Page 48 of His to Break

As expected, my mother and sister take her up on the offer while my brothers hold back. They don’t give a shit what shade of green the walls in my bedroom are. Antonio goes to stand by the window while my other brothers help themselves to scotch from the cabinet in the corner of the room. Trust them to sniff out the booze.

“You know she met with her brother yesterday,” Antonio says as I join him.

“She told me about it.”

He arches an eyebrow. “She tell you Daniele’s marrying Serena Gallo?”

No, she did not. “Who?”

“Umberto’s granddaughter.” He studies my face carefully. “She didn’t, did she?”

“He might not have told her.”

Antonio’s snort betrays his skepticism. “They’re supposedly close. You think he didn’t tell her he’s getting hitched?”

I shrug, even though I suspect he did tell her. Last night, I was sure there was more she had to tell me. If she held back such a crucial piece of information, it seems I can’t trust her.

“What are you going to do?” Antonio asks.

“Keep a close eye on her until I figure her out, I guess.”

“Be sure you do,” Antonio says. “And don’t let your dick do the thinking for you or I’ll have to intervene.”

He turns and walks away, leaving me in no doubt that he’ll punish Vinnie if he has to. I can’t allow that to happen. I’m going to have to bind her to me so irrevocably she’ll never betray me. The problem is, I’m not sure how.

CHAPTER 19

Vinnie

Despite a few bumpy moments, I’d call my first dinner party with the Volantes a success. It would be a stretch to say I’m comfortable around them now, but at least I know to expect flirting from Matteo, probing interest about my private life from Ava, and polite warmth from the others, apart from Antonio who openly displays his distrust of me. It’s what I anticipated.

Leo was the one who surprised me most tonight. He was attentive, openly affectionate in front of his family, despite being less than thrilled about having them here. I didn’t understand how much he views his home as a sanctuary. He doesn’t want the outside world encroaching on it. Though I can tell he loves his family, he prefers to keep them out of his private space. It makes me all the more grateful he’s welcomed both me and Benny into his inner sanctum.

I’ve decided to put aside my irritation over him lulling me into a postcoital stupor so he could interrogate me. Storming off and spending the night in the guest room was an overreaction. I get that Leo doesn’t have as much trust in me as I do in him. I’ve not led the life he has where he has to view most of the people around him as a potential threat. Though I always felt uneasy among the people my father surrounded me with, I knew none of them was about to put a bullet in my head. For Leo, betrayal is a genuine concern.

Lowering my zipper enough to wriggle out of my dress, I strip off my clothing and head into the bathroom for a shower. I set the water to a temperature that’s warm enough to soothe my tired muscles. It’s crazy to feel so worn out. All I’ve done today is visit a couple of stores and arrange a table setting. I guess it’s entertaining the loud and slightly chaotic Volantes that’s taken it out of me.

The moment I step under the steady stream of water, my body relaxes. It’s utter bliss. I close my eyes and tilt my face upward. A couple of minutes pass before I hear the door open. I glance over my shoulder as Leo, totally naked, steps up behind me. Wrapping his arms around my waist, he rests his head on top of mine.

“I’m proud of you, principessa.”

“Benny did all the work.”

“I’m not talking about the food. I’m talking about you, the way you handled my family.”

“It was fun. I liked them.”

Well, maybe not Antonio, but I don’t want to ruin this closeness we’re sharing by getting into a discussion about his older brother and boss of the family.

Leo drops his head to my shoulders and nuzzles against my neck. He trails his hand down between my legs and teases me with a featherlight touch. I shift my hips restlessly.

“What’s your favorite animal?” he asks.

“Huh?” The question comes from left field.

“Your favorite animal.”

My brow furrows in confusion. “That’s a very first date question, considering this very third date situation.”

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