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Home / Romance / CRAVING THE WRONG MAN: DANGEROUS DESIRES BOOK 1 / Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

All Chapters of CRAVING THE WRONG MAN: DANGEROUS DESIRES BOOK 1: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

130 Chapters

CHAPTER 71

Rhaena's POV I straightened up quickly, wiping at my face, trying to compose myself. I turned back to the stove where the onions were starting to burn slightly from being ignored. I grabbed a spoon and stirred them frantically.Alessio walked back into the kitchen wearing a clean black t-shirt. He came over to stand beside me, looking at me with concern."Hey," he said softly. "I'm really sorry about taking off my shirt like that. I should have asked first, or gone to change right away. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."He thought I was upset because he'd taken off his shirt. He thought my reaction was about seeing him shirtless, not about recognizing his tattoo."No," I said quickly, forcing myself to look at him, to meet his eyes. "No, that's not... I'm not mad about that. I'm totally fine. I promise."I even managed a smile, though it felt fake and strained on my face.He searched my face, clearly n

CHAPTER 72

Rhaena's POVAfter dinner, I helped Alessio clean up the kitchen even though every instinct I had was screaming at me to run to my room and hide. My hands shook slightly as I rinsed plates and handed them to him to load into the dishwasher. I could feel his eyes on me occasionally, could sense him wanting to ask what was wrong, but thankfully he stayed quiet.We worked in silence - a completely different kind of silence than the comfortable one from the car ride earlier. This silence was heavy and tense, at least on my end. It felt suffocating, oppressive. Every time I glanced at him, I saw that tattoo in my mind's eye. Every time he moved close to grab something, I flinched slightly.If Alessio noticed anything was wrong beyond what I'd already explained about being embarrassed, he didn't comment on it. Maybe he was giving me space. Maybe he thought I just needed time. Maybe he genuinely didn't think anything was unusual."Thanks for teaching me," I said when we finished, drying my h

CHAPTER 73

Rhaena’s POVI would never tell Alessio what had happened that night. I would never let him figure out I was the woman from the club. I would take that secret to my grave if necessary.And starting tomorrow, I would put distance between us again. Would be polite but cold. Would avoid being alone with him. Would rebuild all the walls I'd let come down today.Whatever had been building between us - whatever this attraction or connection or chemistry was - it had to stop. It had to end before it really began.Even if it hurt.Even if it felt like giving up something precious before I'd even really gotten to have it.It was the right thing to do. The only thing to do.I just had to be strong enough to follow through.I changed into my pajamas mechanically, going through the motions of my nighttime routine on autopilot. Brushing my teeth, washing my face, braiding my hair to keep it from tangling while I slept.When I finally climbed into bed and turned off the lights, I lay there in the d

CHAPTER 74

Rhaena’s POV"Oh!" Lisa said suddenly, her face lighting up. "Alessio, we should take Rhaena to the cliff! Remember that spot we used to go to?""The one with the view of the valley?" Alessio asked."Yes! It's absolutely stunning," Lisa said, turning to me. "There's this hiking trail that leads to these cliffs that overlook the entire valley. You can see for miles. It's one of the most beautiful spots in the area.""That sounds nice," I said noncommittally."We should go today!" Lisa said enthusiastically. "It's perfect weather for hiking. We can pack a picnic, make a day of it. It'll be fun!"Alessio was looking at me, and I carefully avoided meeting his eyes. "What do you think, Rhaena? Want to go?"The thought of spending the entire day watching Lisa be affectionate with Alessio, watching them reminisce about their shared past, watching her touch him casually while I had to maintain distance - it sounded like torture."Actually, I'm pretty tired," I said, focusing on my coffee. "I

CHAPTER 75

Rhaena’s POV"Alessio—""I mean it, Rhaena," he said, and his voice had taken on that tone that brooked no argument. "We're going to the cliff. All three of us. And you're going to see one of the most beautiful views in Tuscany. You're not going to hide up here in your room all day because you were jealous of my gay best friend.""I told you, I wasn't—"He pressed his finger gently against my lips, cutting off my protest. "Get dressed," he repeated. "Comfortable clothes, good shoes for hiking. Meet us downstairs in twenty minutes."Then he dropped his hand and stepped back, that infuriating smile still on his face."And Rhaena?" he said, pausing at the door."What?""For what it's worth," he said, his voice softer now, "I think it's cute that you were jealous. Even though you had no reason to be."Then he left, closing the door behind him before I could respond.I stood there for a long moment, my face burning, my heart racing, my cheek still tingling where he'd touched it.So much fo

