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Bruno crosses his arms defensively and glares at Vinny. He never messes around when it comes to my safety. My father assigned Bruno as my bodyguard when I turned ten. His father was my mother’s bodyguard, and I love that shared connection. At times, I know he’s bored with the babysitting job, but he never complains about it.
“Gigi Marchetti,” Vinny greets before moving his gaze to Natalia. “And who is this?”
A sour taste seeps up my throat as Vinny stares at her in desire.
“No one,” I instantly say, narrowing my eyes at Vinny’s predatory gaze.
He offers his hand to Natalia. “Vinny Lombardi.”
“Natalia.” She tucks a loose strand of her black hair behind her ear and shakes his hand.
There’s an impulse to slap it away when I notice the interest on her face. I shoot Vinny a hostile look when he releases Natalia’s hand, pulls a card from his pocket, and offers it to her.
“Call me,” he says as she takes the card and plays with it in her hand.
“Absolutelydo notcall him,” I stress, not caring if I piss Vinny off.
Bruno snorts.
Vinny returns my glare and ignores my disrespect.
I’m Cristian Marchetti’s daughter. He won’t dare lay a hand on me.
Natalia, unfortunately, is beaming.
I don’t blame her. Vinny is attractive with jet-black hair, a strong jawline, a body built like a defensive linebacker, and a manipulative face. He carries himself well, flashing his Rolex and gold necklace, and is a pro at sweet talking. If I didn’t know how mentally unstable he was, I might’ve fallen victim to his charm too. My father would’ve killed him for that. Maybe I need to pretend to like him so he stays away from Natalia.
“In fact, I’ll throw it in the trash for you.” When I attempt to swipe the card from Natalia’s hand, she stops me.
“Don’t toss it, and I look forward to talking to you soon,Natalia.” Vinny winks before walking away and placing his order to the woman behind the counter.
My chair makes a scuffing noise on the linoleum floor as I scoot closer to Natalia.
“Don’t call him,” I say in my best warning tone. “I’m serious.”
Natalia twirls the card between her fingers and stares down to read it. “Why? He seems nice.”
“Saying Vinny Lombardi isniceis like saying swimming in an alligator-infested swamp sounds fun. Anyone who knows him knows he’s far from nice.”
Bruno, my favorite wingman, nods in agreement.
She slips the card into her purse while staring dreamily at Vinny.
Noooo.
Natalia is foreign to my world.
Even though we’re friends, my father still forces me to keep her at a distance. He investigated what little family she has. Like me, her mother died when she was young.
As I watch my best friend, I know my warnings are falling on deaf ears. Vinny will lead her to heartbreak or worse—death. I know what just happened at the gelato shop will change all our lives.
6
THREE MONTHS LATER
“Are you aware Vinny is dating Gigi Marchetti’s best friend?” Damien asks me while we’re in my home office.
I pause mid-sip of my Macallan. “Excuse me?”
