He didn’t look at me. Not once.
A chauffeured line of glossy black SUVs idled just beyond the stairs, engines humming, windows tinted to obsidian. A driver in crisp island whites opened the first door for me, and without hesitation, I slipped into the cool leather interior with Kali and Zane.
The others followed in their own pairs, laughter and chatter spilling into separate cars.
And when Matteo reached the last SUV with Tony and Gìo, he climbed in without even a glance in my direction. As though I hadn’t existed on that flight at all.
My jaw tensed.
Fine. That’s how it was going to be. Okay.
The door shut, sealing me in with the soft hum of air-conditioning and the faint trace of plumeria. Outside, the Hawaiian evening burned brighter than any city lights. I fixed my eyes on the horizon, determined –absolutely determined– to let the island’s beauty wash him out of my system.
If anything could.
The boutique smelled faintly of leather and jasmine, clean and decadent, just like everything in Chanel. Morning sunlight spilled through the wide glass windows, catching on sequins and soft silks, making the entire store shimmer like some gilded dream.
We moved between racks of gowns, fingers brushing delicate fabrics – blush satins, ivory chiffons, pearls embroidered into bodices so delicate they looked like they belonged in a museum.
Maria broke the silence first, her voice lilting and sharp all at once. “So… Crazy tension between you and Matteo. What did he do?”
I blinked, pretending to focus on a row of floor-length dresses. “What?”
Natalia stepped closer, lips quirking. “Come on. You really thought we wouldn’t notice?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I muttered, tugging one hanger free only to shove it back too quickly.
Kali folded her arms, her sharp eyes narrowing with amusement. “Everyone can tell something happened. I mean, you two weren’t exactly friends before. But now…”
Maria filled in. “You’re mad at him. Why?”
“I am not mad at him. I do not care about him. That’s it.” The words left my mouth clipped, too quick, too defensive.
Natalia raised a perfectly arched brow. “Then why are you upset?”
I exhaled, my voice low and sharp. “Because he’s a manipulative, egotistical asshole who uses people without any regard for their feelings!”
The three of them exchanged a look over my head.
“Okay…” Kali drawled, the smirk tugging at her lips betraying her amusement. “What did he do? I know Zane is his oldest friend, but I bet I could convince him to put Matteo back in his place.”
Maria laughed softly, shaking her head. “Mhm. I’m sure you would.”
Natalia and I covered our mouths with our hands, trying – and failing – not to let our laughter slip.
Kali narrowed her eyes, though the smirk never left. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Natalia answered for us, teasing warmth in her voice. “He’s clearly into you.”
Maria nodded, her grin mischievous. “I’m pretty sure he’d do anything you asked of him.”
Kali tilted her head, dangerous amusement flickering in her dark eyes. “Speaking from experience, you two?”
“Please,” I scoffed, eager to turn the attention away from myself. “How many times have Zach and Trevor checked in with you since we’ve been here in the last hour?”
Maria pursed her lips. “Just once…”
We all gave her the same look.
