An amateur's guide to conning a conman

Chapter 20

" What are you doing here? You never show up to auctions."

She shifted her weight, " I saw Titus on the news and I knew that you were going to butt in somehow so call it a wife's intuition." She winked.

Dante was not impressed.

" What? Is it so bad I want to see you? You never visit anymore."

" I'm busy. And yes it is Jacy. We're not a real couple, you just need me so your parents will stop asking you to find a boyfriend."

I stood quietly on the side unable to process whatever was happening here. The sad part was that my mind replayed the part where Dante introduced me as a person who was in love with Titus.

Jacy rolled her eyes, " Just come visit sometime."

" Okay, okay. I'll try." Dante said, his voice gentle for the first time.

After Jacy left, we left quickly after. We boarded the train without issue and without getting mugged. 

" You're really quiet, I would say concerning if I cared that much." Dante said, settling down in his seat.

" You said to Jacy, I was in love with Titus. Why?"

" It's true isn't it?"

It was a simple yes or no question but I found myself in the grey area. I wasn't in love with Titus but I didn't see him like I saw Jack.

He knew I couldn't answer the question because he leaned forward, resting his arms on his lap.

" I met Titus when he was still figuring himself out, I was his first serious relationship and who are you? A random girl he decided to save?"

His words were cruel and they stung.

" Do you really think he's going to choose you over me? I've known him for years, I've seen him through lowest points and highest points. Let's be honest, he only kept you around because you tend to his wounds no questions ask. I mean if I was into girls, I would do the same."

**

Titus was back, Gilda was sitting beside him and Harley was on his lap as he read her book out loud.

He glanced up when he noticed me,
" Hey sweetheart, did you find the necklace?"

I sighed, which meant Titus also didn't find it the other auction. I had been holding on to a slim chance since the train ride.

Dante and I went our separate way as soon as the doors opened which was fine by me because I was convince I would have been thrown in jail if I would have to spend another minute alone with him.

But the thought that Titus was using me never left.

" No." I said. " Um, I'm just going to start dinner."

The girls nodded, totally engrossed in the story or Titus, I didn't really know. But he gave me a strange look as I headed for the kitchen.

" Are you okay?" His head was tilted.

" Yeah, I'm just disappointed. It's been weeks and we're still wanted and my face plastered everywhere."

I was planning on making stir fry but I was apparently making garlic paste now and not chunks. Pasta it is.

Titus was quiet for a bit, watching me fill a pot with water. He reached forward and helped me pull the pot to the stove.

His fingers brushed against mine and I jerked away.

" How was your trip?"

Let's be honest, he only kept you around because you tend to his wounds no questions asked.

" Titus, why are you here?" I asked.

" What?"

" You're always around here and I wasn't aware we were friends."

" I wasn't aware we weren't. Sweetheart, what's really wrong?"

" Dante said you were just keeping me around and using me because I can tend your wounds. Is that true?"

My eyes found his and again my breath hitched. I never thought crimson eyes could be so beautiful.

" No, of course not. I-" He paused as if he was deciding weather or not to continue speaking.

" I'm here because I like being here. I like them, they're cool." He nodded towards the living room.

" But if you don't want me here.."

"  No. I do." My own reply surprised and I could see a grin forming on Titus's lips.

" They really love you." I trailed off.

He leaned against the cabinet, " And?" The stupid grin was growing and I just wanted to reach up and stop him.

" And I appreciate your presence." A smile was growing on my own lips.

" Aww sweetheart. I'm touched." He placed a hand on his chest.

One moment we were having a conversation and next I was staring into his eyes. I had tried to reach for the jar of tomato sauce above him, but I underestimated how much I would have to reach, my hand slipped and then I saw crimson.

His fingers reached up to push the hair out of my face. When he touched my face and I jerked back, his touch was searing.

" Uh sorry. I needed the jar." I quickly reached up and grabbed it, refusing to make eye contact.

" Yeah, I should go." Titus said slowly like he was almost confused.

I listened as his footsteps left the room than his usual energetic voice as he bid the girls goodbye, promising to visit more often.

When I turned back, Lin was by the door and this time he looked sad.

" Hey, we should talk."

He nodded, " Yeah, we should."

Lin led us to the garden which made me grimaced. We were here the night he kissed me.

" I'm sorry." He said as soon as the door closed.
" I shouldn't have kissed you and I shouldn't have forced my feeling onto you."

I smiled softly and reached forward to touch his shoulder, " I forgive you. Please don't ever do that to me or anyone again. I hear you and your feelings and I'm flattered but I don't love you like that. You're still one of the sweetest, nicest, talented person I've ever met but I can't ever see you like that. I'm sorry."

He exhaled, " Okay.

I stayed outside for a while after Lin left. The breeze in my hair, the sun warm on my skin. I almost convinced myself that nothing had changed but a lot had and I couldn't continue doing this.

If Titus and Dante couldn't find the mystery man, I will myself.