CHAPTER 76

Rhaena’s POVI groaned. "Oh my God, are we really going to talk about this again?""I'm just saying," he continued, clearly enjoying this, "it's pretty cute. You getting all worked up over nothing.""I wasn't worked up," I protested. "And I was never jealous. I told you, I wasn't feeling well.""Uh huh," he said, clearly not believing me at all. "Sure."I could feel him looking at me, but I kept my eyes on the valley below, refusing to give him the satisfaction of meeting his gaze."You must feel something for me," he said, his voice softer now, more serious. "To have reacted that way. Even if it was based on a misunderstanding."I scoffed, trying to sound dismissive even though my heart was suddenly racing. "I don't feel anything for you."The lie tasted bitter on my tongue, but I forced it out anyway. Because I couldn't admit the truth. Couldn't tell him that yes, I did feel something. That the jealousy I'd felt that morning had been sharp and painful and real. That seeing another w

CHAPTER 77

Rhaena’s POVWe got to the picnic Lisa had set up and it was absolutely perfect. She'd found a flat, grassy area just off the main trail, partially shaded by a large cypress tree. She'd spread out a blanket - apparently she'd had one in her backpack the whole time - and had already started unpacking the picnic basket.The villa staff had outdone themselves. There were fresh sandwiches made with crusty bread and what looked like prosciutto and mozzarella, a container of pasta salad, fresh fruit - strawberries, grapes, peaches - several kinds of cheese, crackers, olives, and even a bottle of white wine with actual wine glasses wrapped carefully in cloth napkins."This is amazing," I said, looking at the spread. "They packed all of this?""Antonio doesn't do anything halfway," Alessio said with a smile, settling down on the blanket. "He probably packed enough food for ten people."Lisa patted the spot on the blanket next to her. "Sit here, Rhaena! I want to get to know you better."I sat

CHAPTER 78

Rhaena’s POVI was surprised. "There's a hot tub? I didn't know that.""You haven't explored the whole property yet," Alessio said with a smile. "There's a lot you haven't seen.""So we're doing this?" Lisa asked, already unbuckling her seatbelt. "Hot tub time?""I don't have a swimsuit with me," Lisa said, looking at me hopefully. "Any chance I could borrow one from you? We look about the same size.""Of course," I said, even though the idea of getting in a hot tub with Alessio after what had almost happened on the cliff made my stomach flip. "I have a couple extras.""Perfect!" Lisa clapped her hands together. "This is going to be amazing. Nothing better than a hot tub under the Tuscan stars."We all got out of the car and headed into the villa. Antonio appeared as if by magic, asking if we needed anything."We're good, Antonio," Alessio said. "Just going to use the hot tub for a bit.""Very good, sir. I'll make sure towels are set out by the pool. Will you be wanting anything else?

CHAPTER 79

Rhaena’s POVI changed quickly into the navy bikini, pulling on a white cover-up over it. I could hear the shower running in the bathroom - Lisa must have decided to rinse off after the hike.I looked at myself in the mirror. The bikini fit well, the navy color complementing my skin tone. The cover-up was sheer and flowy, barely concealing anything but providing some coverage at least.I looked nervous. My eyes were too wide, my cheeks too flushed. I looked like someone trying not to think about getting into a hot tub with a man she absolutely should not be attracted to."Get it together," I whispered to my reflection.The bathroom door opened and Lisa emerged, looking absolutely stunning in the red bikini. Of course she did - she was a professional model. The color looked incredible against her skin, and her pink hair was piled on top of her head in a messy bun."Ready?" she asked with a bright smile, completely oblivious to my internal turmoil."Ready," I said, forcing a smile in re

CHAPTER 80

Rhaena’s POVHe was leaning back against the edge of the tub, his arms stretched out along the rim, completely at ease. The water came up to the middle of his chest, and I could see the play of muscles under his skin as he moved. Water droplets clung to his shoulders and collarbone, catching the soft lights.And he was looking right at me.Our eyes met and held, and suddenly it felt like all the air had been sucked out of the space. I couldn't look away, couldn't break the connection. His green eyes were intense, dark with something I didn't want to name but recognized anyway.Want. Desire. Heat.I felt my face flush and it had nothing to do with the temperature of the water."Right, Rhaena?" Lisa's voice broke through the moment.I blinked and turned to her, having absolutely no idea what she'd just said. "I'm sorry, what?""I was just saying that tomorrow we should go into town," Lisa repeated, apparently not noticing that I'd been completely zoned out staring at Alessio. "There's a

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