Page 18 of Can't Always Get What You Want

Luca grins, unfazed, and folds his arms across his broad chest. "Go for it."

I raise a finger. "First, my brother finds out and murders you."

His smile widens. "You’re adorable."

I ignore his compliment. "Second, he murdersme.”

“False. I would defend your honor and he wouldn’t get through me. I feel like my odds would be decent.”

I shake my head, feigning exasperation. "Fine. Third reason—this thing, whatever it is, goes south. We end up avoiding each other, making everything unbearably awkward, and ruining any chance of pretending this never happened."

Luca doesn’t even blink. "Counterpoint: what if itdoesn’tgo south? What if we don’ttellanyone? No pressure, no expectations—just us seeing where this goes without the whole world knowing."

I hesitate. "Are you suggesting we sneak around?"

His smirk returns, slow and deliberate. "I’m suggesting we don’t make a big deal out of it. You’re a big girl—there’s no need to involve your brother."

I stare at him, incredulous. "Youcannotseriously think that’s a good idea."

Luca shrugs. "Why not?"

"Uh, because secrets always come out? Because I don’t want to be somebody’s dirty little secret? Take your pick." I cross my arms, too. "If wedoget caught, I get to deal with my brother’s wrathandlook like an idiot.”

“No one would ever accuse Nova Montagalo of being an idiot.”

I snort. “My brother would. Andhas.”

“He’sthe idiot.” Luca exhales through his nose as he gathers his thoughts. "It’s not about hiding you. It’s about keeping other people out of our business—this is our business and no one else’s. You shouldn’t have to deal with—" He gestures vaguely. "Drama.”

4

luca

“Why did you come here if you don’t want to date me? Free food?” The words slip out of my mouth before I can think them through, and the second they do, I know I’ve screwed up.

Nova’s brows shoot up. "Wow. Okay."

I drag a hand down my face."That’s not what I meant."

Her expression shifts, something unreadable flickering behind those beautiful, sharp eyes.

"You think I came here for free food?"

I shake my head quickly. "No, that’s not?—"

"Because I can buy myowndamn food, Luca," she cuts me off, tone flat.

She is not amused…

I groan. "Iknowyou can buy your own food, Nova. I meant—" I exhale, trying to untangle the knot of frustration in my chest. "Look, you’re the one arguing against this. You don’t want to keep things quiet, you don’t think this is a good idea—so why are youhere?"

"Because youaskedme to be here." She takes a slow sip, like she’s unbothered, but I can see the way her fingers tense around the glass.

"That’s not an answer," I say, watching her closely.

She lifts a shoulder. "It’s the only one you’re getting."

I decide to say more shocking shit becausewhy not? Nova is already riled up, and I like seeing her like this—cheeks flushed, eyes shining, expression between amusement and exasperation.

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