Sequel to the Within His Reach series.
~
She tries to leave the past behind.
He can't seem to escape it.
The two lovers move to Italy in the hopes of a safer life. But when the greater powers living within the orchards and vineyards make themselves...
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I hug my legs closer to my body as I stare out the wide window. Two birds are sitting on the branch of the large apple tree in the garden. The brown feathers on their delicate bodies are shining in the afternoon sun, different shades of burnt orange peeking through. One of them is nibbling at the other, most likely cleaning it. The act seems sweet, almost intimate. I'm quite jealous. Of birds...
Yikes.
I let out a deep sigh as I lay my head down on top of my legs, rubbing my hands up and down my shins. Maybe I should just go up and hug him. Maybe I should just let go of my eagerness to know the truth and let him keep things from me. Perhaps not knowing everything is for the best... but even if it is, it's not what I want. It's not what satisfies my worried mind. For once I need to put myself first, no matter how petty he finds me.
I wonder if I can persuade him in some way. Maybe a blow job in exchange for a secret... though I highly doubt that would work. He's too stubborn for that. If he wants sex he knows he can easily get it. I do want it as much as he does after all. Sometimes I wish I didn't.
"May I sit?" The deep voice utters next to me, making me jump. I quickly lift my head, turning towards the tall frame standing behind my chair. Leonardo sends me a small and gentle smile. He motions with his hand to the empty chair next to me, looking as vacant as ever. I set myself up when I grabbed two of them.
My mind spirals as I stare at his hand, watching it as it steadily hovers over the backrest. I should say no, seeing as my heart is already picking up its pace at the mere thought of speaking to him, but my subconscious tells me to give him a chance. I don't have to speak to him if he makes me uncomfortable, but I can't know whether he will or not unless I try.
I nod my head slowly as I glance at him, further straightening on the chair. I rearrange my hold on my legs, making myself more comfortable. The chair scrapes against the floor as he pulls it further back. A deep sigh leaves his lips as he sits down next to me. The awkward tension between us is making my hands tingle. I have an urge to wipe them against my sweatpants.
"You got a very nice view here." He states, turning his head to me. I barely glance at him, not daring to look at him for too long. I don't know him. I've never even heard Nico mention him. Not knowingly at least... for all I know, this man could be just as bad as Lorenzo and Nico just doesn't know it yet.
"Yeah... I guess." I mutter under my breath. My eyes travel down the field towards the paddock. It's empty. The horses are still in their stables. We haven't let them out since the day before yesterday. Maybe I can pay Jackson to do it. I don't have the energy to ride today.
"Do you like it here? It's quite different from Miami." Leonardo keeps trying to ignite an interesting conversation. I let out a small sigh and nod again, turning to actually look at him. He's already looking at me, a small interested smile on his face. I blush at the intensity of those green hazel eyes. They're very similar to Nico's now that I think about it.
