Paper Trails 2 | Draft

19.

"Hell sent us the most evil disease, and we humans call it love."

*****

I couldn't sleep, and the only person to blame was Niccolò.

I was horny. How the hell could I not be, after all that? He was in the living room right now (I could hear him on the phone) probably pacing judging by the squeaking floorboards. True to his word, he refused to leave me by myself. Raven hadn't returned, so I'm assuming coming home tonight just wasn't in her plans. Which, to be real, might work out fine for me because the only thing I wanted to do right now was fuck Niccolò and it'd be a little awkward to do that knowing she was right next door.

I sat up, running my fingers through my hair; and sighed. I stood up, careful not to make too much noise, and creeped towards my bedroom door.

"—everything. Don't fucking contact me until you know, do you understand? Non sprecare il mio tempo."

God, he was hot when he was bossy.

"You don't want to find out. Quindi vi consiglio di non cazzo su."

I slowly turn the doorknob and open the door, peeking through the crack. He tossed his phone on the couch and picked up a glass, downing its contents. I pushed open the door and he turned, his eyes scanning over me. He put down the glass.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing," I murmured, looking him over. He only had on his pants, so I had no issue admiring his bare chest. His very toned, very muscled chest.

"Why are you up? It's almost two."

"Can't sleep." I slinked towards him, my arms sliding around his neck. His eyed darkened. My fingers tangled in his hair. "Was hoping you'd tire me out."

His lips curved. "You're insatiable."

"Quite," I replied, tilting my head to the side and grinning. "So?"

He opened his mouth to speak, but a loud yawn tore through him instead. I leaned back, my eyebrows raised.

"Wow," I blink. "Okay. Rain check."

"It's been almost twenty-four hours since I last rested." He blinked slowly, and it was then I realized how tired he looked. I took his hand and led him to my bedroom.

"Take off your pants, get in bed, and get some sleep, Niccolò." I pointed at the bed. He didn't say anything, only watched as I climbed back into bed and pulled the covers up over me. I heard movement and moments later, he was beside me.

"Why the hell is it so hot in here?" He wondered.

"Because we're hot as hell?" I joked lamely. "The AC broke, so until we get that fixed..."

He sighed and pulls me into him. "Close your eyes, bella."

I did as he said. For the first few minutes, it was silent. Besides the humming of a plane as it soared above and the few cars driving through the streets, it was quiet. I could hear him breathing. I wasn't sure if he was asleep yet or still awake, but I didn't want to be caught peeking if he was, so I kept my eyes closed.