Total pages in book: 55
Estimated words: 51166 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 256(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51166 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 256(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
The front of the gallery is filled with landscape paintings that appear to have all been done by the same artist. Elements such as trees, lakes, and mountains are painted in a realistic way, but the artist’s choice of color is much more vibrant than reality, almost electric.
“See how he lays the yellow right next to the dark purple here?” Fiero gestures to the thick strokes of paint on the canvas. “It makes it come alive.”
It’s no surprise that his rudimentary knowledge is still far greater than mine, even though he’s a sculptor and doesn’t work with paint. He points out details on other works, enhancing my enjoyment of the artwork. He’s a good teacher, like his brother, and I can’t help but wonder what else they might teach me.
Toward the back of the gallery, there seems to be a wide variety of styles, all done by different artists. Fiero leads us to a canvas depicting a cluster of houses stacked on a hillside overlooking a bright blue sea. “This reminds me of my village.”
His eyes have a distant look, prompting me to ask, “Do you miss it?”
He smiles down at me, as he pulls me close. “Not at the moment.” His hand tips my chin upward and his lips meet mine in a soft kiss. “Right now, not at all.”
After the gallery, our walk continues, and just like the day before, we end up at the steps of his house.
Fuck Willpower
“Are you hungry?” Fiero asks.
I’m so hungry.
For him.
Being in such close contact with him for the past couple of hours has my mouth watering.
Unaware of my turbulent thoughts, he goes on, “I’d like to make you dinner.”
“Oh! That sounds really nice.” No man has ever cooked for me before. Some of the guys I’ve gone out with probably didn’t even know how to boil water.
Inside, I’m relieved to find that Matteo isn’t home. Not because I don’t want to see him, but because I’m not sure how the brothers will interact when I’m around.
Fiero helps me take my coat off, then wraps his arms around me from behind, nuzzling my neck and kissing my jaw. Just as I’m hoping things will progress into something like yesterday’s makeout session, he pulls back and asks, “Would you like something to drink?”
I turn and slide an arm around his middle. I’d like to initiate a kiss or ask him for what I want – which is not something to drink – but I can’t bring myself to do it. Attractive men have always made me nervous, and I’ve made huge progress by just being able to talk to him without going red, but I’m still nowhere near ready to be as bold as I’d like to be.
“Is everything okay?” he asks, making me realize I haven’t answered his question.
“Is Matteo expected home soon?”
He glances at his watch. “Not for an hour. Why do you ask?”
“I just …” I take a deep breath to gather strength. “I wonder why we’re not kissing like we were yesterday.” My cheeks burn, but I’m proud that I was straightforward with him.
“Oh, Daniela.” He pushes a strand of hair back from my face and cups my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze. “I want very much to do so many things with you, but we should take things slow.”
“Because of Matteo?” Maybe Fiero is being considerate of the fact that, as my professor, Matteo is breaking rules to date me. Maybe the men discussed putting physical limitations on their relationships with me, at least while I’m dating both of them.
“Because I want things to … get on the right foot with us.”
I smile at his wording, despite how frustrated my body is. I’m completely reassured about how serious Fiero is about me. If he were looking at this as some sort of competition, he’d be using his body to influence me.
Not that I’d mind that at all.
I’m flattered that he wants our relationship to have a good foundation, but what if, in the end, I decide to be with Matteo? How long will they be okay with me dating both of them before they expect me to make a choice?
No doubt seeing me get into my own head, Fiero tips my chin upward, making me look at him again. “I like you very much, Daniela.”
“I like you, too, Fiero.”
His lips curve into a beautiful smile. His hands cradle my face as he bends to taste me. His fingers run through my hair as he deepens our connection, and my core lights up as he aligns our bodies, letting me feel the heat he holds in restraint. With a final, soul-twisting kiss, he pulls away, snuggling my head to his chest, his arms wrapped around me, keeping me close.
His kiss reinforced the message of our conversation: I like you. I want very much to do many more sexy things with you in the future, but for now we are going to take it slow.