Tristano dips his head in acknowledgment. “Those of us, who don’t offer their dick on a platter to every woman they meet, have to strategize if they want to make an impression.”
He winks at me and I press my lips together to keep from laughing. This is a delightful side to Tristano I never expected to exist, let alone, witness. Rafael rolls his eyes and tugs me close, wrapping his arm around my waist.
“And those people whose dicks are too small to fill said platter, should shut the hell up.” Rafael glances at me and frowns. “I wouldn’t have brought you if I’d known Tristano was going to bust my balls because of it.”
I shrug. “If your dick can fill a platter, I’m sure your balls will be just fine.”
A bark of laughter has both of us craning our necks to look over our shoulders. Tristano clears his throat and smirks; with that expression, I can more than see the family resemblance.
Rafael’s lips twitch with suppressed amusement and he shakes his head. He leads me to a formal dining room that’s large enough to be considered a ballroom and the table easily seats twenty people. However, there are only two.
And I know one of them.
“Emilia?”
I blink several times to make sure my vision is clear, but the lovely woman getting to her feet is definitely Emilia Caruso. She gives me a small smile and her astute green eyes peruse me from head to toe. Next to her is Maximus Silvestri and unlike my friend, he does not appear happy to see me.
He takes hold of her wrist when she takes a step and the two of them share a look. Whatever transpires between them has his hardened features softening as he stares up at her. Maximus sweeps his thumb over the skin of her inner wrist right before he releases her, mouthing something I can’t discern. Emilia’s cheeks blossom with color and when she brings her gaze back to me it’s full of lingering tenderness.
For him.
Seeing her after two years is enough of a surprise, but seeing her gazing lovingly at Maximus, and him staring at her as if she’s his reason for living? I’m floored.
Rafael takes charge and guides me over to the couple with his hand on the small of my back. When I reach Emilia, I’m overcome with emotion. After a moment’s hesitation, I throw my arms around her. Maximus watches me like a hawk and I make a face at him over Emilia’s shoulder, then dismiss him.
Emilia was my friend before she became his… What is she to him?
“I’m so glad to see you,” I whisper, my throat clogging up.
She nods. “It’s the same for me.”
We pull apart and I take her hands in mine. “How have you been? You look wonderful.”
Her gaze flits to Maximus behind me and then back to me. “I’m Mrs. Silvestri now.”
My eyes widen until they’re almost as large as the plates on the table. “Get the fuck out! What? When?”
Rafael taps his chin and lifts his brows. “Carina, your mouth is literally hanging open.”
Emilia’s smile grows wider when I snap my jaw closed. “It’s a simple explanation, really. Maximus kidnapped and married me.”
“What?!” I shriek.
Rafael slaps a hand to his forehead. “Do I need to gag you?”
I make a face at him. “I’m sorry,” I say to Emilia. “This is…unexpected.” I glance at her hand, noting her wedding band, then drag my gaze to her face. She’s beaming, absolutely glowing.
Emilia’s in love.
And if I had to guess, I’d say Maximus cares for her deeply or he’s just as bewitched by her as she is by him.
A pang of jealousy hits me in the stomach, momentarily stealing my breath. I’m truly happy for my friend and her situation. If anyone deserved to have a loving marriage, it’s her. There’s no way I would’ve been convinced that her marrying a made man would turn out well, let alone, become something to be coveted. Yet, here they are and it’s undeniable.
I just wish I could have the same.
“Congratulations,” I say weakly, all but forcing the words from my throat. “I wish you two all the best.”
Emilia squeezes my hands in a show of support and thanks. “We should talk soon.”
