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“Is that what you’re calling it?” I asked and tried to get out, but he blocked me. “Real mature.”
“I don’t deserve it,” he said in a low tone that sent a ripple of heat over my skin that made me want to scream. “But thank you in advance for keeping it between us.”
“Don’t go there, Daniel,” I said in a cold voice, and he stepped back, allowing me to get out. I locked my eyes onto his. “You were mistaken the other day—I donotforgive so easily.”
“I know,” he said, of all things.
Agony lashed through my chest. What the hell did that mean? That he knew I wouldn’t forgive him and was glad? Or that he knew that he’d almost had my forgiveness, only to fuck it all up?
I didn’t realize that we were staring at each other until someone cleared their throat and we both jumped, ripping our gazes away. That same someone laughed, and I whipped my gaze around to a tall, gorgeous hunk of an Italian man with a smoldering darkness and olive skin.
Woah. Is that Ty? Lia is withhim?
His lips quirked to the side, and I sensed the deep sensual nature of this man under all the harsh lines, blood legacies, and violence. From once glance, I knew, as Lia must have realized, that he would’ve never have chosen this life if he hadn’t been forced to. And the electric energy that prowled through this man, it matched Lia’s.
Ah, now this all makes sense. They really are perfect for each other.
“Done sizing me up, Sara?” Ty drawled as he slung his hands into his jeans and the wind ruffled his dark hair. My eyes narrowed as I guessed that he was usually a little bit more put together but seemed to have dressed down. Whether that was for my benefit or simply because he’d been busy putting the finishing touches on the studio, I couldn’t say. “I appreciate your help with buying all the supplies and packing up.” His eyes glinted as he glanced at me and then he sauntered closer, leaning down to say in an audible whisper, “And for putting up with Danny.”
“Nice to meet you, Ty,” I said and stuck out my hand. He gave me an amused look and I gave him a sharp smile. “If you don’t mind, please refrain from kidnapping my friend in the future.”
Ty dropped my hand, gaping at me, and I tossed my head. Meanwhile, Daniel made a choked sound of surprise, and I could feel his eyes boring into the side of my head. Then Ty’s eyes crinkled as he threw his head back and laughed, making him seem years younger. My heart softened a little and I could see why Lia had fallen for him.
“I like you,” Ty said with a grin. “Come on in and see the studio, and then I’ll wake up Lia.”
“She’s not up?” I asked as he led me in, and I gaped at the massive entryway. I’d seen nice houses before but not like this,all marble and dark wood, with European flourishes. “God, your house is ridiculous.”
“Ah, I know, it’s a lot,” he said with a sigh. “I inherited it and tried to infuse life into it, you know—make it less of a mafia kingpin hideout.”
I choked on a laugh as Ty led me through the house, pointing out rooms, and then ushered me into the studio. My breath caught as I stepped in, eyes flashing everywhere. I’d been offered some insight, but this was beyond anything I’d expected.
“Wow, Ty,” I said, and turned to him. He had an almost sheepish grin on his face, which made me want to laugh, while Daniel hovered in the shadows and stared at the floor. “I like you, too. You really care about her, huh?”
“I really do,” he said and rubbed the back of his neck. “And I’m sorry this reunion took so long—I’m sorry that we worried you.” He seemed to want to say more and frowned, struggling, which made my heart ache. He’d for sure grown up in an environment where he’d learned to silence himself to survive.
“I get it,” I said. “All in the past.” I offered him a real smile. “Go get Lia, already.”
“Okay,” he said and lit up, going to step by Daniel, and then stopping. He grabbed his cousin’s shoulder and Daniel looked up. “What’s with the face?” He asked in Italian. “You sick? Or did she bust your balls too hard on the way over?”
“Sara speaks Italian, Ty,” Daniel said, and Ty winced. “Yeah. Thanks. Just go get Lia.”
“Fuck, sorry,” Ty said with a trace of laughter in his voice as hurried away.
I turned and ignored him, looking around the room. I was seriously impressed and suddenly couldn’t wait to see Lia. When I turned, thinking I should shut the door, I jolted to see Daniel lingering there, watching me.
Don’t you have anything better to do?A voice snapped in my mind. Out loud, in an even voice, I said, “You should close that door.”
“Yeah,” he said, and he went to close it, then paused. “I’m taking what I can get, Sara.” I stared at him, and he flicked his eyes over me. In a low voice, almost as though he were talking to himself, he murmured, “I wish I could get you out of my head. And my dreams.”
“Bastard,” I snarled, even as my blood heated, and too late I realized the word held more of a challenge than an accusation.
For a moment, I thought Daniel was going to come in and lock the door. But instead, he let out a rough laugh, and pulled the door closed—but not before shooting me a wink.
It suddenly occurred to me that if Lia and Ty were serious, if they were in love as they seemed, then this was a forever kind of deal.My lips parted as I walked over to the door and laid a hand on it, realizing what Daniel had been implying.
As long as Ty and Lia were together, Daniel and I would be thrown into each other’s orbit. Over and over again. No respite.
I turned and leaned against the wall, heart pounding, when suddenly the door burst open. My heart leaped, thinking it was Lia, but instead Daniel was there. Without a word, he spun and looped an arm around me, clapped a hand over my mouth, and dragged me toward the door. I thought I could hear voices in the distance, and I went to smash my head backward into his chin when he whispered in my ear, “Ty thinks this is a better surprise.”
