29 • A Risky Infatuation

◆ MAXIMILIANO ◆

"Need me to go now?" I stared at the half-naked woman lying on top of me. As I stroked her face, her breathing and movements turned lethargic. I should leave now. I'd already claimed much of her free time tonight, and we both had work to do first thing.

Cheeks still flushed, Adreana weakly shook her head while parts of her body mildly shuddered. She nestled her face against my neck. The smooth skin of her naked back glistened under the dimmed lights. Another proof that we should call it a night.

Contrary to what she likely thought of me, I'd never force her to sleep with me. Not my style. I could be an incredibly selfish asshole sometimes. But with her, I mostly felt capable of keeping that side of me on a tight leash.

Especially now that she needed a real friend. A confidant. Someone mature and reliable. Someone she could fully trust with her secrets and problems. She might not admit it, but clearly she felt alone in this country. Perhaps even lonelier than me. "I'