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“You’re in love,” he repeats, staring hard at me, before looking at Allegra.
She’s stiff by my side. I feel her staring at me, but I don’t return the look. Instead, I take her hand and yank her closer, then drape my arms across her shoulders. I wait for her to say something, to object, to tell Renzo that it’s not true, but she keeps her mouth shut. Only remains like a statue at my side, touching me only as much as necessary.
“I know it’s sudden, but the heart wants what the heart wants.” I flash him a knowing smile. “Like I said, this shouldn’t change your plans.”
He leans forward and pushes himself to his feet. He’s not looking at me anymore—his eyes glare into Allegra. “Is this true? Do you love my brother?”
She doesn’t move. Barely reacts. I feel her breath quicken. “I think—” she starts then stops herself.
“You think?” he prompts, looking skeptical.
“Yes,” she says, blurting out the word like she’s clearing blood from her throat. “Yes, I do.”
Good girl. I’ll pay for this later. I can tell she’s livid, but I’m hoping it’s coming off as embarrassment to Renzo.
He watches us for a few more seconds before shaking his head. The disappointment is etched into every inch of his body. “We’ll have to tell Saul.”
And that’s when I know I’ve got him. When he uses thatwe. He’s talking like he’s a part of the story now, and even if he doesn’t realize it yet, I know he’ll back this play.
All because of true love.
If only he knew. Allegra despises me to her very core, and this is only going to make it worse.
But it’s necessary.
“We should do it now,” I prompt him. “If we wait, it’ll only be worse.”
He combs his fingers through his hair. “You’re right. Fuck, Gian, I never would’ve expected this from you. All those years out in Vegas and I never once heard of you with a woman. Now suddenly, you two are married and apparently in love.”
I clear my throat as Allegra frowns up at me. “What can I say? The heart wants what the heart wants.”
“Stay here. Saul’s with Carlo right now, but I’ll bring them in and we’ll discuss what the hell we’re going to do.”
I grunt in reply as Renzo leaves. The moment he’s out of the room, Allegra pulls away.
“What the hell were you thinking?” she snarls at me, putting space between us. “You told him we’re in love.”
“Yes, I’m aware of that.”
“We’re not evenclose. What the fuck, Gian?”
“It’s the only way. Renzo needs a reason for why we’re doing this, and nothing else makes any sense. We can’t exactly tell him the truth, right? And he’s a sucker for a love story right now.”
“This isn’t a love story,” she says through her teeth. “I barely tolerate you. And don’t you dare mention what happened on the plane.” She jabs a finger into my chest. “You knew you were going to say that the whole time, didn’t you?”
“Yes, I did.”
“And you didn’t think to run it by me first?”
“You would’ve refused and ruined this whole thing. Nice job catching yourself and playing along, by the way.”
“You’re infuriating.” She rubs her face with both hands. “God, I can’t believe I’m doing this.”
“Don’t forget why you’re really here.” My voice is soft and level. “Freedom from the families. An actual future of your own.”
“Yeah, I know. That’s the only reason I haven’t tried to kill you yet.” She continues staring with pure loathing at me.
But before she can say more, the door flies open. I turn in surprise as Saul storms into the room. Fury’s burning in his eyes as he approaches, his whole body telegraphing what’s going to happen next. Carlo chases in after him, a warning on his tongue, but it doesn’t matter.
