My Mafia Husband

CHAPTER 11

Matteo raises an eyebrow, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "Hate you? Now why would you think that?" he asks, leaning back on the couch. "I may not have been the most welcoming at first, but that doesn't mean I wish you any ill will." His tone is casual, but I can sense a hint of calculation in his words.

"You're weird, you know that?" I say
"You are kind and caring and suddenly you are cold"

Matteo shrugs, a small smile playing at the corner of his mouth. "I suppose I can be a bit of an enigma at times," he says. "But let me assure you, my care and concern for you are genuine." He stands up and walks over to me, taking my hand in his. "I simply have a different way of showing it, that's all."

I sigh "Just say that you don't like me"

Matteo looks at me for a moment, his eyes searching my face. "Ah, so you want the truth, do you?" he says, his voice cool and devoid of emotion. "Very well then. The truth is, I don't particularly like you. You're unpredictable and stubborn, and you challenge me at every turn. In fact, I find you rather annoying overall." He pauses, his eyes locked onto mine. "Is that what you wanted to hear?"

"Am I kinda your enemy?" I ask.

Matteo considers my question for a moment, a small smirk appearing on his face. "An enemy?" he repeats, his tone laced with amusement. "No, I wouldn't say you're quite an enemy. More like a thorn in my side, perhaps." There's a hint of mockery in his voice, and I can tell that he thinks our little game of cat and mouse is amusing.

"Enemies imply a certain level of respect and mutual understanding. I don't exactly respect you, nor do I see any reason to do so. You're simply a complication in my life, a minor annoyance that I've learned to tolerate." He leans in closer, his eyes glinting with a challenge. "So, what do you say to that?"

I stare up at him, trying to keep my expression neutral, even as my heart races in my chest. I know that he's baiting me, trying to push me to react. I take a deep breath, gathering my courage. "I say bring it on," I reply, determination in my voice. "I'm not afraid of you or anything you might throw at me."

Matteo chuckles, a low, confident sound. "Ah, so you're feeling brave today, are you?" he says, his eyes gleaming with challenge. "Very well then. But be careful what you wish for, my dear. The more you fight me, the more I'll want to push you."

"And the more you're gonna push me the more I'm gonna to throw you out the window" I said jockingly while laughing.

Matteo throws his head back and laughs heartily at my joke. "Ah, there it is. That spark of defiance in your eyes. I was wondering when it would make an appearance again." His laughter slowly fades and he regards me with a serious expression. "But let me give you a word of warning, my dear. While I admire your spirit, I also have a certain reputation to uphold. I would hate to have to teach you a lesson in respect."

"Relax, I was just joking, you're not funny" I say.

Matteo chuckles again, clearly amused by my response. "Not funny, you say? Perhaps you're right." He leans in closer, his voice dropping to a low, sultry tone. "But I have other ways of winning over a crowd." He reaches out and gently caresses my jawline, his thumb tracing the line of my chin. "And I have a feeling that I could easily have you wrapped around my little finger."

I feel a shiver run down my spine at his touch, his words sending my thoughts into a tailspin. But I refuse to give him the satisfaction of knowing how much his presence upsets me. "You think so?" I ask, my voice sounding more shaky than I hoped. Matteo just laughs again, his fingers tracing a trail down my neck.

"Yes, I do," he says, his eyes fixed on mine. "I know how to get beneath your skin, how to make you feel things that you didn't know were possible." His fingers continue to trail down my neck, his touch feather-light and almost ticklish. "You may think you're immune to my charms, but I guarantee that I can affect you in ways you never even dreamed of."

"Eww" I say jockingly.

Matteo chuckles at my response, clearly finding my feigned disgust amusing. "Ah, there's that defiance again. I like it." He leans in even closer, his voice dropping to a low whisper. "You can deny it all you want, but I know that under that tough exterior is a woman who craves passion and excitement. And I am more than willing to give you both."

I step back "Get away from me before I throw you out the window" I say jockingly again.

Matteo chuckles softly, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Ah, you are a feisty one. I like that." He steps back, giving me some space and holding his hands up in surrender. "But I must admit, the thought of being thrown out the window by such a beautiful and passionate woman is somewhat appealing." He flashes me a charming smile, clearly enjoying our little banter.

"You really think that I'm beautiful?" I ask.

Matteo smirk, his eyes roaming over my face. "Of course I don't, you really believed?"

I roll my eyes, crossing my arms over my chest. "Of course not, I know I'm not beautiful," I reply sarcastically, feeling the sting of disappointment. "But it's cute that you thought you could manipulate me with such a cheesy line."

Matteo laughs, clearly enjoying our back-and-forth banter. "Cheesy line? Oh, I can do much better than that, Cara mia."

"But don't worry I don't find you handsome either" I respond.

Matteo's eyebrows shoot up in surprise, a small smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. "Ah, so we're resorting to insults now, are we?" he says, his tone teasing. "I must admit, I didn't expect that from you." He steps closer to me, his eyes locking onto mine. "And here I thought we were starting to have a good time."