensity of Luca’s stare.

“Bodyguard?” A flicker of amusement crossed Luca’s face. “What kind of trouble do you get into?”

“None of your business,” I mumbled, feeling flustered.

“If you bring a strange man to my workplace, it is my business.”

“Technically, we’re outdoors, and anyone can use a restaurant,” I retorted, immediately regretting my sass. I have no filter sometimes—a family legacy, not alcohol-induced. Damn them.

“Not when I’ve reserved it.”

I remained silent, briefly honoring my vow, but Luca turned to Dominic. “Do you mind if I have a moment alone with my assistant?”

“He minds,” I announced, my vow broken. “He’s instructed to never leave my side, so—”

Dominic cut me off. “Sure!”

My jaw dropped as the traitor walked out, nonchalantly shrugging before closing the door.

Luca stood as soon as the door closed, and I followed. I regretted standing when he moved to my side of the table. He stood too close.

“Personal space, much?” I stammered nervously.

“Who is he, Aurora?”

“Alex’s bodyguard,” I muttered, avoiding his lips. It was difficult; he was so close and much taller.

“Why did Alex send him?”

“Alex is overprotective.”

“Then tell your brother you don’t need another man to protect you when I’m around,” he said, his breath warming my face.

I flushed. “Y-You’d protect me?”

“I believe that’s what I implied.”

“Why?”

Instead of answering, Luca asked, “Where did he touch you?”

“My nape,” I replied.

I gasped as Luca’s fingers traced my neck.

“Here?”

My breath hitched, my stomach flipping at his touch. I could only nod.

Then, in a low voice, Luca murmured, “Should I break his neck for touching you?”

I gulped, trying not to get lost in his stunning green eyes. “No,” I managed to breathe out.

“I could,” Luca turned his head, a dangerous glint in his eyes. “Can Dominic do that?”

I blinked, snapping out of my daze. His words registered. My eyes narrowed. “Are you…jealous?” I asked, incredulously.

Luca took a step back, his fingers leaving my neck. “Why would I be?”

“Exactly, why would you be?”

“Especially when I’m the only man you’ve ever been with.”

My eyes narrowed. “Excuse me?”

“Have I or have I not, fiorellina?”

“No,” I declared, irritated by his smug expression. “In fact, you’re not even the last man I’ve been with.”

The smirk vanished from his face. I didn't know why I said that. I had no idea.

Seizing the opportunity, I walked out before he could respond, muttering curses under my breath.