Gemma: A Mafia Forbidden Romance

He drops one shoulder in a shrug, “I wanted to see you again.”

“My brothers could walk in here at any second.” I stand now, wrapping my arms around my chest. I don’t know if my sudden chill is out of fear for me or him.

“Nah, they don’t come here.”

He’s not wrong, my brothers hate this office as much as I do.

Liam takes a seat at the edge of my desk, leaning casually.

“Don’t do that.” I huff. “If they come in here and see you—”

“They won’t. We’re fine, Gemma.”

He’s too sure. Too casual.

My heart is racing. If they find him here, they’ll kill him. If they find me here with him, talking to him like he’s not the enemy… well, I don’t know if they’ll let me ever leave the house again.

I run a hand through my loose hair.

“Hey,” he places a hand on each of my arms in a calming gesture. “Calm down, Gemma, we’re fine.”

I look at him, he’s closer now, and I can see the flecks of grey that surround his dark blue eyes. I can see that his brown hair has strands of a reddish color in it, not quite as red as his sister’s, but it adds depth to the color. He smells like pine and tobacco. Normally I hate the smell of cigarettes, but on him I don’t, it's not overwhelming.

He sees me too, he’s staring at my eyes, my face, and my hair. I see him look down, taking in my tight yoga pants, Converse, and the baggy t-shirt I’m wearing. I blush, I’m embarrassed for a moment because I’m not dressed up. The old Gemma never left the house looking like this, but this version of me doesn’t give a fuck.

Except for now.

Now, I’m wishing I was back in my black mini skirt with a better bra on, but with the way Liam’s looking at me I don’t think he cares.

“You’re nervous.” It’s more of a statement than a question. He’s genuinely interested, I think.

I look down, away from his prying gaze.

“Your family?” he asks. “Is that it?”

I can’t be this close to him. I force myself out of his grip so I can give myself some space.

“No.” I say. “Yes. I don’t know.” I rub the back of my neck nervously.

“Gemma.” He starts to walk toward me again, following me.

My arms reach out, flexing my hands and stopping him.

He quirks an eyebrow. “Baby girl,” his voice is deep and melodic.

“Just, give me a second. Okay?” I can’t think with him that close, not with his hands on me either. I need space to get my thoughts together.

He puts his hands up, “Okay.”

I turn my back to him, not a smart idea to do with a predator, but my heart is racing and I need to get him out of my eyesight. It doesn’t work though, because I can feel his eyes on me. Watching me.

If they could burn holes into my back I’d be dead.

Finally, I turn back around to face him. I straighten my shoulders and put my big girl bravery on. “Why are you here?” I ask again.

He grins, it’s a beautiful sight, exposing pearly white teeth. “I wanted to see you, Gemma.”

“You said that.”