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The chair next to me gets pulled out, and Luigi sits in it. I haven’t seen him since our fight. I inwardly groan because I don’t want to sit next to him any more than I want to sit with my father, but I can’t get up and abandon Kira now.
More of the Sorvinos are arriving now and finding their places, and I simply ignore Luigi. If I don’t talk to him, though, Kira will pick up that there’s tension between us, which might lead to questions that might lead to…
I don’t want to think about it. But as usual, I am worrying about nothing because no one passes any comments. Soon everyone is enjoying the delicious food my family has prepared, and several conversations develop up and down the tables. A shiny metallic green-wrapped box catches my eye. It’s between Luigi and me. He slides it over to me, but Kira notices. “What’s that?”
“Well,” Luigi says as I look at him,” I heard Anastasia dropped her phone the other day and was looking for a new one.”
I furrow my brows and unwrap the quaintly wrapped box to pull out a rose-gold smartphone, an upgrade from my previous one in my favorite color. “Thank you, Luigi. I really appreciate the thought.”
“I had your number ported to this phone, and it’s very secure,” I meet his eyes and know he means the phone can’t be traced.
“Thank you so much,” I grin and put the phone down, returning to my food. Everyone else close to us also continues with their food, but underneath the table, I put my hand on Luigi’s leg. I lean over to him and whisper, “We need to talk.”
“That’s why I gave you the phone,” he whispers. “I’ll call you later.”
I hear my father clear his throat, and I casually move away from Luigi, keeping my hands to myself. After a moment, I glance around the table and see my father drinking some water. He was just clearing his throat, thankfully.
We wrap up lunch, and I put my focus on Kira, chatting to her about the bistro and Bella.
When it’s time to leave, I hug her tightly before following Tori to the car. I stare out the window, lost in thought, when my father asks grumpily, “Why did Luigi Sorvino give you a new phone?”
“I broke mine, and he heard how upset I was about it,” I say, looking at my father calmly. “So he was just doing a nice thing by getting me a new one.”
“I feel like there’s something you’re not telling me,” my father huffs. “What are you keeping secret from me?”
“Every woman needs their secrets,” I comment, looking back out the window.
“You’ll need a date,” my father says, and my head almost whips around to look at him again. “Theater. We’re going to a big show during the week. You will need a date, it’s proper. Pick someone from our family, or even a guard if you prefer. Either is fine as long as you’re under protection.”
“Why not take Luigi?” Tori asks suddenly with a bright smile. I want to laugh at how my father’s eyes widen as she continues, “It could be your thank you for the new phone, taking him out. The man is cultured, believe it or not.”
“I am surprised. I won’t lie,” I smile at her warmly.
“Well…” my father starts to say, but Tori elbows him and gives him a look.
“I mean, if you want to thank him, then he can come. At least he can protect you.” My father looks sulky, and nothing could make me happier.
I spend the rest of the day reading and keeping myself busy. My phone goes off around seven, and I glance at the message. The sender is saved as ‘Italian Stallion’, and I shake my head.
Luigi.
It says he’s ready if I am. I message back to give me a few minutes. I go back into the house and pause where Tori is sitting with a book. “I’m going to turn in early. I’m exhausted and not feeling well.”
“Do you want something?” Tori asks, looking at me. “Is it your stomach?”
“No, just a general feeling of unwell. I’m sure I can sleep it off,” I assure her with a smile.
“Okay, but if you change your mind, just let me know.” She smiles gently. “Sleep well.”
“Night,” I call as I leave the room. I get into my room and lock the door, then move into my bathroom and lock that door.
Confident no one can hear me, but still keeping my voice low, I call my partner in crime.
“Luigi, what have you got?”
“Mateo Catalan is going to be at a charity street party in upper East Harlem this week Friday,” he says quickly. His voice is also quiet though I can’t imagine why. Maybe he is scared like I am.
“I’m supposed to ask you to go to the theater with me on Friday as my date.” Before he can say anything, I add, “It was your sister's idea. A night out to thank you for the phone.”
