Page 51 of Masked Hearts

“It doesn’t count as falling if I’m pulled,” she scoffs, steadying herself on her heels again.

“A fall is a fall, no matter the circumstances.” I smirk and interlock her hands with mine.

It’s a usual meeting spot, something just crowded enough that no one would notice and so that no one can make a scene, but just empty enough that Gabriel can discuss all his business.

“Antonio, Theá, so lovely to see both of you.” Gabriel rises to his feet, and Theresa lets go of my hand to hug her father.

I pout, but quickly shake the expression as I realise just how out of the ordinary that reaction is for me. He shakes my hand next and gestures for us to take a seat.

I scan the room and notice his usual security team sitting staggered around the room, but one person I’m surprised not to see is Kylian. He follows his father like a shadow, so the fact that Gabriel is here without him is peculiar.

“So, how have you two been?” he asks. I stretch my arm behind Theresa and watch as she stiffens due to the movement.

“Good,” I say blandly.

“Just good?” He raises a brow and looks at his daughter, expecting more.

“Very good. It’s only been a week, so we’re both adjusting.” She gives him an elaborate version of exactly what I just said.

“Hmm, you two look comfortable for just a week.” He settles back and calls a server over. “Three bottles of sparkling water for the table. A whiskey for me and whatever he wants,” he says, completely disregarding Theresa.

“You want something?” I say next to her ear, but she shakes her head.

“I’ll just have water.”

I furrow my brows. She has never drank plain water in my company once in the last seven days.

The young woman comes over to me, and I offer her my classic smile. “I’ll take a whiskey, too. Double shot, one block of ice, and then can I get an Aperol Spritz for her?”

Theresa gazes up at me, confused, but I simply ignore the reaction and focus on her father again.

“I presume you asked us to cancel our plans and be here for a good reason?”

Our non-existent plans.

Well, not completely. I had intended to take the night off to have dinner with her, especially since I’ve been overworking to catch up with everything since I left for Mauritius. I had been avoiding her since Sunday like a shy teenage boy who’d never had sex before in my life.

“I did indeed. This is the meeting with Horatio and the rest of the art curators you met at the wedding.”

“I don’t like art.” I rub my hand against the back of the seat where it rests.

Fucking liar.

“Oh, don’t take me for a fool. I know all about you and your interests. As much as you’ve tried to devote your time to your family’s business, you’ve still stayed relevant in the art scene. Besides, this meeting was your idea, after all.”

I grit my teeth. I suggested the meeting out of pure desperation to get away from the men at the wedding. I didn't think Gabriel would see it through. I don’twantto help him. But I know what this is going to boil down to again. Either I help, or my family is going to be threatened again.

Theresa’s hand lands on my knee under the table, and it’s my turn to stiffen. “Very well,” I choke out, trying not to sound affected.

“Where’s Kylian? I’m surprised he’s not here,” Theresa speaks up, thankfully changing the subject.

“He’s bringing the guests in,” he says plainly. “Antonio, do you think you’d be able to get them a few invites to the CFP dinner?”

Theresa slumps back and ends up leaning into my side instead of pulling away. She simply pulls her phone out and starts scrolling at the table.

“You want me to get a bunch of art dealers invited to a financial partners dinner?” I raise a brow and hope he realises just how suspicious this will sound.

He glides his tongue across his teeth before grinning. “Yes, that’s exactly what I want you to do. And I want you to convince your brother that this year’s dinner should be in Monaco, too. I think it would be a wonderful opportunity for you to introduce them to a few of your contacts.”

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