Now, back in Rome on the morning of the gala, I could still feel the imprint of those days on my skin. The warmth of him in the quiet. The freedom of loving him in secret.
But secrets had a shelf life—and tonight, we were ready to tell the world.
Before I could spiral into a whole thing about feelings this early in the morning, a knock echoed from the adjoining suite. Anna’s voice followed, muffled but chipper, “Nic! Open up. I need caffeine or a stylist. Possibly both.”
I padded over and opened the door, grinning as Anna stepped in, wrapped in an oversized Belen Racing hoodie and leggings, looking far too good for someone who probably hadn’t slept either.
“Why are you glowing?” she asked, squinting at me like I’d personally offended her with my post-espresso radiance.
“Maybe because I’m about to have a very hot Italian man in my bed tonight?”
She groaned, “Disgusting. But also, go off.”
We both collapsed onto the sofa in the corner of the suite. I tossed her one of the croissants from the breakfast spread, which she caught midair with one hand like the PR goddess she was.
“Okay,” she said, munching, “Let’s go over the plan.”
“For?”
“Your first public outing with Matteo. The world’s already speculating after those photos leaked. Half the grid knows. The other half suspects. But tonight, you’ll go official.”
I chewed on my thumbnail. “Are we sure?”
Anna raised a brow. “He’s stupid in love with you. Yes.”
I sighed dramatically, “Fine. But I’m not doing some cheesy, over-the-top reveal.”
“Of course not. I was thinking chic. Classic. Hand in hand, walking into the gala like a sexy power couple who have nothing to hide and everything to celebrate, post a photo together for the fans, and you’re golden.”
“God, you’re good.”
She preened. “I know. Also, I already coordinated with Alex’s stylist for the press schedule, so I can get you and Matteo a buffer on the red carpet. Just enough time to make it a moment.”
I let out a smile and leaned back. “Fine. Operation Public Power Couple it is.”
She raised her coffee in salute. “To the hard launch that’s about to blow up the internet.”
I clinked my coffee cup against hers. Somewhere inside me, nerves fluttered—but they were the good kind. The ‘holy shit, this is real’ kind.
Tonight, it was all happening. And against all odds and my former better judgment, I was ready.
Sunlight filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the penthouse suite, golden and generous, as I stood in front of the mirror fastening a delicate gold hoop through one ear. My phone buzzed on the vanity beside me.
Matteo:
Landed.
Another buzz.
Matteo:
Don’t look too beautiful until I get there, I want the full effect.
I smiled at the screen, biting my lip to stifle the heat that flushed my cheeks. I typed back quickly.
Nicola:
You’re lucky I even waited for you. I was considering going solo just to start a scandal.
