I do as she says, walking out the door to the backyard and over to the al fresco dining area. During the winter, this space is warmed by recessed ceiling heaters and a cozy fire feature. The backyard also features an expansive lawn, a resort-style pool, and an outdoor gym that the Vitale men like to use.
When I hear the familiar clanking of equipment, I glance over my shoulder to find that a few of them are out there now, including Romeo.
He’s currently doing pull-ups from a reinforced steel beam, and the sight of him sends a spark of electricity through my chest. A pair of black sweatpants hang low on his hips, exposing every inch of his inked upper body and muscles built from violence and discipline.
Despite my resolve to maintain neutrality when it comes to him, I think my brain just short-circuited and went entirely offline for a moment.
When he catches me staring, he arches a brow at me as he continues his reps like it’s the easiest thing in the world.
Dear God, I should not be so attracted to someone who messes with my head so much. Particularly when I swore I was mad at him.
“See anything interesting over there, Gabs?” Valentina asks.
“No.” I whip around, embarrassed that Romeo wasn’t the only one who noticed me staring.
I join the girls at the table, and Abella slides a mimosa my direction as soon as I sit down.
“Hey, girly pop.” Chantel gives me a once-over. “You’re looking hot today.”
“Thanks.” I sit back and let Beppe out of his tote bag, wondering if I should have picked a different outfit. I definitely didn’t intend to look hot for Riccardo.
Chantel gives me a knowing smile as I settle in, but she doesn’t make it obvious. She’s not the kind of woman to out secrets. Unfortunately for me, Abella seems to be a hound when it comes to sniffing them out.
“What’s up with you?” Abella asks as her eyes wander over my face. “You look different today.”
“No, I don’t,” I say quickly. Too quickly.
“Oh my God.” Her eyes widen.
I shoot her a look, and she tries to neutralize her expression, but it’s far too late for that.
“What am I missing here?” Val asks.
“Nothing.” Abella attempts to cover for me, but everyone’s staring at me, and I know we’re going to talk about it eventually. So I may as well get it over with.
“Okay, it’s not a big deal.” I lower my voice, checking to make sure none of the men are in close range. “But I’m no longer a member of the sexually repressed club.”
“Are you serious?” Val gasps. “Who did you hook up with?”
I glance at Abella, and she gives me a subtle nod, letting me know she won’t say anything about the slightly controversial fact that it’s a masked stalker.
“I’m keeping the who under wraps for now.”
“That’s probably a good idea,” Val murmurs. “You don’t want Riccardo or your stepfather finding out.”
“Well, how was it?” Mariella asks.
I let out a dreamy little sigh, and they all laugh.
“That good, apparently.” Chantel smirks. “I, for one, am loving this for you. Maybe this is where your villainess arc begins.”
“Maybe,” I muse.
“Okay, but seriously, you have to give us something,” Val pleads. “Remember those of us still in the club and take mercy.”
I think it through, wondering where to start.
“Well, he likes to bite.” I point at the concealer on my neck. “Is it super obvious?”
