Page 60 of My Italian Love Affair

"Don’t play coy, Sinclair. You know what guys likehimare like," he says. "He probably just wanted to look good in front of you. A little chivalry to impress the new girl."

I exhale slowly, ignoring the strange twinge in my stomach.

"I don’t think that’s what happened."

Mark tilts his head, studying me.

"You really think he gave you that whole speech out of the kindness of his heart?"

I can’t help the way that my eyes widen.

I’d watched Mark storm down the corridor with my own eyes.

He haddefinitelyleft after our argument.

Or at least, it had looked that way.

But if he heard what Matteo said to me afterwards - his ‘whole speech’ - then that must mean he stayed lurking around afterwards.

Watching. Waiting.

Butwhy?

"Look, I’m just saying - don’t let it get to your head,” Mark continues. “Matteo Rossi isn’t on your side, Sinclair. He’s just playing a different game."

With one final pitying look, Mark turns to walk away, the conversation over - at least for him.

But for me?

For the first time, I’m not so sure I believe him.

Chapter Nineteen

Daphne

Rome is a city of endless contradictions.

It’s grand and historic, but chaotic and unpredictable.

It’s ancient ruins sitting beside buzzing cafés, tourists crowding the streets while locals weave through them effortlessly.

It’s the warm, golden light that hits the cobbled streets at just the right angle in the early morning, making everything look cinematic.

I’ve been here for a couple of weeks now, and yet every time I step outside, I feel like I’m discovering something new.

This morning, I decided to take a detour through one of my favourite piazzas before heading into the office. The early spring air is cool - the city not yet fully awake - and for a few moments, I let myself enjoy the quiet.

But that sense of peace doesn’t last long.

“You’re going in front of the camera.”

Just like that, my brief moment of serenity shatters.

"What?"

Mark sighs, like my reaction is somehow inconveniencing him.

"You heard me, Sinclair. Moving forwards, you’re going to be doing player interviews. In front of the camera."

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