Page 16 of Blue in the Deep Blue Sea

“Shut the fuck up, or I’ll make you,” he said.

“Are we threatening women now?” I shot back.

“No,” he said evenly. “Justyou.”

He straightened and walked towards me.

“I swear to God, B…” His jaw tightened. “Gabby,” he corrected himself. “Sometimes I want to wrap my hands around that thin neck of yours and…” He lifted his fists in the air, acting it out.

I swallowed.

“B… B…?” I mocked. “Did you forget the name of your best friend’s sister, or has ethanol eaten your brain?”

“No,” he said calmly.

“Do it.” I lifted a brow. “You’re already an expert at destroying the people around you. What’s one more person six feet underground?”

My heart hammered in my chest, but my mouth kept moving, spilling thoughts I’d buried for years. I watched his expression shift. The green in his eyes darkened.

His fingers curled into fists.

“I fucking hate you.” He stepped closer until only a breath separated us. “I fucking hate that tongue of yours.” His voice dropped as he pressed the tip of his finger against my temple. “I hate that you never fucking think before you speak.” His jaw clenched. “I hate that I can’t snap that neck of yours because I care about Gianni. I wish I never fucking met you.”

Hewished he’d never met me.

Why did it still hurt?

“I wish so too,” I said quietly. “And I don’t ever want to see you again.”

“Fine.” He took a step back. “From now on, if we see each other, we go our separate ways.”

“Finally.” I let out a breath. “The only smart thing you’ve said in ten years.”

He scoffed, shoving past me.

“Thank God one of us can think for both of us.”

His friend hurried after him, trailing behind like a lost puppy as they headed towards the restaurant.

“Fuck,” I muttered under my breath.

For once, I wished I’d held my tongue. For once, I could’ve used him to find out more about Gianni. But my damn pride had been stronger than my need to find my brother.

Instead of hating Oliver, I hated myself.

Life always had some plan for me. And somehow, Oliver Sinclair was always standing in the way.

5

SQUALO

My father called again. This time, he begged me to come to his engagement party this afternoon so we could playthe happy family. More than anything, he wanted to satisfy his fiancée by showing off the perfect stepson who had welcomed her into the family in front of everyone.

Well, Dad, I’m not that guy. I’m not going to show up.

Lorenzo sat across the table from me, ordering his usual black squid ink risotto and a glass of dry white wine. His gaze stayed locked on me, scanning every shift in my expression, while mine never left Gabriella.

My fists tightened beneath the table, nails biting into my palms as I watched her take a few hesitant steps back from the port. I knew she was looking for Gianni. It was the only reason she’d come anywhere near the marina. Otherwise, she avoided it at all costs.