Page 76 of Masked Hearts

Once we’re on the rooftop, we have a perfect view of the track for the national anthem, which happens to be sung by none other than Natalia herself. Adriano conveniently has to get a video of the one Monegasque driver, who happens to be right next to Natalia the entire time.

Then it’s lights out and bedtime for me. If it weren’t for the DJ, unlimited bar, and buffet, I would’ve fallen asleep on one of these big beanbag-like chairs, especially with the way Theá is playing with my hair. Her nails graze the back of my neck as they tangle through my curls, and it’s the most euphoric feeling.

“Theá, let’s go take some pictures over there,” Nat says, and Theá’s movements stop.

I groan out a throaty sound in protest as my eyes flash open to hers. Her eyes are pleading, and a part of me knows it’s because this is one of the first real female friendships she’s had aside from her sister. Without any further hesitation, I sit upright and nod, gesturing for her to follow after Nat.

She beams and suddenly my stomach twists. I want to give her anything and everything she wants just for her to keep smiling at me like that. A part of me was nervous about how the girls would treat her considering the circumstances, but also because of everything that happened with Valerie. I’m relieved to see they’re getting along well.

“Here you go,” Mattia says as he hands me a drink.

“What is it?” I sniff the cup.

“It’sFirestrike, that one energy drink that sponsors a team, and vodka.”

I scrunch my face in disgust.

“I promise it’s not bad, at least that’s what the bartender said.” Mattia points over at the small promo stand where he received the drinks, and immediately I know why my cousin has suddenly decided to drinkFirestrikeand vodka as an Italian millionaire.

I take a sip and grimace slightly. God, it’s awful. I can’t believe we’re watching the race like some basic celebrities when we could’ve been on a yacht in the marina, watching from a more luxurious and comfortable angle. Especially with fewer people—and fewer drivers who are trying to flirt with my wife. More time with her without any distractions.

I watch Theá from across the room as she giggles and poses with Nat. “Promise me something,” I say to Mattia, drawing his attention up from his phone.

“As long as it’s not any of my body parts, sure.”

“Even if we can’t get her out, just make sure she’s safe for me.”

It’s his turn to look at the girls, and he nods slowly. “I promise, I’ll do anything I can to keep her safe.”

“Thank you.”

“So what changed? And when did it change? When did you fall for her?” His questions come out rushed.

“It’s not falling if I’m being dragged down.” I smirk as I repeat the words she once said to me. “I think at the concert with Val and Ambrose, but a part of me always knew. She feels comfortable, like coming home. Everything is natural, easy…”

“Comfortable, huh? What about how you felt about Val?”

“I’ll always love Val, but I’m notinlove with her—and I don’t think I ever was. I think I just loved the idea of us, but when I look at her and Ambrose, I know he’sinlove with her.”

“Like you are with Theá?”

I stay silent. I haven’t admitted the depth of my feelings to myself, let alone out loud before.

“I see the way you look at her. It’s the way Ambrose looks at Valerie. It’s the way Augustus looks at designer shoes. Hell, it’s the way I look at food. Even if you don’t want to admit it for whatever reason, it’s love.”

A smile tugs at my lips and his words tug at my heart as I watch her. “Yeah, it might be.”

“There’s only ten laps left, let’s go stand at the finish line,” Adriano says as he walks over to us.

“Do we have to?” I grumble, shifting in my surprisingly comfortable bean bag.I should get one of these for Theá’s library.

“Yeah, we’re heading to dinner after,” Adriano says, and I’m instantly on my feet. Finally, this drag of a day is almost over. Between my brother and Natalia, I haven’t been in Theá’s presence all too much, and I find myself craving it.

I push back my sour mood for the sake of the media and join in all the festivities as Whylde takes home another win, bringing him even closer to his 8th world title. It’s champagne and confetti all around, and even Theá is brimming with joy as if she’s loved this sport all her life. Maybe Formula 1 isn’t all that bad.

Chapter twenty-seven

Theá

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