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From the spacious terrace, you could look directly at the sea. Low bushes and trees nestled into the rocky landscape, so I wasn't even sure if it was a sandy beach or if everything was just sharp-edged stones.
The terrace was closed off at the end by an infinity pool. Tonight it lay quietly, but I could imagine Fiero's siblings using it and keeping him busy.
Fortunately, he had shielded me from my father's eyes and discreetly brought me to the small circle formed by Emilio, Dario, and two women. As was Natale, the only one who made no secret of his disinterest in the whole event, Carlotta was also in the immediate vicinity.
Emilio's gaze darkened when he realized I had shown up without his brother. I looked at him apologetically, letting him know with a glance that I had no idea if Vincenzo would join us.
Not a good thing. After all, I felt my father's presence at my back. I was sure he was just waiting for the right opportunity to make a fuss. He would hold Emilio responsible, and he would have no choice but to screw his brother.
"I guess Carlotta should have enrolled in fashion studies after all," Dario commented, glancing at the satin dress.
His sister commented with a less than enthusiastic snort. "No way."
While the men appeared in suits, the other women had also opted for dresses. Thus, I no longer stood out so much in the crowd and immediately felt more comfortable, even if the company I enjoyed made most people at least nervous.
Dario's hand was loosely around Gia's waist, while Flavia had one arm draped on Emilio's shoulder. Natale was leaning against the terrace railing, and Carlotta was busy staring into her phone. Fiero stood next to me, watching over my head the other people present, none of whom had yet dared come near us.
Not even my father, who was staring in our direction from the other end of the terrace.
"And my brother is sulking at home?" Dario asked casually, a twinkle in his eye.
It probably amused him that Vincenzo, of all people, behaved like that.
I raised my shoulders. "Honestly, I have no idea what he's up to."
The answer was clear enough and made it evident where Vincenzo and I stood. Far, far in the off.
"Maybe I should have personally made him get his ass over here after all," Emilio muttered but didn't let his anger show. You could only hear it in his voice.
"In the end, it's his decision," I replied with a shrug.
At the same moment, I felt the mood on the terrace change. As if everyone present had been waiting for something to happen.
Emilio raised his head, an amused grin on his lips as he stared past me.
I turned my head to see Vincenzo hurry down the stairs from the villa to the terrace. He unbuttoned his jacket, came purposefully toward us, and before I knew what was happening, his arm was around my waist. He pulled me to his side, kissed me on the cheek, and then turned to face me.
"Sorry for the delay. I had a few things to do," he announced and smiled.
He smiled.
What had gotten into him? Was this how he imagined the perfect show for my father? The words stuck in my throat.
"Was one of those things finding your balls again?" Dario asked provocatively and just loud enough for our little group to hear.
Vincenzo raised an eyebrow, still that damned smile on his lips. Had he taken drugs to survive the evening? Mood enhancers? It already overwhelmed me that he had shown up at all. And now he was showing off his best mood while keeping me close to his side as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
"Is there a reason you worry so much about other men's balls, Dario?" Vincenzo asked, a teasing undertone in his voice.
The latter shrugged his shoulders. "I just wanted to make sure Amedea could enjoy the whole package."
"Cute," I replied before Vincenzo could say anything. "But an unwarranted concern."
The grip around my waist tightened for a second.
Oops. Had I just accidentally revealed a secret? He didn't deserve it any other way. With a sugary smile, I looked up, knowing he could say absolutely nothing in return. After all, my father was present, and he certainly didn't want to jeopardize the entire spectacle.
"Well, ladies and gentlemen, I won the bet with that," Natale intervened, stepping forward with his hands outstretched.
