Page 44 of Blood Money

People filtered in until the theater was full, and before I knew it, the lights dimmed, and the screen came to life. I was so excited because I’d been waiting for this movie all summer. Yeah, maybe it was considered a kids’ movie, but I loved animated movies. They were a close second to the Harry Potter movies, though.

About twenty minutes in, my heart started to gallop—Vittorio had rested his hand on my leg. Though the touch was innocent enough, it sent flames licking across my skin. His entire focus was on the screen, but he drew lazy circles on the inside of my thigh. I didn’t think he was trying to be sexual, but Jesus H. Christ, he was driving me crazy. The moisture pooling between my legs was almost embarrassing.

My breathing grew ragged, and a tiny shudder rippled through me.

By the time the credits rolled, I was a mess. I’d missed most of the movie because I was too distracted by the light, yet searing brush of Vittorio’s fingertips.

“What did you think?” he asked me as we shuffled out of the theater.

“It was great,” I squeaked before clearing my throat and repeating my reply.

He paused, but his brothers kept going. I turned to him to question why we’d stopped, but he quickly answered my unspoken thoughts.

“You okay?” His forehead pinched between his brows as he scanned my face.

“Yeah, I’m great,” I lied.

Appearing satisfied by my reply, he softly smiled, and we caught up the rest of his brothers.

“I’m gonna walk Kendall home. You okay with the double-trouble twins?” Vittorio asked Alessio.

“Yeah, I promised them we’d stop for ice cream on the way home.”

“Cool. See you later,” he told them.

Alessio gave him a nod, and the twins waved.

“Bye, guys! Thanks for joining me for my birthday!” I called out to them as they turned to walk away.

“Happy birthday!” the two youngest boys yelled. “And don’t let Vittorio spank you!” one of them tacked on, causing them both to giggle.

Vittorio choked as he tried to hold in his amusement, and I knew my face was bright red. Alessio just laughed his ass off.

“Jesus,” Vittorio muttered with a soft chuckle. “Let’s go. I have a quick stop to make.”

“Okay,” I murmured as he took my hand and we headed toward my grandmother’s.

A few blocks away, he cut through an alley and knocked on a door. When an older lady answered it, she immediately smiled.

“Vittorio! This must be your young lady,” she exclaimed with a heavy Italian accent. I wondered if she knew my nonna. They looked to be close in age. Maybe she was his grandma.

“It is. Mrs. Bianchi, this is my girlfriend, Kendall. Kendall, this is Mrs. Bianchi. She and her husband own the flower shop I deliver flowers for.”

The woman snorted and gave him a stern stare before she smiled and looked me over with a twinkle in her dark eyes. “Miss Kendall, it’s a pleasure.”

“Yes it is. It’s very nice to meet you, ma’am.”

“Aw! She’s so polite. You did good, Vittorio,” Mrs. Bianchi told him conspiratorially, though I was right there. I smiled. “Oh! You want your package.”

Mrs. Bianchi turned from the door, and I heard her rustling around. Then she appeared again with a small bouquet and a big gift bag.

Vittorio accepted them with a grin. “Thanks, Mrs. B.”

“Anytime. Kendall, don’t you be a stranger. Stop by the shop anytime. Oh, and happy birthday!” she told me.

“Thank you.” The corners of my mouth lifted happily.

She gave us a wave and closed the door. I heard the lock turn and the sound of footsteps going up the stairs.

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