Breaking the Billionaire's Rules

by Annika Martin

I’m refilling the chips and utensils just as Antonio strolls up in his beautiful suit. “Can I help you?” Rollins asks, because Antonio looks more like somebody we’d deliver to than somebody we’d know. “I’m past help,” Antonio says darkly. “So far past help.” “It’s cool, he’s my cousin,” I explain. Antonio slides his hand up the side of the truck, gazing down at me. It’s a smoldering, sensual, uniquely male stance. “Do not minimize it, cara,” he says. “Do not minimize what we are to each other. We are more than mere cousins.” Rollins straightens, nervously restocking chips. I widen my eyes at Antonio. Antonio turns to Rollins. “I came to look at her beauty, hoping that it would ease the despair and darkness in my heart.” “Oh,” Rollins says. “Antonio, stop being funny.” “Pah! You wish me to hide my love. I will not. I had no beauty coming up on the streets of Roma, you know.” He turns to a wide-eyed Rollins. “I sold myself, I hurt people. The blade was my friend. I am not proud. But everything I went through is worth it…” “Okay…” I say. “But do you remember our discussion?” Rollins is busying himself with the condiments box. Antonio glances significantly over my shoulder, then back at me, and he turns a thousand-watt smile on me.