“Yes. I’ve just signed another contract which is why I came here.”
“Oh?”
“It’s for a television show to be filmed in the city. My contract is for the next five years.”
“Congratulations,” I offer with a genuine smile. “That’s exciting for you.”
“It’s exciting.” Her gaze fixates on mine, twinkling under the fluorescent light. “I don’t like where we ended, Will.”
I should’ve seen it coming, the not-so-subtle glances, the crossing of her legs exposing her thighs purposely—all of Luciana’s signature moves. Avoiding her persistent stare, I fidget with my cufflinks.
“It ended the way it needed to end. I wasn’t ready for the life you wanted.”
“And now?”
“Now?” With a slow and steady gait, I raise my eyes to meet hers. “I’m seeing someone.”
Luciana grimaces, narrowing her eyes, looking less than pleased with my admission.
“Who is she?”
“Does it matter?” I question rudely.
“Of course, it matters,” she sneers, toying with the gold necklace around her neck. I recognize it from when we were together. A birthday present from me if my memory serves correct. “I want to know who means more to you than me.”
Her arrogance amuses me. “My private life is exactly that, private. If this is what you came for, then I’m sorry.”
She leans over the table, purposely showcasing her cleavage. I divert my eyes, not wanting to encourage her in any way. Sure, she has naturally big tits which fit perfectly in the expensive lingerie Victoria’s Secret is known for, but everything in front of me isn’t the person I’m in love with.
“We were good together,” she reminds me, her eyes fixated on my mouth. “And we were especially good together in the bedroom. Do you remember, Will?”
I bite my tongue, trying my best to think of the appropriate words to let her down. Yes, we were great in the bedroom because she was a good fuck at a time of my life when I knew no better.
And now, the only body I want to devour is Amelia’s. My addiction and obsession, the only touch I want to feel all over me.
“I remember, and yes, it was good… at the time,” I tell her, quick to continue. “I’m with someone, and that person is important to me. So, again, if this is what you’ve come for, I’m sorry, Luciana, but we ended a long time ago.”
Dropping her shoulders, she ducks her chin before letting out a breath and standing up. I follow her lead, eager to usher her out and avoid any further conversation on the past.
“I guess I should congratulate you or something.”
“It was nice seeing you again, Luciana.”
She leans in for a hug, then pulls away, caressing my face with her hand. “Make her happy, okay?”
I let out a soft chuckle. “I’m trying.”
A loud noise enters the room as the two of us turn toward the door. Amelia is standing there with her hand on the doorknob. Heather runs up behind her, panic-stricken.
I barely recognize Amelia. It’s been weeks since I last saw her, and only now I realize how the flu really affected her. Her usually rosy cheeks look pale and gaunt. There are dark circles under her eyes. Everything about her appears worn out.
“Amelia, what are you doing here?”
“I need to talk to you,” she stammers, her breathing shallow. “But I can see you’re busy.”
Her eyes dart back and forth to Luciana. Quick to realize our friendly goodbye looks suspicious, I pull away and create distance between us.
“Luciana, this is Amelia, a family friend of mine.”