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“And what’s more important, you’ve got the heart to match your beauty. He might be a total douchebag, and not even his looks can redeem him.”
That makes me chuckle.
“Seriously, Ella, look at yourself,” she continues, pulling me in front of the full-length mirror in her room. “You are stunning. You have the face of an angel, innocent yet alluring. Your skin is like flawless cream and so soft. And your hair… angelic.”
I roll my eyes some more at her.
“Will you stop rolling your eyes at me!” Rhia elbows me in the ribs.
“I’m sorry. I just can’t help myself. You’re being ridiculous,” I tease. “Rhia, I’m aware I’m pretty, but angelic… come on.”
“You know, if I was Christian Grey, you would have spankings coming your way all day, every day. Your butt would always be red. You wouldn’t be able to sit down,” she tries to say with a stern expression, but failing miserably, making me laugh.
“I mean it, El. You are angelic with your golden blonde hair,” she insists. “Especially if you’re standing right next to me. With my red locks, I’m like the devil… minus the horns and a lot more attractive,” she winks.
“And then you top it off with your eyes. One gaze into their ocean blue depth and the man is a goner. He doesn’t stand a chance.”
She smiles lovingly at me. “Actually, he’s a goner already. The flowers are proof.”
Tiero’s penetrating eyes pop into my mind, and I blush at the memory. Maybe it’s me who’s already a goner.
The joy wafting off Rhia is contagious, and I marvel at my friend’s easygoingness. She always finds the good in every situation. I admire how she’s able to enjoy every moment, carefree and going for what she wants, unafraid and unapologetic.
I so love this girl.
Unconcerned about what others might think of her, she always finds her way.
I’m so fortunate to have her in my life, knowing she always has my back one hundred percent. And I have hers, always, no matter what.
Rhia goes to the mini-fridge and retrieves the bottle of champagne we bought earlier in the day.
“A glass of bubbly will help settle your nerves,” she says as she pours the sparkly liquid into the tea mugs provided by the hotel.
“Very stylish,” I say as I take my cup from her.
“Here is to our first dinner with the Italian gods.” She raises her cup and clinks it with mine.
“As opposed to the last supper.” I comment dryly, and we burst out laughing.
“We so should see that painting one day. For now, though, let’s hope this won’t be our last supper. I have plans for Lex when I finally talk to him,” Rhia replies just as the dreaded knock sounds on the door.
They’re here.
Chapter Seven
Ella
Myheartleapsintomy throat at the sound.
It’s seven o’clock on the dot. They’re perfectly punctual. It's most unusual for a country where being on time doesn’t appear to be a priority. As soon as we landed in Sicily, we learned to be patient and be prepared for delays. The laid-back nature of the people here is something I could get used to.
As if by magic, Zoe appears behind us. She looks stunning. Then again, she always does… and, as expected, provocative.
If I thought my neckline was plunging, it’s nothing compared to Rhia’s little sister’s. The front of her golden mini dress drops all the way down to her belly button, exposing the insides of her breasts to make your mouth water. If that’s the effect on me, those men waiting in the corridor don’t stand a chance.
Annoyance creeps in… and worry. Worry that Tiero’s attention suddenly will go to her.
Rhia reads my mind. “Zoe Iris Bannaghan. I can’t believe you! This is Ella’s gig, not yours! Go change,” she says sternly, pointing at Zoe’s room.
