My gaze stayed stuck on my fingers that were moving around in circles along the rim of the glass. The whiskey in it lay untouched as my mind worked overtime. It seemed like lately I had been doing a lot of that - thinking and drinking. Although, to be fair, I hadn't drunk a sip yet. Luciana was causing all sorts of reactions in me. Especially now that I had finally had her. But rather than quell that lust for her that had been there since day one, my attraction to her grew exponentially. I thought that fucking her out of my system once would be enough, but no, apparently my dick had other plans. Like how it had felt so good to be buried balls deep inside that cunt that I had only dreamed of sinking inside of. I sat up straight as I forced those dirty thoughts away, instead, focusing on what was going to happen now.
It was like I was addicted to her - like one would be to drugs or alcohol. It wasn't just the sex. It was everything about her. Her aura drew me in since the first time I laid my eyes on her, made me crave more than I was used to craving. And this scared me. I had never wanted anyone or anything so bad before.
I knew that this was a dangerous game to play, but no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't stop. Every time I saw her, I'd want to claim her as mine in front of every single person in the room. I'd get this violent urge to shoot any man who looked at her even a second longer. And that's precisely what terrified me to my core. I hadn't felt so possessive, so protective over anyone since Ilaria. I had stopped caring, stopped feeling since then. And to think that some woman that I had met a while ago and who, not to mention, pissed me off to hell and back, invoked these feelings in me. Crazy huh?
The chair in my office scraped harshly against the floor as I stood up, knowing exactly where I had to be - or more like, who I had to see. Without wasting another second, I called the driver and gave him directions as to where to take me. This space that I was about to give Luciana and I was much needed in my opinion. We had been together for far too long now - something that did not help the escalating tension between us. Hopefully, the distance would do us some good.
***
Raising my hand to my face to shield it from the bright sun, I pushed my hair back as I peered at the magnificent glass structure in front of me. Agosta Enterprises had been started a couple of years ago by Sergio's old man, in order to have at least one legal business under his belt. And look at it now. It was a booming chain of businesses that provided services ranging from financial services to Michelin star restaurants situated in prime localities like London, for instance.
Seeing my best friend again would somehow never get old. Where I was serious and aloof, he was the complete opposite of me. Charming and easy going to the core, I understood why Francesco Agosta was hesitant to hand over the reins to his only son. But Sergio had proved them wrong - that he wasn't the preppy boy that everyone assumed him to be. Francesco may have started Agosta Enterprises, but Sergio had taken the chain to a whole new level.
Pride surged in me as I walked in through the revolving doors where I was met by none other than his receptionist Chiara.
"How may I help you today Mikhail?"
She smiled flirtatiously at me while she tapped her red nails aggressively on the counter in front of her. Her tongue peeked out as she licked her lips in what I assumed to be a sexy gesture. While I would have appreciated that a month ago, I really wasn't feeling it today.
"I'm here to see Sergio."
"Ah. I'm afraid Mr Agosta is in a meeting right now."
"That's fine. I don't mind waiting."
"Well in that case," she got up and leaned closer to me as she twirled her hair around her fingers. Her minty breath hit my face as I tried not to recoil due to the strong scent.
"I have lots of ideas as to how to make your wait worthwhile." She breathed out as her fingers traced lightly over my jaw. I flinched as I leaned back, keeping some distance between the both of us. All I could see in front of me was Luciana's face. How hurt she would be if she found out about me with another woman. Granted that we weren't exclusive but a part of me realised that I would probably react in the same way if I ever found out that another man had laid his hands on her. Up until now, I had never given another thought to a woman. Hence, I didn't know how to deal with these unfamiliar emotions that were threatening to drag me down.
"That's not necessary. Just let me know when his meeting is over."
Her heavily made up face fell as she sat back down, not making it a point to cover up her dejection. She wordlessly nodded her assent as I made my way over to sit down on the plush velvet sofa. If I wasn't wrong, I heard a soft asshole being muttered under her breath as I walked away. If I was an asshole for rejecting her advances while having a woman back at home waiting for me, then so be it. Jesus christ, I was well over my way into becoming pussy whipped.
