LOVE'S GAME (BWWM)

7||EHI

My heart was pounding so hard in my chest that I could feel it threatening to burst out of my ribcage. I sprinted from Nico's bedroom and slammed the door shut behind me, not even daring to look back. The force of my steps made the floorboards creak and groan in protest as I ran to my room, where I promptly shut the door and leaned against it, trying to catch my breath.

What had just happened? Why was I trembling uncontrollably, despite the fact that all the windows were closed and the air in my room was still? I may have been inexperienced, but I wasn't some teenage girl with raging hormones. I was a grown woman, twenty-two years old for crying out loud.

But as much as I tried to rationalize it, I couldn't deny the mix of emotions swirling inside me whenever I was near Nico. He was a racist, for heaven's sake. I had no interest in racists. And I certainly wasn't some weak woman who would fall for someone like him. If that were the case, there would be a long list of men between my legs by now.

I flopped onto my bed, clutching at my chest as if trying to calm the storm raging inside me. Was this what happened when you were a virgin and suddenly found yourself living with a man who towered over you with forearms that could chop down a forest and a jawline that could make one stare for hours? And those eyes...heaven help me. They were a mesmerizing shade of green that I had never seen up close before.

Glancing at the clock, I saw that it was almost two o'clock in the morning. I needed to get some sleep if I wanted to wake up early and go grocery shopping with Lorenzo. My mind raced with thoughts of Nico's piercing gaze and chiseled features, making it impossible for me to drift off.

My strict upbringing reminded me that I was not fourteen anymore and shouldn't be getting flustered over a man's appearance. But the truth was, I had never seen someone like Nico before, and I couldn't help but develop a crush on him almost instantly.
"You are not fourteen, Ehi," a small voice in my head scolded. "He hates your skin color. He said your kind is repulsive to him. He would never want to be with someone like you."
I closed my eyes and forced myself to sleep, trying to push those thoughts away. "Get a grip," the little voice reminded me.
I squeezed my eyes shut, willing myself to sleep and pushing away any thoughts of Nico. But his face still haunted me, invading my sleep, gnawing at my sanity until I was consumed by a restless, uneasy slumber.

* * *
I sighed as I looked at the grocery list for what felt like the hundredth time today. Lorenzo trailed behind me, charming every man we passed with his flirtatious eyes.

Poor Lorenzo!

The list included items such as tomatoes, beef, chicken, cheese, rice, and bread along with a few other things that I couldn't quite remember.
"We need to find these things here," I said turning to face Lorenzo. "My Spanish isn't great so—"

"Hush now, darling. That's why you have me," he replied with a smile, taking the list from my hands and leading the way.

How would I survive without him? I followed closely behind, watching how he effortlessly interacted with the vendors.

This was my first time shopping in Spain and I had no idea what I was doing. I hadn't had enough time to learn Spanish before my visa was approved and I landed here.

All I knew were some basic phrases like "si," "por favor," "Estoy bien," and "Ayuda." But it was okay for now as both Lorenzo and Nico spoke fluent English; otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to cope.

After what seemed like an hour of shopping, Lorenzo handed me the shopping bag. "Here you go, the driver is waiting for you at the parking lot. He'll take you home," he said kindly as he brushed back some hair falling in front of his face.

"Aren't you coming with me?" I asked hopefully.
"No, darling. I have important things to do," he replied, his eyes flicking toward the tall buff man standing next to me.