“Jesus. Really, that was incredible. Why haven’t we done that before?”
I blink a couple of times, wondering if Alina could possibly be any more perfect.
Untangling myself, I give her a push to help her up and then drag myself off the floor. I pick her up again despite the protest from my legs, and lay her down in the middle of the bed before stretching out beside her.
It’s not even noon yet.
Wrapping my arms around her again, I drag her close to me
“All that shit from last night. I didn’t mean it.”
“You were scared.”
I want to deny it, no matter how true it is.
“I didn’t want to hurt you. I never want to hurt you.”
“You didn’t.”
“I could have.”
Alina turns and takes my face in her hands.
“You aren’t some kind of monstrous beast, Evan. You’re just a man—a man who’s been hurt and is hurting now. You were worried about Rinaldo and didn’t want me to leave you alone. I understand.”
“I still shouldn’t have said what I said.” I take a deep breath. “I’m sorry for that.”
“Thank you, Evan.” Alina smiles. “That means a lot to me.”
“You mean a lot to me,” I say. “I don’t want…”
I take a deep breath, and Alina keeps stroking my cheek.
“I don’t want you to leave. I want you to want to stay.”
Her expression changes, and she looks concerned. She runs her teeth over her lip before speaking.
“Are you really okay with me bringing my dog here?” Alina asks. “You’re sure you’re not just saying that to keep me from leaving, but you really hate the idea?”
“I like dogs,” I tell her. “I had one before.”
“Really?” She raises herself on one elbow and looks at me as I nod. “You have no idea how relieved I am to hear that. Loretta hates animals. She almost threw us both out when I brought Maisy to the apartment. Teto had to talk her down.”
“Maisy?” For some reason, I picture a German shepherd when I hear the name.
“That’s her name.”
“Silly name for a dog.” I wink at her.
“Are you going to pick on my baby?” she asks with narrowed eyes.
“Why would I pick on her? You named her.”
“Hmm. Fair enough.” Alina settles against my shoulder and goes back to stroking my chest.
“I’m looking forward to it,” I tell her. “I’ve missed having a dog around.”
“I always wanted one as a kid,” she says. “My father wouldn’t let me have one. When I found Maisy, we just clicked.”