Bound by Blood; Chosen by Fate

Chapter Twenty-Three

*🧣*

"No," he said instantly, pointing a finger at me. I rose both hands, gaze flicking around the room to figure out what he as referring to. My gaze focused on the board. A partner project.

Ah.

"I take one step into the classroom and already you give me attitude? I'm hurt."

"I know what you were about to say, idiota, and the answer is no," he said, eyes narrowing on me. I gasped.

"But that's my line!"

He let out a long breath as I came further into the room, letting his head fall into his hands as he bemoaned his poor luck in Italian.

"I go to church every Sunday," he muttered in English, then switched back to Italian. I laughed softly.

I sat on the desk next to him, class not starting for another five minutes. The classroom was relatively full, enough to give us careful glances. I leaned back on my palms.

"So, then that's a no?" I pressed. His head snapped up, eyes dark.

I grinned at his stubborn glare.

"If you do this for me, I'll owe you one," I said. I hated putting myself out there like this, but it was necessary. He rose his head, tipping it to one side as he considered my request.

A grimace flashed across his face, but he let out a breath.

"Mamma Mia, fine."

I bounced to my feet, placing a wet kiss to his cheek.

He slapped me away with a disgusted grunt. I just grinned wider.

"You better be open Saturday," he warned. I paused, tipping my head.

He muttered a soft curse. Then, "I can't believe I'm doing this."

Taking a breath, he rose his head.

"I need you to be my date."

I stared at him as a slow, wolfish grin spread over my mouth.

"My sexy charms finally won you over?" I cooed. He let his head fall back into his hands with a,

"Mio Dio."

I crouched next to him, angling my head to peer at his face. His emerald eyes met mine through his fingers, glowing with exasperation.

I rose a brow, holding his gaze.

"Where are you taking me, dear?"

Another groan, and he straightened with a cold glare.

"I am more than happy to find someone else," he said. I paused for a moment, cocking my head.

"Not that I'm unflattered or anything, but why are you choosing me over all the other ladies in this school? I mean, I'd want to date myself too if I could, but-"

"My cousin," he interrupted, pinching the bridge of his nose in exasperation. "Last time we met, we made a bet. She bet that I couldn't pick up a serious relationship before the next time we meet."