Sovrano

Bastiano DeRose

My first reaction was to chase Tequila inside Bastiano DeRose's studio apartment but as soon as I took a step out into the hallway between our two front doors, Bastiano's muscly, sleeve-clad arm blocked my path.

"I'll get her," he told me, his voice smooth and deep. Then, he turned on his heel and walked through the threshold and immediately began searching for Tequila, who seemed to have disappeared without a trace.

I stepped forward until I was right in front of his open door, debating whether or not to follow Bastiano inside. I sucked my cheeks into my mouth and lightly rubbed my forearm through my purple sleeves. I didn't want to be rude and walk into his home without his permission, but did I really need permission if my cat was inside?

"What's her name?" Bastiano asked me, popping his head out from what I assumed to be his bathroom. Maybe a closet. "Tequila," My voice came out strong and slightly loud, loud enough to make me regret speaking. Nice going, Althea.

"And what's your name?" He asked me casually, his back facing me as he peered under his sofa. I found myself blushing slightly. God, his accent could make me do things that I wouldn't dare do for any other man.

"Althea. Althea Floros," I replied, still hovering out in front of his door. Was it okay for me to step in now that I formally introduced myself? Yes, yes it was. I hope. I made slow, unsure steps inside his apartment. Jesus, pick up the pace! I scolded myself and made my steps quick and efficient as I made my way across the room, towards the dining table placed in front of the large windows overlooking the city. I felt Bastiano's gaze on me as I got down on my knees to look under the table. My amber eyes spotted Tequila resting on the dining room chair, grooming her damp fur.

"Floros," Bastiano repeated as I got up off the floor and rounded the table towards the chair that held my troublemaking kitty. "Is that Greek?" He asked and I hummed a yes as I picked up Tequila, her body was warm yet her fur was damp and seeping through my top.

"My dad's from Greece but I was born here in the US," I explained as I wrestled with Tequila, trying to keep her from jumping out of my arms. Bastiano walked towards me and lightly scratched Tequila's chin. She stopped wriggling as soon as he made contact with her, and she began purring loudly. "Can I?" Bastiano asked as he relieved me from holding Tequila. I found myself wondering what the point of asking me to do something was if he was just gonna go ahead and do it anyways. A little bit of jealousy filtered into me as I watched him hold Tequila with no problem from her side. That freaking traitor! I took an audibly deep breath that made my chest rise and fall drastically, before letting my hands drop down to my side.

"What part of Greece was he from?" He asked as he rubbed Tequila's head with his large, tan hand.

"Parga, it's really small," I answered as I wondered if I could snatch Tequila from his arms and run back into my apartment. I was in desperate need of a shower myself, I realized this a few seconds ago as I remembered the now-dry sweat that once coated the back of my neck and my face. Suddenly I was feeling self-conscious and I tried my best to end the conversation.

"Okay well, I really should go now," I talked before he could, and I took Tequila from his arms and practically ran into my own apartment, closing the door behind me and locking it. If that wasn't the most awkward way to end a conversation, then I don't know what was.

"Tequila, I hate you for putting me through that," I raised her up to look at me and she meowed before looking to the side. "Look me in the eye, Quila. Do I look like I'm ready for human interaction? You know that I don't look good before one o'clock on Thursday's and Friday's, so why did you do that to me?" I grilled her and she let out another pitiful meow. "Yeah, that's right. You should be guilty. At least wait for me to have my eyeliner on before you force me into a very attractive man's home." I pondered that last sentence and let a grin fall on my face. "Thank you, though," I kissed her forehead and set her down.

Now that I had a very sexy Italian man living across from me, I could finally have an excuse to wear those new heels I bought that made calves look very appealing.