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That’s the first message.Not a, “Did you make it there safe?” “How was your flight.” “Text me that you made it.” No? None of that? Of course not.
The following text is a photo of Alex and me on the red carpet from earlier tonight. How on earth did that get out so fast? I bet it was the Italian publications.
The whole world knows you are sleeping with the enemy. The Costa family knows you are sleeping with the enemy.
And there goes the third message.
I honestly believe the international Costas don’t give two fucks, and they probably have no clue Alex is a Matani. And haven’t the Matanis sizzled down since my father was poisoned? No one brings them up, and Alex has totally denounced them.What is the fucking big deal?If anything, Mateo should be worried about the status of my heart. He should be checking in like, “Hey, what are you doing with that man who broke your heart, sis?” Alex didn’t kill our father; some asshole he’s related to did—supposedly. Nothing’s been confirmed because nothing can be confirmed. It’s the mob!
And the fourth message,Take heed, little sis, or we’ll get involved.
I hate threats.
“You okay?”
Alex’s question shoots a bolt through my body. I’m not sure if it was the suddenness of his question or the sensuality in his voice that sent the bolt.
“Um…we can talk later.”
I step from his release and ask the bartender for whiskey on the rocks. If there’s one thing my brothers can make me do without them knowing is drinking. Ugh. They’re so toxic.
Kilo was too drunk that he took up space in one of the guest rooms. Alex and I head up the stairs, applauding ourselves for not allowing jet lag to take over yet. But I can feel that I’m more tipsy than I want to be. My thighs feel like jello, and there’s an easy sway to my walking that happens when I drink too much.
It’s five AM British time, only midnight back at home. I guess this is why I’m not particularly sleepy. Mentally, I fought myself to not grab another drink before the bartender left. So, I place my energy on the obvious.
“Listen, word is already out about us. Mateo texted me demanding I go home or he’ll get involved.”
Alex snickers, shrugging it off with a forced yawn.
“I thought their lives were exciting. Isn’t there a real target out there for them?”
“Apparently, pictures of us from the dinner hours ago are already out! Like, how?”
“The power of the Costas.” Alex spins around.
In his grand carpeted hallway, I stand with my back to my sliding bedroom door. He does the same with his, so now we’re facing each other. This is awkward as we mock the typical “say goodnight” moment a couple finds themselves in after a date.
“Well…I don’t want to imagine the worst situation, but I know—-“
“You feel like we need to be cautious? Should I hire security? Did you even respond to them?” Alex’s questions pour out with impatience.
I shake my head no, “I don’t know what to say or what the best thing I should say.”
“Do you think their words hold weight this far away?”
He folds his arms against his silver suit’s chest. The top half of his shirt is unbuttoned, revealing his tanned upper chest.
“I’m not sure what my brothers will try.”
My brothers are used to my quick fire-back responses, but I’m not sure if they’ll listen to them.
“Don’t worry about it then.”
“Easy to say, but —“
“What’s the worst thing they’d do? I doubt they’ll be violent. I mean, I could be absolutely wrong but what? Disown you?”
“I’m not sure. I stay away from their madness. I have nothing to do with their capabilities or history or whatever. I know they bark a lot, not sure how they bite.” I shrug, lifting my hand to my mouth.
