“For the foreseeable future.” He switched topics before I could fight him. “Still don’t know why you’d want this expired one when I could get you anything you wanted.”
I smirked, looking better at the two boxes, and mumbled, “Perfume doesn’t expire. I don’t care.”
“Good thing it’s not expired then. I contacted the company and had it specifically made for you.”
“You did?”
“I just thought you would like to have both.”
I looked at Matteo’s eyes and felt my own soften.
He looked at me the same way he had that night in Hawaii when we saidgoodnightat my door. It hurt me in the chest.
Clearing my throat, I put the gift bag down. “This doesn’t change how I feel.”
Matteo nodded. “Thought you’d say that.”
Without hesitation, he pulled out his phone and turned it to me. I frowned, watching some type of security footage. Then, realized it was of when I came at his club and saw…
I watched myself in the video leave. A mere moment later, the woman walked over to Antonio, my younger brother who I hadn’t even realized was there this morning, and kissed his neck.
Another blush crept up my neck, but this one was from embarrassment. Maybe I’d overreacted…
Shyly, I glanced back up at Matteo as he put his phone away.
“She’s the manager at the club. And she’s hooking up with Tony.” His face was serious. “I have never –would never– look at anyone else, baby.”
“Why?” I looked up at him through my lashes. “We’re just fake married.”
Matteo’s eyes softened as he shook his head. “Baby, there’s nothing fake about this.”
“There’s not?”
He chuckled. “You, Francesca DeMone, are a girlfriend.”
“I am?”
“Mine.” Matteo brought my hand to his mouth and kissed my knuckles. “I’m sorry I didn’t make my intentions clearer. I thought making you my wife would be obvious enough.”
I laughed at that, shaking my head. He could always put a positive spin on anything. Even this fake marriage.
Taking a deep breath, I looked into his eyes.
He really was nice. Thoughtful and kind too. Protective and soft spoken. Never raised his voice or insulted others. Could be so sweet and lovable when he wanted to.
And I’d hurt himintentionallyfor no reason.
I bit my cheekhard, to stop myself from reacting.
Matteo frowned, noticing immediately, and cupped my face in his hand. “Don’t do that.”
I bit my cheek harder, but a soft sob escaped me, nonetheless. Followed by many more tears.
Matteo’s arms were around me within moments, pulling me into him and holding me tight, one hand cupping the back of my head.
“Mi amor, what’s wrong?” His voice was full of concern.
“I’m sorry. What I said. It’s not true. I didn’t mean it.”
