It was the first time we actually sat down and talked. No distractions. No touching. Just… words.
I looked straight at him. "I have questions," I said. "And I need answers."
He leaned backslightly, calm as ever. "Ask whatever you want, Velvet."
The way he said my name—slow, like he knew exactly what he was doing—I ignored it.
"Do you even realize," I said, "we've been together twice… and I still don't know your name?"
A smirk. Of course.
"You never asked," he said. "You were always busy with your wild imaginations I assume ."
I exhaled, already irritated. "Just tell me your name."
A second passed.
"Antonio."
The name felt like it was made for him dangerous and powerful.
I nodded once, then reached into my pocket and placed the locket on the table.
"Second question," I said. "If you're not married… then who is she? And the kid?"
Something changed in his face.
Not a lot—but I saw it.
"It's not my wife," he said.
A pause.
"It's my mother." his voice was cold as if giving me a sign to stop.
I almost asked more. I wanted to. But the look on his face… yeah, not the right moment.
So I let it go.
"For now."
I leaned back slightly. "Then answer this—why have you been keeping an eye on me?"
He didn't answer.
That was enough.
"Don't pretend," I added. "That buzz-cut guy—the big one. He's yours, isn't he?"
Now he looked amused and with a smile asked
"And how are you so sure?"
I didn't return the smile"I observe Antonio I am the best at my job."
My fingers tapped against the table. "For a whole week, no one came near me. No flirting, no idiots trying their luck. That doesn't just happen."
I looked at him properly this time.
"That's control."
Something flickered in his eyes.
"I like that about you," he said. "You notice things."
I stopped him from any further small talk I needed answer so I asked again "Are you keeping an eye on me?"
A beat.
"Yes."
Just like that.
"I've been protecting you."
And that word—
It didn't sit right.
I stood up, the chair scraping loudly behind me.
"I don't need your protection."
My voice came out sharper than I expected, but I didn't stop.
"I didn't ask for it. I don't want it. And I'm not—" I cut myself off.
Not yours. I felt a sharp pain it was not like we have known each other for a long time but it did hurt .
I forced the rest out. "I'm nothing to you," I said instead "So why are you doing all this?"
Because I know how this goes.
First, they watch.
Then they start deciding what's best for you
And before you even realize it… you're not the one in control anymore.
I've been there.
I'm not doing that again.
He stood up too, but he wasn't angry. Not even a little.
That somehow made it worse.
He reached for my hand—not tight, not forcing it. Just… there.
"If it upset you," he said, quieter now, "I apologize."
I blinked.
That wasn't what I expected.
"I…" I ran a hand through my hair. "I overreacted."
Maybe I didn't. I don't know.
"I just don't like people watching me like that. Controlling things I don't even know about." My voice dropped a little. "It just—"
I stopped.
Yeah. Not going there.
I pulled my hand back slowly.
He stepped closer, but not in a way that felt threatening. Just enough to make his presence… obvious.
"That wasn't my intention," he said. "I just wanted to make sure you were safe."
A pause.
"But if you don't want it… I'll stop."
I looked at him for a second, trying to figure out if he meant it.
Couldn't tell.
"Fine," I said, sitting back down.
The silence after that felt… heavier.
"Next question."
He sat across from me again, watching me more carefully now.
"What do you do?"
A small smile. "That's a dangerous question."
"I'll manage." The heaviness surrounding us lifted and I felt more comfortable.
"I run a company."
"What kind?"
"Just a normal one."
I let out a short laugh. "That tells me absolutely nothing , vaguest anwer of all the questions."
"It's supposed to."
"what be vague?"
He just smiled
Of course it is. I shook my head slightly. I'll figure it out anyway.
Men like him don't do "normal."
I took a breath.
There was one last thing.
"Last question." I leaned forward
My voice came out quieter this time.
I looked straight at him.
"What are we?"