and I don’t move my hand an inch. Antonio’s hand is huge and dark. He must have observed the same thing because he says, “Wow, your hand is tiny.” I blush. I am so nervous. I feel like I’m being naughty. I am going against my father’s wishes and that part of me feels disobedient. But my rebellion is warranted. Antonio makes me feel like I never have before. He’s beautiful, amazing, strong, and powerful. He can command a room just by being in it. I bet it is rare that someone sees him this way-caring and controlled. He pulls into a park-like area I have never been before. It overlooks the river. The lights from a nearby bridge reflect off the water. He parks the car and we get out. Antonio takes my hand as we walk towards the river. The rippling noise of the water is serene. We go and stand in front of the wrought iron railing. It’s a stunning sight. Antonio corral’s me in front of him with his hands on the railing, “Megan,” he whispers into my neck. He rubs his nose into my hair. Antonio feels so good. Standing here with him is strange. “I want to… take you somewhere.” Really! My eyes snap open. I wasn’t expecting that. He doesn’t let me answer. “I know you’re afraid of me… but I want to show you that you don’t have to be.” He spins me around to face him. “I’ll take you anywhere you want to go.” He sounds unsure and hesitant when he says, “I’d like to spend some time with you.” Antonio Delisi Jr. wants to spend time with me! I am so embarrassed at his words. But joy spears me. His brown eyes search mine. He seems uncertain yet wanting all in the same gaze. My heart sinks when I remember my father’s warning. He’d be livid if he knew I was here alone with him. My phone buzzes with a text, I shift away a little from Antonio but he still holds on to my waist. His fingertips send shivers up my spine. It’s Raven.
U OK Megan: Yes Raven: U still with him? Megan: Yes
“Is that your friend ?” Antonio asks tightly. “It’s Raven, checking on me.” I’m still looking at my phone screen, when Antonio says in a low, seductive voice, “Tell her I’m gonna kiss you.” I didn’t even have a chance to react, as he crushes his lips to mine and passion explodes between us. My phone clatters to the ground. My arms wrap around him. His muscled back is heaven under my fingers. He grips me tighter lifting me up closer to him. The ache that fills me creates a fog over my brain. Rockets of want pierce me. Antonio’s kisses radiate a kind of cherished that is foreign to me. I’m not sure how long we stood there in each other’s arms acting on an emotion that had been bottled up for a decade. On Sunday morning it felt like I dreamt everything that happened the night before. Antonio was mystifying. I had always been so scared of him that it felt weird that those emotions melted away when I saw him on the deck alone in the moonlight. His desire was palpable. And when he leaned down to whisper in my ear like he had at church a week ago, it was my undoing. I was always attracted to him just like the rest of the females at my school. People move out of the way for him as if he was a ruler of a kingdom. He could be with any girl he wanted, yet I’ve never seen him with anyone other than Alessandra. And it appears that after last night he wants me. When I left him last night, I felt bereft; I wanted to stay with him. I decided to have Raven pick me up and take me home. I didn’t want my parents to see or hear Antonio’s Camaro outside the house. I offered to give him my number but he said he already has it. About five minutes after I got into bed, my phone buzzed with a text from him asking if I got home safely. Warmth spreads through my body just thinking about my time with Antonio.
Chapter 11
Andiamo (on-dee-ahmo): Let’s go
“Megan!” My mom yells, “It’s time to get ready for church.” Oh yeah. I have to play the harp in front of the entire