Page 76 of Matteo
“Do I even want to know?” he asked, and Gianna shook her head. “Then I won’t ask.” My twin finally disappeared inside. “About your Jeep, Arianna?—”
I groaned. “You sure Dad doesn’t need me inside too?”
He chuckled.
“Count yourself lucky that he doesn’t,” he remarked dryly. “But seriously, the top down and wind in your hair makes for an easy target. I taught you better. No?”
“You did,” I agreed. “I promise you that I didn’t take unnecessary risks. The roads were empty, and I kept an eye on my surroundings at all times.”
“Besides, nobody would have been able to catch up to her,” Gianna deadpanned.
“Not even her own guardian angel from up above could have caught her,” Penelope chimed in.
I groaned. “You two are not helping, and if you continue this, you’ll have to hitch a different ride back.”
They both laughed, knowing it was an empty threat.
“Ari is one of the best drivers I know.” My heartbeat sped up at the familiar voice and my stomach did a few somersaults. I looked over my shoulder, oxygen escaping my lungs at the sight of Matteo’s tousled dark hair and powerful frame.
“Matteo,” I breathed. “You’re here already.”
He nodded, then gave me a pointed look. “I took my bike.”
“I sure hope none of these girls have been on that thing.” Uncle Luca’s eyes sharpened on him.
I smiled and answered before Matteo could. “Of course not. I would never let my family take such a risk.”Only me.
“I’d never let any harm come to Ari.”
Uncle Luca’s gaze flicked between us curiously, but he didn’t say anything further.
“It’s nice seeing you, Matteo,” Aunt Margaret greeted him, concern etched on her face while she glanced between us. “I didn’t think you could get taller, but you’ve proven me wrong.”
Aware of Uncle Luca’s sharp gaze on me, I excused myself, my heart racing. I was barely inside the Vitale manor when Matteo caught up to me, slipping his hand into mine.
“Jesus, are you trying to get us caught?” I hissed.
He swept his eyes over my face, concern etched in his brow. “We’re adults, and we’re not doing anything wrong.”
I let out a heavy sigh, then forced a smile. “I haven’t talked to Hannah yet.”
Disappointment flashed in his eyes and a darkness rippled beneath his voice when he said, “She’s bound to learn sooner or later. Unless you’re planning to change your mind.”
“Of course not,” I said, ignoring the stupid flutter in my chest. I stopped walking, ducking underneath the marble steps that led upstairs, then faced him. “I will tell Hannah everything soon, I promise.”
“I’ll hold you to that promise.” Matteo leaned his forearm against the wall above my head, those bulging biceps cocooning me into a world of our own.
I tossed my hair over my shoulder and pasted on a brash smile. “Or what?”
His eyes pierced mine. “You trying to provoke me, Ari?”
“Why would I ever do that?” I blinked up at him, the picture of innocence.
“Maybe because you want to kiss me?”
“Nope,” I lied.
Anticipation climbed in my chest when he leaned forward, his gaze dropping to my lips. “Or do you need to be punished?”
