Page 13 of Untamed

I take another bite and deliberately lick the dusting of powdered sugar from my lips like it’s the final move in a high-stakes chess match.

“If you want something that bad,” I add, “you better learn to move faster.”

Matteo glances around the table casually. But it’s calculated—I can tell. Then his hazel eyes return to mine, piercing and full of subtext. “I don’t like to lose,” he drawls, “but when I set my sights on something I truly want, Fossette, I don’t quit until it’s mine.”

If I hadn’t already swallowed my bite, I would have choked on it when I feel his fingers lightly graze the side of my bare thigh. His eyes drop to my lips, slow and deliberate.

“But watching you lick the cream off your lips and hearing you moan?” he continues, voice dipping lower. “Made losing worth it.”

Oh. Bloody. Hell.

My face heats like someone lit a fire under my skin, but I refuse to look away. If anything, I lift my chin and meet his gaze head-on.

You want a show, Romeo? I’ll give you one.

I arch a brow, voice smooth and sweet as poison. “Careful now, Matteo. Keep looking at me like that, and I might start charging you.”

His smirk mirrors mine as I lift the croissant to my lips and take another bite—slow, purposeful. I drag my tongue across my bottom lip to catch the last hint of crème like I’m auditioning for an espresso commercial with wildly inappropriate undertones.

He leans in just close enough for his breath to graze my cheek, voice pitched low, meant only for me.

“Then I’d better get my money’s worth, Fossette.”

His tone is playful, but the look in his eyes? That’s not play...it’s intent. And God help me; I’m liking it way too much.

Who even am I?

Because I’m not entirely sure where this sudden burst of boldness came from. Normally, I fumble for my lip balm and run. Today? I’m flirting with my sister’s brand-new stepson over a croissant and powdered sugar in front of a table full of oblivious adults.

To them, we’re just two people making small talk over breakfast. Meanwhile, my entire moral compass is trying to decide if this is reckless, flirtatious, or dangerously brilliant.

Matteo shifts slightly, and now his thigh is pressed just a little closer to mine beneath the table.

When I glance his way, he’s already watching me. His mouth curves into a slow, smug smile that says he caught every single thing I didn’t say aloud.

“Careful, Fossette,” he murmurs. “Keep looking at me like that, and I might think you’re really into this.”

“Then I’d suggest you get your eyes checked,” I reply, elbow on the table, chin resting in my palm, gaze steady. “Because I’m not like the girls who fall at your feet. I actually have a brain. And I’m sorry to break it to you, but it’s going to take more than a wicked smirk and a pair of pretty eyes to win me over, Romeo.”

“Cazzo,” he murmurs.

His smile deepens—lazy, lethal, and entirely too satisfied. “I’m going to enjoy every second of making you eat those words, ragazza bella.”

Then he leans back and casually pops a grape into his mouth like he didn’t just toss my entire emotional equilibrium off a cliff.

It’s a good thing I’m flying home today, because I may have bitten off more than my big mouth can chew.

And note to self: Download Duolingo and learn Italian.Immediately.

“Promise you’ll come visit us all the time?" Bianca says, pulling me into a tight hug. “I’ll go crazy out here all by myself.”

I smile, pressing my chin against her shoulder as I rub her back gently.

“I promise,” I whisper. “Every chance I get.” I squeeze her a little tighter, holding on just a second longer before letting go. “Have an amazing honeymoon.”

Bianca pulls back from our hug, quickly brushing away a tear that escapes down her cheek. Her blue eyes shimmer under the morning sun, a tight smile trembling on her lips as she turns to Mum and Dad.

Mum steps forward first, gathering Bianca into her arms like she’s still her little girl.

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