Page 89 of Masked Hearts

“Yeah, when I spoke to him he told me about how Antonio almost beat the shit out of him at the apartment when they were there,” she says.

“Since when do you and Kylian speak?” I furrow my brows.

“Theá, I gotta go, my dad is calling. I’ll call you again soon,” she says before ending the call.

I stare at the screen and contemplate what just happened. Eleanor is weird, but this is a new level even for her.

I hop out of bed, head to Antonio’s cupboard, and grab a t-shirt. It’s big enough to reach mid-thigh, perfect for around the house.

As I jog down the stairs, the smell of coffee takes over my senses. But as I get closer, voices come into earshot.

“What is this?” Antonio asks as I round the corner into the kitchen. I spot a small black box on the island and Augustus dressed in a leopard print shirt and jeans.

“Good morning, Theá,” he says, and Antonio shoots him a look.

“You guys just love showing up unannounced,” I say, walking over and offering him a side hug.

“Actually, he did say he was popping by; I just didn’t know it would be this early,” Antonio says. I stand next to him, accepting my iced vanilla latte from him.

“I figured I wouldn’t be interrupting anything, although…judging from you wearing a Luminoso Moda t-shirt four sizes too big for you, I assume I am.” He chuckles. “I just wanted to drop these off before the CFP dinner this weekend.”

“What is it?” I ask. Antonio opens the box and lifts two black lace printed masquerade masks.

“Masks?” Antonio asks, looking at Gus.

“Yes, we’re doing a masquerade theme, and it’s more of a ball this year, too. Since it’s here in Monaco, we decided to go big or go home,” Augustus beams. “Oh, and we’re all matching; that’s why I’m delivering these.”

“Who is we?” I ask, taking one of the masks from Antonio and holding it up to my face.

“Vitales and their plus ones, us, Ambrose, Val, Mattia, Adriano, and Nat.”

“Is Sel coming?” I ask.

“I’m not sure. I don’t think so, she mentioned something about prep for fashion week.” He shrugs.

“I’m going to head down to give Mattia his, don’t forget to wear them.” He points at Antonio. “No entry without a mask, pass the message on to your guests,” he adds before stepping into the elevator.

“Ciao.”

“Bye,” Antonio and I say in unison.

“Well, I’m going to have to change my dress now,” I say, gazing at the mask.

“Time to go shopping.” Antonio smirks.

Chapter thirty-two

Antonio

MyexpectationfortheCFP dinner was incredibly high, especially considering the new location, but it’s been such a drag. It usually is, and we’re doing just as much shmoozing as we usually do, but for some reason, it feels more exhausting.

I don’t know if it’s the fact that I have more eyes on me because of Theá or because my anxiety is on high alert as I wait for Gabriel to make his appearance. Maybe it's because every single client I haven’t been able to see for the last year suddenly needs to speak to me, and my dear brothers are conveniently nowhere to be found.

I have not had a single second to myself, or for Theá, since we got here.

Although, I’m not sure she’s noticed my absence—the girls seem to be keeping her occupied. I’ve seen them chatting and walking around taking pictures, completely disregarding everyone else—Ambrose included, who now happens to be sulking at our table.

Theá’s eyes catch mine, and they soften slightly as she juts out her bottom lip in a pout. Maybe she did notice, after all.

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