My eyes meet Fiero’s, and his gaze holds a question. I force a smile on myface and subtly shake my head, silently conveying I don’t need rescuing. He’s talking with Rico who lifts a hand and waves at me. I return the gesture, smiling at the older man. He’s a nice guy, but I haven’t had much opportunity to get to know him because Fiero is also keeping him in the dark to protect him.
I feel Fiero’s heated gaze following me as he walks toward his siblings, and I head in the opposite direction.
“Thanks for that,” I say to Catarina. “I hate lying, and I didn’t know what to say.”
“I knew Gia would sniff you out. She has sharp instincts.”
I don’t mention that Caleb has told Elisa and Elisa most likely already told her best friend because Cat doesn’t know about Caleb’s involvement.
God, this is a mess. Knots twist in my gut. I hate lying to everyone. Especially when they are all so nice.
Natalia rises from her seat to greet me, pulling me into a hug. “It’s so good to see you again, Valentina. Thanks for coming.”
“I’m delighted to have been invited,” I say, smiling at the three other women.
“I’m Sierra,” the gorgeous blonde says, offering me her hand. “I’m married to Ben.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“This is my sister Serena. She’s married to Alesso. He’s the new Vegas Don.” Sierra smiles at the beautiful woman beside her, and though Serena’s hair is dark with reddish tints, she strongly resembles her younger sister.
“Pleasure,” I say, shaking Serena’s hand.
“I’m Frankie. Gia’s mom,” the woman sitting on the other side of Natalia says. “You’re very welcome, Valentina, and thank you for the cupcakes.” Her eyes lower to a plate of cakes on the table. “You’re giving Natalia a run for her money in the baking stakes.”
“I tried your apple cake recipe,” I tell Natalia as I claim the empty seat beside Serena. Cat sits on the other side of me, waving a waiter over.“It was a bit soggy in the middle, so I clearly did something wrong.”
“You might have used too much baking powder or possibly opened the stove door before it was ready. Come over to my house sometime, and we can make it together.”
“I’d like that.” I really like Natalia. In some ways, she reminds me of my mom. For the first time in a long time, a pang of longing attacks me. I used to have a great relationship with my mom until everything turned to shit. I miss having her in my life.
The waiter arrives, handing us all a flute, and I dismiss my thoughts.
“A toast,” Natalia says, and we all raise our glasses. “To Joshua and Gia, Caleb and Elisa, and their babies. Wishing them good health and good fortune and every happiness for the future.”
We all clink to that. The liquid is refreshing gliding down my throat, and I settle back in my chair, trying to relax.
“So, Valentina. Tell us what it’s like living with the eternal bachelor,” Frankie says, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “Is it true he has a sex room in his house?”
I almost choke on my champagne.
Cat rubs my back, fighting a laugh.
“I’m guessing that’s a yes.” Sierra grins.
“Stop teasing her,” Natalia chastises her sister-in-law and her best friend.
“You’ve met my husband,” Frankie says. “Rico is Fiero’sconsigliere, but he tells me next to nothing about him. He’s fiercely loyal, but he did let something slip one time, and I’ve been trying to get confirmation. Have you seen it? What’s it like?”
“Hell. I need more champagne for this conversation,” I joke.
Laughter filters around the table.
“More importantly”—Sierra lowers her voice conspiratorially, leaning into the table—“has he taken you in there for playtime?”
“Sierra!” Serena elbows her sister. “That’s private.”
“They’re just friends.” Cat squeezes my hand under the table.
