“And for what it’s worth,” Matteo added, leaning back against the couch, “if anyone messes with you, they’re messing with me. And youknowI don’t take that lightly.”
I smiled despite myself. “Thanks, Teo.”
“Anytime,” he said, ruffling my hair like he used to when we were kids. “Now, c’mon. Gia’s got Alexander wrapped around her little finger again, and you’re gonna miss it if you stay cooped up in here.”
I followed him out, letting the door click shut behind us.
Matteo and I made our way down to the hotel lounge, where the team had set up a makeshift family area. The soft hum of conversation mingled with the occasional burst of laughter, and I spotted Gia right away. She was sitting cross-legged on the floor, holding court like a tiny queen, her stuffed bunny tucked under one arm as she talked animatedly to Alexander and Anna.
Alexander sat with his legs stretched out, an easy smile on his face as he nodded along to whatever Gia was telling him. Anna stood nearby, her phone in hand, though she glanced up every so often with a fond smile at Gia’s antics.
“Zio!” Gia squealed, spotting Matteo. She scrambled to her feet, running over to him with her arms outstretched.
“Principessa!” Matteo scooped her up, spinning her around dramatically before planting a loud kiss on her cheek. She giggled, and I couldn’t help but smile at the sight.
Alexander’s gaze flicked to me as I approached, and his easy smile faltered just slightly. He stood, brushing off his hands, and motioned for Anna to give us a moment. She nodded, slipping out of the room with a knowing look.
“You okay?” he asked quietly, stepping closer.
I hesitated, glancing at Gia, who was now thoroughly engrossed in Matteo’s silly stories. “I’m fine,” I said, though the tightness in my chest betrayed me.
Alexander’s brow furrowed, and he stepped closer, lowering his voice. “I saw the post, it’s down now, but I know comments can be awful, I’m sorry you had to experience that side of the fans.”
“It’s not a big deal,” I said, trying to wave it off.
“It is to me.” His voice was firm but gentle. “I don’t like the idea of you being dragged into this mess because of me.”
I blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in his tone. “It’s not your fault, Alexander. I knew what I was walking into when I came on this trip, you guys did so much to make me feel safe here, having anyone inside the circuits not take pictures of us, it’s helped a ton. And I knew there would be photos here and there, you guys are all famous and handsome and rich, so…”
He smirked. “You calling me handsome?” I rolled my eyes. “That doesn’t mean you should have to deal with it though, I know how much it can be and how they control the narrative.” He sighed, running a hand through his short hair. We sat in silence for a moment, I felt the cloud coming back, the overwhelmingness of it all. I had worked hard to feel like myself again, to gain confidence again, but the comments felt like they were flashing before my eyes.
“What if we use it to our advantage?” he mused.
“What do you mean?” I asked, narrowing my eyes slightly.
He rubbed the back of his neck, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. “I have an idea. Hear me out before you say no, okay?”
I crossed my arms, tilting my head. “I’m listening.”
Alexander glanced around to make sure no one was within earshot, then leaned in. “Anna and I were talking…and we thought maybe we could spin this. So the pitch is, we date.”
I blinked again. “Excuse me?”
“Look,” he said, speaking quickly now, “the media’s already speculating, right? If we lean into it, it could take the heat off you. They’ll lose interest once they see we’re not sneaking around or giving them drama to chew on, we can control the narrative instead of letting them run with rumors. And for me…” He trailed off, his jaw tightening.
“What about you?” I pressed.
His gaze flicked away briefly before meeting mine again. “Belen’s been on my case about my image. They think I’m too much of a playboy, not serious enough. It’s bad PR for the team. Anna’s been working overtime to fix it, but…” he hesitated, then added, “a ‘committed relationship’ would go a long way in shutting them up.”
I stared at him, my mind racing. “You want us to pretend to date?”
“Yes.” His tone was steady, his expression earnest. “It doesn’t have to be complicated. We set some ground rules, keep it simple. Just for the cameras, Lucia. Nothing more.”
I bit my lip, glancing back at Gianna, who was now attempting to put a stuffed crown on Matteo’s head. It would take the pressure off me, sure. And if it helped Alexander with his PR…
But fake dating Alexander Wright? That felt like walking a tightrope with no safety net.
“I don’t know.” My heart was racing. “Gianna…” I trailed off.
