Page 77 of Isabella

“Aww,” Lux gushes.

“Well, aren’t you two just cute as all hell,” Liana says.

“Yeah, so um, speaking of Nicco,” I say, directing my attention to Liana. “I kind of need a favor.”

With a raise of a brow, Liana waits for my request, but I’m sure she already knows what I’m about to say. Liana and I practically grew up as sisters. She can read my mind as well as I can read hers.

“I need to see him tonight. You know how hard it’s been not being able to see him. I just want to spend some time with him.”

“When are you planning on telling Teo about you two?” Lux asks.

I give her a saddened look because I know how much I’m asking of her to keep this a secret from him. While she might think my brother will allow me to continue seeing Nicco, I know he won’t. The hate he has for his dad is far too strong to ever allow him into our family.

“I’m not sure yet. I’m sorry, Lux. I know it’s not fair of me to ask you to keep this secret for so long, but I promise Iwilltell him.”

I would just like to enjoy my time with Nicco before reality hits us square in the face. We’ve spent so much time apart. I just want a little more time with him.

Lux gives me a nod, and I silently thank God for blessing me with such an amazing sister-in-law. I owe herbig timefor what she’s doing for me.

“So,” I say, bringing my attention back to Liana, “are you okay with covering for me? Saying I’m spending time at your place for the next few days? We can use work as an excuse.”

“Yeah, absolutely, but you know you’re going to have to pop back every so often, right? Tito is easygoing, but that’s because he’s used to me doing nothing but work twenty-four seven. Gianni’s on guard with you, especially since everyone knows your history with Nicco now.”

Ugh.

I didn’t even think about that. There’s no way I can leave for days in a row without Gianni seeing me.

“Okay, yeah, you’re right. That’s okay. We’ll figure it out. Nicco’s place isn’t too far from yours. We can spin it and tell Gianni we’re going to be super busy with work and not to bother us too much. He can continue doing his routine checks around the perimeter or whatever, then I’ll pop in every so often.”

“Izzy, that’sa lotof back and forth,” Lux says. “I don’t think that’s going to work for multiple days in a row.”

“Are you just saying that so I’ll cave and tell Teo?”

She laughs. “No, I promise, I’m not. I truly think this is a terrible idea.”

A laugh stumbles out of my mouth because this plan really isn’t the best, but it’s all I have.

“I know, it’s not great. I’ll work on it. But I need to see him.”

“Why don’t you just have him stay at my place?”

I cock a brow at Liana. “You want Nicco to stay at your place? And you’re going to be there too?”

There are two apartments above Liana’s store. She lives in one of them while Tito lives in the one next door. Staying at Liana’s place would be ideal because then I can show my face to Gianni every so often during the day. But I don’t think Liana would appreciate what Nicco and I have in store for each other.

As if she’s catching on to what I’m saying, Liana’s face morphs into pure disgust, and she scrunches her nose and shakes her head. “Ew, Izzy, gosh. Yes, I’ll be there, but take the guest bedroom on the opposite end of the apartment. That should hopefully be enough distance so I’m not having to hear you guys all night.” She scoffs out a laugh. “Not that that matters. Ididshare an apartment with you in college, and there were several nights I had to put my headphones in.”

That gets a full-blown laugh from me this time.

“It’s honestly fine though,” Liana says. “Spend tonight with him at his place since Gianni won’t bother you once we get back to my place, and then spend the next few days at mine. If you guys get too damn crazy, I’ll just go downstairs to my office or something.”

“Okay, we’ll do that,” I say. “Thank you, Liana. You have no idea how helpful that is.”

“Anything for you, babe,” she says, reaching over to give my hand a squeeze.

“And I promise, Lux, I will tell Teo soon. I just want a little more time with Nicco inside our bubble before dealing with reality.”

Lux nods and says, “I get it. I’ll support whatever you choose to do, Izzy. You might’ve said you owe me, but in reality, I owe you. The way you accepted me into your family immediately and the support you’ve always given me. I just want you to know I’ll always have your back.”

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