“The hilarious part is he genuinely thinks we cut them that size for you.” Mariella rolls her eyes.
“Why do they have cucumbers in them?” Cristian grumbles as he and Angelo look over the offerings.
“This is why you don’t invite men to a tea party.” Val laughs.
A few of my friends venture over to explain how this works, and I sip on my cocktail, enjoying the show. Chantel and Serafina start talking about a book they both read, and while everyone’s distracted, a warm voice brushes against my ear.
“Happy birthday, Gabriela.”
That low, deep reverberation sends a shiver all the way down to my toes, and when I glance over my shoulder, Romeo is right behind me.
In typical serial killer fashion, I didn’t hear him approach.
“Hi,” I breathe, slowly turning to face him. “What are you doing here?”
As soon as the question leaves my lips, I worry it sounded like an insult, so I rush to overexplain.
“I just meant?—”
“I know what you meant.” Amusement glimmers in his warm, amber irises.
For a moment, I get lost in those depths, forgetting myself as I stare at him. It’s been so long since I’ve let myself study them, I forgot how much they took my breath away.
True to his namesake,Il Lupo, his eyes are wolfish and a little wild. Always watching, always tracking. He absorbs everything, luring in prey with a false sense of comfort before he bites. Or maybe that’s just how I imagine him.
“Hope I’m not interrupting.” Rafe ambles over with a smirk on his face, slapping his brother on the back. “You want a doll-sized sandwich?”
Romeo grimaces before he shoots his brother a glare.
“Oh fuck, sorry. Forgot about the ribs.”
My heart beats erratically as that information settles between us.
It’s just a coincidence—him and Eros both being hurt at the same time. It has to be.He has a girlfriend.
“Did you get Gabs a gift?” Rafe asks. “I bet mine is better.”
This earns him another scowl from Romeo before he turns his attention back to me.
“My gift to her is my presence.” He tugs on the end of my braid. “And one whole day of no torment.”
My stomach somersaults when he gives me a hint of a smile.
“Always the charmer.” Rafe snorts.
“Okay, time for presents,” Abella announces. “Where’s the birthday girl?”
She glances across the room, her gaze moving between Romeo and me before she raises her brows.
I shrug, and she smiles.
“Over here, Gabs.” Valentina gestures to the lounge, where they’ve tried to lure me in with all the soft blankets and pillows.
They know those are my weakness. They also know that opening presents is my least favorite part of these parties.
It’s not that I’m not grateful, and I actually do like presents. But opening them with so many eyes on me is always a little embarrassing, no matter how you slice it.
My family didn’t really get me presents when I was growing up. Half the time, my parents forgot my birthday, and when they did remember, they just sent me to the island. Regardless, I didn’t care because I’d rather spend the day with my cousins. They always made it special, and even if there had been no presents or cake, I would have been happy just to be with them.
