The Italian's Fake Fiancée

47

The walk back from the pool to their shared room was a difficult one for Paige. It took all of her self-control not to run into Leo's arms and cry as much as she would want to. Not minding he was the one who had set her heart ablaze.

For the past few days, Paige had felt she and Leo have finally gotten to a good place. That if Leo didn't have feelings for her by now, he should at least like her, or like having her around. For Christ's sake, the man had kissed her so tenderly two nights ago and brought her to climax. Putting her pleasure before his. It had to mean something.

And for the first time since they met, she finally let down that shield she carried like a trophy and told him everything about her ex-boyfriend.

How she met him, and how she fell in love with him, not knowing he wanted her only for her body. And the harsh words he did tell her when he dumped her.

Of which Leo had kissed her on the forehead and then pulled her into his arms and comforted her until she had fallen asleep. When she woke up the next morning, he was still holding her in his arms, tenderly. And had brushed his lips over hers when he thought she was still sleeping.

It wasn't much, but it was there. Whatever it was they had, and she had begun to feel confident that something was happening between the two of them, something unique until that scene at the pool today.

As usual, had she been deluding herself? Seeing what she wanted to see, instead of what was actually there.

What a fool she was. Paige chastised herself.

Throwing the door to their room open, Paige let the thunderous noise it made as it banged shut, comfort her.

She was a step away from dissolving into a heart breaking cry.

He owed her nothing. She wasn't supposed to be angry he was with another woman. Nor was she supposed to be jealous, yet she was, and it was driving her crazy.

She didn't even have the heart to go swimming again with Alberto like she had promised him on their way back from the charity. She didn't think she could bear going near any pool now.

Paige slid down the door until her bottom met the floor.

"Damn you, Leonardo D'Angelo. Damn you for making me feel this way," she breathed out into the air. Her lips quivering. She felt hot tears coming and held them back at bay blinking several times.

How many times will she have to cry because of Leo? Was he worth it?

Maybe she should just end this facade once and for all; it was taking a big toll on her. Just as she finished that thought, the door shook. Someone was trying to open it from the other end, and that was why it shook violently. She stepped away from the door, and immediately it drew open and smacked against the wall. Leonardo D'Angelo stood there. The man that was haunting her.

His eyes, wild and sharp. He had swapped the shirt he was wearing before for a new one. Breathing heavily as though he had run up the stairs to come to meet her.

Seeing him, feeling his presence, was like adding fuel to fire. As Paige remembered the way the woman had clanged to him. The position they were caught in. Just what would have happened if his family didn't arrive when they did?

Leo took a step towards her, stretching out a hand to touch her, and Paige took a step back.

"Paige?" His hand fell to his side and he hung his head. "Still avoiding me," he sighed.

She wasn't going to pity him. No.

He raised his head again and the determined look she saw in his brown eyes had her taking back another step. What was he planning to do?

"About what happened in the pool today with that woman..."

Paige closed her eyes. She didn't want to hear it.

When she opened her eyes again, he was standing very close to her.

"I had nothing to do with that woman," he stated. With every word he spoke, he took a step for it until he backed her into a corner and grabbed her chin, raising it. "You do believe me. Don't you?" There was a raw plea underneath those words that unmanned Paige.

Golden brown eyes stared at her, so tenderly, and Paige's face crumpled. And her resolve broke. "Why are you telling me this? It's none of my business," she whispered. But her every action said it was all of her business.

"Because I want to clear the air. I don't want you thinking that I cheated."

"Why won't you want me to think you have cheated?" Paige bit her lips, casting her eyes down. "Have you forgotten we are in a fake relationship?"

"Is that how you see it? Only in that format."

How else was she supposed to see it? They were pretending to date. She was in love with him and hoped that one day they would date. But he didn't love her, and he didn't owe her anything. She closed her eyes. "I can't do this right now. This talking." She waved her forefinger between the two of them.

The reminiscing was getting to her. Instead of getting rid of her jealousy, it was rising.

A sudden frown slashed across Leo's face. "Then what do you want me to think of that kiss?"

"Think anything you want," Paige tossed out.

Maneuvered herself out of his arms, she left him there and entered the bathroom, and locked the door. Sliding on the door until her bottom met the ground.

Just what was it he wanted to hear?

A few seconds later, he pounded hard on the door. The door rattled, but Paige pretended not to hear.

"Paige, I know you can hear me. I know you felt something."

She felt something, but what does that have to do with anything.