Chapter 8 Empire

• Anthony and I have never gotten along like this. I couldn't lie that there was a part of me that liked that. I would like to know him more and be by his side.
• If someone told me that he was sensitive and affectionate I might find it strange, however, my cousin really seemed like a lord, he was so attentive to me, always concerned about my well-being and needs.
• There were times when I even felt embarrassed to be here disturbing him, however, he seemed to enjoy my company and since I arrived, I never saw him talking about relationships or one person in particular, which I liked and felt strange.
• I wasn't silly, I knew there were women around him and that many could covet him. He was handsome, seductive, intelligent and ran a veritable empire.
• With all this importance and work, he often traveled on business, but since I came here, Anthony wasn't away so much. I had no idea what his work was like at the company, I was never one to stop and understand these things, however, I knew it could be exhausting.
• There were times when work came to him, like yesterday, a tall man with an evil face, came to talk to him about some business I didn't know about and didn't even hear. My cousin didn't like what the man said at all, and I heard him say that he didn't want anyone to bring these problems into his house. I believe it was because of me, and that made me feel bad.
• I had already seen him angry and very stressed, but this time it was something that lasted for a while, so much so that he couldn't disguise it at dinner.
• Before, I saw him as a serious and focused man, and I knew that he wasn't perfect and that, like everyone else, he got irritated and upset.
• So as not to disturb him, I preferred to stay in the room where he slept, I didn't want to disturb him, but he was the one who came to me, wanting my company.
• I have never felt so important to anyone as I am now with Anthy. He acted like a big brother who felt as lonely as I did.
• The sense of comfort and security I felt for him was strange, and with each passing day, I realized that Anthony loved watching me, even when what I did was silly. What was worse was that it turned into a storm inside my chest, as if all this attention was for another reason.
• That feeling from the beginning, that someone was watching me, still remained and it came from him, which made me wonder if it wasn't Anthony all the time, even if it was impossible, since he didn't live twenty-four hours by my side.
• Before, this fear disturbed me at night, preventing me from closing my eyes to sleep, but not now. Being under his protection comforted me and I knew nothing bad would happen.
• The only problem I found after I came to his apartment was that my dreams turned into seduction and dangerous desire. Sometimes I saw him in the dark of the room, coming out of the shadows and coming to me on the bed, pulling my body closer to him and kissing me passionately.
• I mentally judged myself when that happened because I knew it was wrong. Anthony was sixteen years older and my cousin, if only out of consideration, as his mother wasn't related to my father.
• I couldn't mess things up, it would ruin our relationship and he was the only person I had and trusted.
• Now, I was beating myself up over it all, trying to find a solution before things got worse. The terrace was the best part of this penthouse. He loved seeing the stars and the city lit up. Los Angeles was a busy city. If I were your average teenager, I'd be downstairs drinking and partying with Eva at some random club.
• Just thinking about the day I committed that madness made me shudder. The night wasn't that cold and I even liked the cooler weather.
• I couldn't settle for this place. I had to find a place to live. Besides, I was heiress to several houses and apartments, the problem was that Rebeca was making things difficult, but Anthy told me that she was taking care of it for me.
• Deep down I knew I didn't want to leave him. Here I felt welcomed, comfortable and happy. The only problem was, things inside my head were all messed up and I had better put some distance between us or I'd be the fool who fell in love with her older cousin.
• "I'd give everything I have just to know what's on your mind." I was startled to hear his deep voice so close to me. I didn't know he'd arrive early or that he was watching me. I was so distracted that my heart it almost came out of my mouth. I turned to meet his mysterious eyes and breathtaking smile. Anthony was wearing a white button-up shirt and the pants that were his black suit set. He had no tie and even from a distance, I could see that some of the buttons were open, as well as the cuffs folded halfway up the arm "The night is cold, I shouldn't be here at this time without a coat," he said approaching.
• It was impossible not to notice how handsome he was, I never saw him shirtless, but I could bet he had a well defined body. The muscles designed the clothes and that messy hair, even took away my sense of time.
• I had to shake my head back to reality and that was almost a big mistake as I was being studied by the man that threw my body out of whack. The night might have been cold, but looking at him had my body on fire.
• "I'm not cold and you don't always have to worry about me like I'm a child." I said feeling embarrassed at what his look caused me.
• My fear was that he would notice my madness of mixing things up. Until yesterday I was a girl who sat on the rug in the library while he pored over his big books.
• - I already said that I don't see you as a child." He said, frowning. - My concern has nothing to do with thinking that you are a child. I worry because I care about you."
• Despite saying that, I felt like a child. He was as careful as my father was with me and I believed that it was like an obligation to Anthony. I didn't want to be a hindrance or an obligation. At eighteen, I could take care of myself, however, I had to confess that I enjoyed his presence and attention.
• "Okay," I said, going back inside. "I didn't know you'd be here so early."
• "I want to take you out to dinner somewhere else." He said, surprising me.
• - What?!
• "I don't like being stuck here either." He justified, giving her an even more seductive smile.
• "I wasn't prepared for this, where are we going?" I questioned excitedly.
• I didn't always like to stay at home, there were times when I wanted to go out and do something else, I just didn't have anyone to do it with.
• Eva was a great friend, but our styles were different. She loved to drink, go to clubs and meet new people, while I preferred quieter places and people with whom I had a certain intimacy.
• "Let's go to a restaurant." She said taking my hand and kissing it gently, making all the hairs on my body stand on end. "You are the most beautiful woman I know. I bought you something."
• Anthony looked at me with mystery. With my hand still in his, he led me to my room.
• "You don't have to give me presents, you've already helped me enough." I don't know how to thank you. - I said feeling embarrassed.
• "Belle, you don't have to thank me. Being by your side is all I need." He said making me feel butterflies in my stomach. His touch messed with my insides and I didn't know if I liked or hated this torture. "When I saw that piece, I imagined you wearing it and it was an image tempting, so I bought it."
• It was impossible for the butterflies in my stomach to get any more intense, but Anthony had that freezing power.
• contin.....