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I thought ive way as I watched those curious onyx irises rove all over my body I tre

Italian, I thought Austin had been right Elpidio definitely looked Italian

It felt as thoughwhat to say

Trying to salvage a modicum of professionalism, I snapped out ofoutvoice

Elpidio’s stern gaze never once drifted fro "I’m Aliyana You… you must be Elpidio?"

In a second, I witnessed paleness spread on his cheeks and his eyes dropped to the ground, his shoulder-length brown hair falling to cover his face He was protecting his anonymity Vin had told nition His

"It’s okay," I rushed out "I’ here stays with me I’m ethically bound to protect your anonymity if you so wish"

Elpidio’s shoulders see reluctantly, he raked back his long hair from his face and raised his head

This tiy, and on his left cheek, he wore a tattoo of a black crucifix just below his eye He si as though he had no trust in me, or toward anyone else for that matter

Suddenly, Elpidio reached forward and encased his hand in asped, the heat of his palreet him, too entranced by his unrefined looks and silent teruffly My heart skipped a beat on hearing his husky drawl

"Elpidio," I flustered "I can’t tell you how happy I ahtened as though my enthusiasm were lost on hiexhibit "What do you think?" I asked nervously, a subtle treallery "I’m an avid admirer of your work, so this is truly a drean this exhibit"