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He came up beside me, grabbed a glass, and picked out an expensive bourbon. "You know," he said thoughtfully as he poured his drink. "Mira really missed you at graduation."
"She did?" I looked at him from my peripheral vision, not turning to face him for fear that he would see the hope in my eyes.
"Yeah."
"She said that?" I asked skeptically.
"Not in so many words. But her expression when her father told her that you wouldn't be able to be there made it clear."
"I feel bad that Teo and I weren't able to attend. He has other obligations that are taking up his energy and time at the moment."
"It’s obvious Mira cares a lot about you."
"Well, I've known her for a long time. It takes time to build up the kind of relationship we have." I turned to him with a stern expression.
"I imagine so. You are a good friend to her, and your long history must be partly why she considers you as one of her brothers." The way he accentuated the word 'brother' was like twisting a knife in my gut.
My jaw clenched and my hand tightened around my glass, to the point that I was afraid it might break. He knew what he was doing whether he would ever admit it or not. I had to keep my cool or he would win. I drained my glass and carefully placed it on a side table.
I'd been looking so forward to Mira finally returning home for good that I'd ignored the fact that she told me she was dating someone. I knew her father had set up an arrangement for her to date the Sicilian heir and I knew that she had agreed but I never imagined that they would hit it off or that she would bring him home with her.
I needed to get out of there before I did something I would regret. Not because I would regret knocking that smug look off Costa’s face but because I would be doing it in the home of my don, his father, all the higher ups of the family, and wrecking Mira’s celebration. I needed to find a way to excuse myself as quickly as possible without any altercations.
I found Mira, surrounded by guests, all congratulating her, and I worked my way to her until I could finally reach out and give her arm a little squeeze. “I need to head on out.”
“So soon?” Mira's voice had already lost the anger from earlier. She sounded as if she actually wanted me there.
“I got some things I have to take care of. I'll put your present on the table with the rest of them.”
“You aren't going to stay and watch me open it?”
“Nah, it has my name on it. You'll know which one's mine.”
“Nonsense. Come on. I'll open it now before you leave. Surely you can wait a few extra minutes?”
“I suppose.” I led her to a small corner of the room where we could have a moment of privacy and pulled the small jewelry box from my jacket pocket.
I held out the box, wrapped in black wrapping paper with shiny gold ribbon and bow. Mira looked at me curiously as she took the gift in hand. She paused for only a moment before excitedly tearing away the paper and removing the lid to the box, revealing a platinum Scales of Justice pendant encrusted in diamonds.
Mira gasped as she gazed down at it. “Luca, it's perfect.” She looked up at me with a curious expression that I couldn't name, and her smile warmed my heart. “Will you help me put it on?” she said almost breathlessly, and I nodded with a smile before reaching my hand out for the necklace. Mira placed it in my hand, and I twirled my finger to signal for her to turn around, which she did.
I lightly gathered her dark brown curls and placed them over one shoulder. She took the hair and held it up from her neck while I secured the clasp.
I'm not sure why the simple act of moving her hair and placing the necklace on her felt intensely intimate but it was everything I could do to regain my composure when she let her hair fall back down around her shoulders and turn back to face me.
I cleared my throat before speaking. “Bellissima.”
“Thank you. It's really the most thoughtful and beautiful gift.”
“I'm glad you like it.”
“I love it.” Mira took a step toward me, and I felt that familiar pull. It was dangerous for both of us.
I took a step back and forced a smile. “I should go, but I'll see you soon.
“Maybe we can have lunch this week?” Mira asked hopefully.
“I'll see how my schedule is and give you a call.”
