No Strings Attached

Chapter Twenty-Four

"Why?"

"Because it's what you say when you don't believe me."

"Because I don't believe you. I just don't want to fight about it."

"We're not fighting. We're arguing."

"Is there a difference?"

"Yes, a big one."

He smirks. "You are in quite a mood this morning. You know, this is the second morning you've run out of bed on me. I'm beginning to feel offended."

"No girls ever denied Giovanni Martinelli morning sex?"

"Not really, no."

I scoff, watching the gate part, impressed at how the bushes move with the steel. It really is concealed.

He exits into the street, turning onto a deserted road. I shake my head in awe.

He speaks again as soon as we're clear of the reporters seeing us. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Yeah."

"Do you know anything else about your ex's situation?"

"No, I don't."

"I just... I hate you going there on your own. The guy is dangerous."

"I'll be fine, Giovanni. He's in the hospital."

"He could be released at any time."

"And I'll handle that."

I feel his eyes on me. "The way we discussed?"

"Giovanni."

"You need to report him if he comes near you, Scarlett. He's hurt you before. You need a restraining order."

I exhale. "I know."

"Do you?"

I look at him, sharply. "I appreciate your concern, Giovanni."

He's quiet for a moment. "Are you telling me to shut the hell up?"

I look forward. "You said it, not me."

He laughs, angrily. "You are completely infuriating."

"Yeah, well so are you."

We don't speak again throughout the rest of the drive. Occasionally his eyes flicker to mine, mine meet his, and then we look away just as fast. He pulls up a block away from my hotel entrance. He shuts off the car, clearing his throat.

I stare at the entrance to the hotel, torn between wanting to go and wanting to stay at the same time.

"Scarlett."

"What?"

"Look at me."

I look to him from the side of my eye.

"Look at me."

My sigh is heavy. My eyes land on his, expectantly.

"Come here."

"There are armrests..."

"I don't give a fuck."

Oh. I smile begrudgingly, glaring at him as I unbuckle my seat belt, moving closer to him. Right up against the rest, to be exact. My face is inches from his. I watch his eyes travel across my face as our noses touch, landing definitively on my mouth.

I've lost all breathing abilities.

"Kiss me," he whispers.

"We're in public."

"Yeah, every second you wait is another second someone can snap a damn picture, so fucking kiss me."

I laugh, leaning in to peck him briefly, but he has other plans. I gasp when he fists my hair, pushing his lips into mine brutally. I clasp his neck weakly, relaxing into his mouth, his passion. It's where I'm most comfortable.

And then I remember my nervous musings of the morning... the risks I'm taking right now. I could destroy my fucking life.

What am I doing kissing him in public?

I pull back, quickly turning my face away. "I can't do this here. I have to go."

I grab the door handle, pulling it open.

"Scarlett."

I turn back to him, one foot out the door. "What?"

He has one arm leaning against the steering wheel. "You'll call me when you're settled? I mean, you're not going to go off the grid?"

"You're my client, Giovanni. I can't go off the grid with you."

I get out of the car.

"Would you?"

Fucking hell. I close my eyes, looking back into the car.

I swallow. "I don't see how—"

"Scarlett."

"No, Giovanni. I think I've made it clear that I can't st—" I stop myself abruptly, horrified that I was seconds away from telling him that I can't bring myself to stay away from him. "No. Goodbye."

I slam the door shut with finality.