Page 44 of Masked Hearts

I walk over to his cupboard and open the doors, eager to see just what kind of man my new husband is. From what I’ve seen, it’s been strictly business casual, so I can’t help but wonder if there’s more lurking behind closed doors.

Shirts, slacks, blazers.Boring.He’s a typical Type-A finance bro, nothing more interesting than a piece of dry cracker.

A few more doors, and finally, I land on some normal people’s clothing. If anything, they’re fashionable pieces. I get the feeling that Augustus may have just thrown these in here with the hopes of his brother wearing them. At the bottom of the cupboard is a yellow box, and I’m chronically nosey, so of course, I grab it and head to the bed to open it up.

Another wave of his scent hits since I’m now closer to the bathroom, where he just showered after my coffeespiltall over him.

The box seems unopened. Or unused, at the least. When I slide the lid off, I’m met with a card and a layer of purple tissue paper.

I wouldn’t be your best man if I didn’t prepare you for all scenarios. Just in case that new wife of yours is your type after all.

-Mattia.

I raise a brow as I ruffle the tissue paper out of the way, and a gasp falls from my lips. It’s multiple condoms, and in the centre is a purple object that looks oddly similar to a penis.

“Heard it vibrates, too.”

Chapter fifteen

Theá

IjumpsohighI’msurprised my skin isn’t left in a pile on Antonio’s bed. The purple item falls from my hands and rolls to the centre of the room, condoms scattering around it.

Antonio stands in the doorway, observing me. He’s wearing a crisp white shirt that’s unbuttoned enough to reveal a gold chain, with the sleeves rolled up to just below his elbows. His forearms bulge as he crosses them over his chest.

“You’re back,” I say, staring at him wide-eyed.

“And you’re snooping.”

I swallow as he walks closer. He picks the purple thing up as he moves to finally stand before me.

“Were you looking for something in particular,tesoro?”

There’s that stupid nickname again; it sounds equal parts enduring and condescending.

I shake my head, and a frown forms on his features instantly.

“Use your words.”

Dear God.

“N-no.”

“Are you sure? Because if you’re spying on behalf of your daddy, I’ll put you on the first flight back.” He grips my wrist, and I flinch at the sudden contact.

“Yes, I’m sure. You’re not interesting enough to spy on, anyway.” I try to struggle out of his grip, but there’s no point.

“Hmm, but something must’ve interested you enough for you to want to go through my things.”

“What is that?” I ask, looking down at the object. My curiosity and the heat of his touch is becoming too much for me.

His eyes widen in surprise. He probably wasn’t expecting me to switch back to the purple object in his hand.

“This?” He holds it up in between our faces.

“Yes.”

His tongue darts out and swipes along his bottom lip before his eyes shift up to the ceiling. Whatever demons he’s battling in his head seem to be winning just by the way he sighs.

---