***
After what seemed like ages, Chiara finally called out to me with a huff and told me that Sergio would be waiting for me upstairs. Getting off on the 11th floor, my legs carried me in the direction of Sergio's cabin as I tucked my aviators into my pocket.
I pushed open the door without knocking, knowing that he'd be expecting me. A small smile lit his face as he looked up at me, perched on his reclining chair.
"And what brings you here Mikhail? Girl troubles?" He joked as his eyes lit up in amusement. Slimy bastard. How he knew what was going on in my head surprised me every single time. I rolled my eyes as I took a seat in front of him and clasped my hands together.
"Let's cut the bullshit. We're not good at it anyways."
He quirked an eyebrow as all the lingering amusement fell off his face.
"What's going on? Is everything alright at home?"
"Everything's alright. It's just I -
"If everything was alright then you wouldn't be here. So spill it."
Raking a hand through my hair, I let out a frustrated growl.
"I fucked her."
Sergio froze as his beady blue eyes, a shade darker than mine, narrowed.
"Come again?"
I took a deep breath in as I repeated myself.
"I. Fucked. Her."
Sergio whooshed out a breath as he leaned back with his arms behind his head.
"Fuck man. You really didn't think this through huh?"
"I did not fly all the way out to Sicily just to hear you tell me what I already know." I gritted out "Tell me what I should do now for fuck's sake."
"Well for starters, I think you should talk to her. Make sure you're on the same page since you're living in the same house and all."
"I just - I don't know what's happening Sergio. It's like I fucking want her so bad but then I also can't get away from her soon enough."
The corner of Sergio's lips curled up in a knowing smile.
"You've got it bad for her brother."
I nearly groaned in frustration as I kept raking my hand through my already messy hair.
"Like I said, talk to her. Tell her if you want more."
"But I can't! I'm not good for her. Don't you see that I always end up hurting the people that I care about the most?" I bit out as anger and disappointment towards myself seeped out in my tone.
Sergio's face softened by a fraction as an empathetic look passed over his face.
"Tell her."
"I said -
"No. Listen to me. Tell her about Ilaria. From what I've seen, she seems like a good person. Sofia thinks so too, right? How long are you going to let the guilt eat you up anyways? Besides, if you really care for Luciana like you say so, then she deserves to know."
Rubbing my hands over my tired eyes, I let out a soft sigh.
"I don't know man. It's - I think it's too early."
"Think about it Mikhail. Maybe give her a little bit of space before you unleash all that on her. But talk to her. God knows how many relationships have been ruined by not communicating." He muttered that last part under his breath as a frown creased his usually smooth forehead. Sergio hadn't had an easy childhood by far and had his own set of demons to battle. I would always be here for him if he ever needed me - just like he was always there for me.
"Right. I was planning on doing that anyways. Thought it would be good for the both of us since we spent the last month stewing in the tension."
"I couldn't miss the amount of tension between you both even if I were a blind man." He snickered as his pearly whites shone in the bright sunlight seeping through the floor to ceiling windows.
I got up as I patted my hands down on my pants.
"How long are you staying here for?"
"Probably a week, give or take."
"Well then, since you're here I could take you to Palermo. Nonna's been asking about you since the last time you visited and brought her some Arancini."
"Seems like I'm popular with the old ladies as well." I smirked.
"Cocky bastard. Get out now. I'll see you tomorrow."
With a huff, I sauntered towards the door but not before saying something.
"Oh and Sergio? Do something about that receptionist of yours. Can't have her flirting up all your clients." I winked as I shut the door behind me. A soft figlio de puttana was uttered from the cabin as a deep rumble racked in my chest.
I had one week. One week to gather all the courage I had and come clean to Luciana. If she didn't want anything to do with me after that, I'd let her go. As much as it would hurt me, I'd let her leave. Who was I to stop her anyways?
***
Ahhh so we finally get an insight into Sergio and Mikhail's friendship.
Hint: We're going to be seeing a lot more of *a particular character* in the upcoming books in this series hehe.
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