CRAVING THE WRONG MAN: DANGEROUS DESIRES BOOK 1 のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 71 - チャプター 80

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

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

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

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?

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