Rosa

Chapter 26

A very good time?

What kind of naughtiness did Cristiano have planned for her?

One could loosely argue that the three pieces of lingerie were business-related purchases. Rosa would most likely be wearing them at one point or another on assignment. After listening to the saleswoman's suggestive remarks, however, there appeared to be nothing business-related about the black box.

It was a purchase meant for pure, unadulterated pleasure.

As Rosa watched the saleswoman wrap up their items one by one, the three of them continued to make small talk at the checkout counter. Cristiano pulled out a credit card to pay for the obscenely high bill. Through it all, Rosa managed to keep her expression serene. Composed. Even though, on the inside, she was dying to ask Cristiano about the contents inside the black box.

A minute later, the saleswoman thanked them for their business, and Rosa followed Cristiano to the exit. A part of her resisted their return to reality. Cristiano carried their shopping bags in his left hand and opened the door for her with his right one. They stepped onto the street. She wasn't ready to leave the fantasy world of Afrodita.

There—Rosa could flirt and touch Cristiano simply for the sake of flirting and touching.

There—Cristiano also flirted and touched her back without his usual stick-up-the-ass reservations.

Still, Rosa noted, not all of the fantasy was lost.

She stole another peek at the smallest bag in Cristiano's hand. The one that carried the black box.

As they continued walking the streets of Retiro, she tried to take her mind off of the stupid box by asking, "Is there anything else we need to do? To prepare for tonight?"

In unnervingly calm tones, he replied. "I just want you to return to the motel with me right now."

Curiosity got the best of her. "Cristiano?"

He glanced over. "Hmm?"

She couldn't resist bringing it up any longer, "The box—"

Cristiano smiled knowingly. "What about it?"

"What is inside of it?"

Cristiano's dark eyes shone with wickedness as he replied, "I will show you when we get back to our room."

Her cheeks felt warmer than usual. Rosa proceeded to probe, "Is it for... me?"

He cast a steady, pointed look in her direction. "Who else would it be for?"

Instantly, heat flared inside Rosa.

Bon Dieu!

Good God!

Why did this man have to be so fucking fuckable?

Cars and mopeds zipped by Rosa's peripheral vision. Even amidst the hustle and bustle of broad daylight, it wasn't easy to hide her attraction to him. He stopped at the curb to hail a cab for them. When Cristiano flagged one down, he again opened the door for her. He offered his hand to help her into the backseat.

The moment she pressed her fingers into his palm, tensions between the two of them rose and simmered and rose some more. Cristiano didn't let go of her hand, and she didn't pull away until they arrived at the motel. For the entire duration of the drive, his thumb caressed her palm and wrist, drawing relentlessly enticing, featherlight patterns on her skin.

By the time they reached their room, need and want and nerves ruled Rosa's senses. Cristiano's desire seemed far more contained than hers. His composure irritated Rosa. It would appear the glimpse into his boyish playfulness from Afrodita was gone. His unhindered flirting and touching had stopped, too.