The Ultimate Playboy(96)

                ‘Are you ready to return now?’ he shot back, his gaze probing.

                The need to say yes sliced through her. ‘No. I think I’ll spend the night here.’

                He started to speak. Stopped, and looked around. She didn’t even bother to look at her apartment through his eyes. Annie had used the term shabby chic when they’d picked up knick-knacks from flea markets and second-hand shops to furnish their apartment. The plump sofas were mismatched, as were the lamps and cushions. The pictures that hung on the walls were from sidewalk artists whose talent had caught Ruby’s eye.

                ‘Why are you here, Narciso?’

                Narciso walked over to a lampshade and touched the bohemian fringe. ‘I tried to tell you earlier. I’ve called off the vendetta with my father.’

                Shock rocked through her, followed swiftly by sharp regret. ‘Why?’

                He shoved his hand into his pockets and inhaled. ‘In a word? You. You’re the reason.’ Again that vulnerability blazed from his eyes. Along with a wariness as she remained frozen.

                ‘I shouldn’t be the reason, Narciso. You should do it for yourself.’

                He shrugged. ‘I’m working my way to that, amante. But I need your help. You set me on this road. You can’t walk away now.’

                Oh, God!

                She choked back a sob and fled to the bar. He followed and saw the drinks lined up on the counter.

                ‘You were working?’

                ‘I never stop.’

                ‘What have you come up with?’ There was a genuine interest in his tone. For whatever reason, he wanted to know more about her passion.

                His softening attitude towards her sent her emotions into panicked freefall. Belize had warned her she was at serious risk of developing feelings for Narciso Valentino. Seeing him in her home, touching her things, making monumental confessions, made her want to rush to him and burrow into his chest, hear his heart pounding against her own. But she couldn’t. Not now.

                She shoved her hands into her jeans pockets and shrugged. ‘This and that.’

                He flicked a glance at her. Then he picked up the nearest drink and took a sip. ‘What’s this one called?’

                Push him away!

                She took a deep, frantic breath. ‘Sleazy Playboy. The one next to it is The Studly Warlock, the blue one is the Belize Bender, and the pink one I’ve termed The Virgin Sacrifice.’

                He stiffened.

                ‘There’s a black Sambuca one I’m intending to call Crazy, Stupid Revenge—’

                ‘Enough, Ruby. I get the message. I’ve upset you. Again. Tell me how to make it better.’ He looked over at her and his eyes held a simple, honest plea.

                Dear God. Narciso wasn’t all gone at all. In fact, right at that moment, he was the single, most appealing thing in her life.

                Heat and need and panic and lust surged under her skin as his gaze remained steady on hers. With every fibre in her being she wanted to cross the room and launch herself into his arms.

                Giacomo’s face flashed across her mind.