"Do you? Because from where I'm sitting, you're starting to forget." He softens slightly. "I'm not trying to be an ass. I'm trying to protect you. If you get too deep with her and it falls apart, it won't just hurt you. It could affect your position. Giulio could use it against you. Caterina could exploit it. Hell, even the guys might start questioning your judgment."
"They won't."
"They might. If they think you're compromised." He picks up his water again. "Just... be careful. Keep your head clear. Remember why you're doing this."
"To avoid marrying Caterina Bellandi."
"Exactly. Not to fall for the girl you bought to avoid marrying Caterina Bellandi."
The words hit harder than they should.
Because he's right.
I am getting attached.
I am treating this like it's real.
But the problem is I have no idea how to stop.
"The plan's solid," Matteo says, clapping my shoulder. "Just stick to it. Use her for the party, convince Giulio and Caterina, and then figure out the next steps. Don't let it get messy."
"It won't."
"Good." He heads back toward the living room. "Now come on. I want to win back what she took from me."
I follow, but his words echo in my head.Attachment is a liability.
I know that. I've always known that.
So why can't I seem to care?
Back at the table, the game continues. Bianca wins two more hands, and I can see the respect growing in the guys' eyes. Even Enzo, who's notoriously hard to impress, nods approvingly when she takes a particularly large pot.
"Last hand," Matteo announces around midnight. "Bianca and Dante, you're tied for the lead. Winner takes all."
I look at Bianca. She's flushed from the wine, her eyes bright with competition, that guarded expression she usually wears softened by the evening's success.
She looks happy.
When have I ever seen her happy?
"What do you say?" I lean closer. "One more round?"
"With stakes?"
"Always." An idea forms. "If I win, you wear whatever I pick for the next two weeks. No arguments."
"And if I win?"
"You get to ask me for one thing. Anything. And I have to say yes."
The table goes quiet.
"That's a dangerous bet," Matteo says, echoing my earlier thoughts. "She could ask for her freedom."
"She could," I agree, my eyes never leaving Bianca's. "But she won't."
"How do you know?"
