Life Before Damaged Vol. 8 (The Ferro Family) Read Online Free PDF Page B

you?”
    I look down at his hand and then back into his eyes. “No, I don’t.”
    “All right then, I have an idea.” Giving me a cocky grin, he bends down and lifts me up by the waist like I weigh no more than a feather. I yelp and squirm. His hold on my waist tickles. If I laugh, I'll wake up the entire mansion.
    He sets me on my feet and looks down at me with a smug look of superior Ferro-ness. “Get to bed, Miss Granz, and try to get some sleep. Come and find me in the morning. I’m taking you out on a date.”
    “Me? On a date with THE Pete Ferro? That’s kind of lowering my standards. I have a classy, wholesome image to maintain, you know, and associating with you might give people the wrong impression.”
    “I may have to duct tape that sassy mouth of yours shut one day. The way I see it, smartass, you’re the one lowering my standards. I'm hot, and you're-” I put a finger to his lips, silencing him.
    "If you value anything south of your belt, I suggest you not finish that sentence. I may be small, but I have pointy knees, and I'm not afraid to use them."
    Pete removes my finger from his lips, kissing it lightly. "Temper, temper, Miss Granz. You didn't let me finish. I was going to say, one cool chick ."
    We stand toe-to-toe, Pete looking down at me with mischief in his eyes, one eyebrow raised, waiting to see how I'll reply. He's giving me emotional whiplash, but I like his playful side.
    “Listen, I appreciate your generosity, but you don’t have to do this. I don’t want your pity, and you have better things--er--hotter chicks to do. I'm actually tired of feeling like a thorn in your sexy side, so unless this is part of your mother’s plan to give us more cuddly couple exposure in the public eye--”
    He smirks. “You think I have a sexy side?”
    I shake my head, smiling and gently beat him with my ballet slippers. Pete grabs my wrists on the second swing. “She’ll probably have us followed by the media but no, this is not her idea, and I don't pity you. I’m actually kind of scared of you sometimes, especially when you're holding shoes.”
    “Really?” We laugh for a moment and I forget everything that’s been bothering me. Pete is smiling fondly, revealing a dimple in his cheek. The dusting of stubble is heavier than usual and I have to resist the urge to touch his face and feel it under my palms.
    “Go get some rest. I’ll see you in the morning for our first date.”
    Pete walks into the hallway and turns the corner, heading toward his wing and our rooms. I steal a glance at one of the ornate floor-to-ceiling mirrors. For the first time since I've moved in, there’s a smile on my face.

MY SORDID LOVE AFFAIR WITH A SLICE OF PIZZA
November 2nd, 12:02pm
    P ete must read Esquire magazine , because damn—he looks completely edible in his black tight tee and perfectly worn jeans. That dark hair is casually combed, begging to be touched. The dusting of stubble on his chin is gone which makes me want to touch his face and slide my fingers over his smooth skin. When I get close to him, his scent hits me hard and I feel intoxicated. It’s the perfect casual-not-trying combo to get laid. Maybe Pete writes articles for that magazine.
    Add in his choice of transportation and I could seriously swoon. We got here on his motorcycle. I love the rush that comes with the speed and wind in my face. Pete took the corners hard, leaning the bike further than I thought possible. I clung to his firm body, plastering myself against him and went with it. My heart raced the entire time and I couldn’t stop laughing. Pete heard everything through the headset and I don’t care. I’m not ashamed of letting other people see my emotions, not anymore. For the longest time I thought people would use them against me. Now my mantra has changed and can be summarized in two little words:
    Fuck it.
    Pete grabs my hand and pulls me across the street in the center, rushing across before another wave of vehicles plows us