“I promise you it won’t,” Gui says with a laugh as he and his brother swiftly pick up two large boxes each.
“Here, let me grab something,” I say, rushing over.
“Oh, no, we can’t have you helping. Massi would never expect you to lift a finger,” Gio says.
Bending over to pick up two of the smaller boxes, I say, “Well,Massiisn’t the boss of me, so I’m going to help. Now, you guys lead the way. I’ll pack my car up if you guys want to pack yours.”
Gio narrows his gaze on me, and at first, I think I’ve made the wrong impression on them—not that it matters, I guess—but then he breaks out into a smile. “You’re going to keep him on his toes… I like it. Now I can see why he was so adamant about only takingyouas his wife.”
I shake my head while he and Gui lead the way to the door. “I don’t think I’m exactly what he wants in a wife.”
“What makes you say that?” Gio asks, holding the door open for me and Gui.
“We’re very … different.”
“Different isn’t always bad.”
“We’retoodifferent.”
Gio shuts the door. Following behind me and Gui, he says, “Like I said, different isn’t always bad. Besides, Massi is one of the best fucking guys I know. Actually, he’s probablythebest guy I know.”
“Hey,”Gui says, and I can’t contain that laugh that escapes my lips.
“Just give the marriage a chance. I have a feeling you’ll be surprised at what can happen between the two of you,” Gio says.
I glance over my shoulder, and he gives me a wink.
Facing forward, I try not to think too much about that comment. In the end, I knowMassiand I are too different. No matter what his brothers say. Right?
20
MASSIMO
Iwas on my way home when Gio texted that he, Gui, and Liana were on their way over. I sped through the city traffic as best I could to make sure I got there before they did.
When I get the notification they’re in the elevator, I meet them by the door.
The elevator dings and the door slides open, revealing Liana standing there wide-eyed and holding two small boxes while my brothers stand behind her with some more.
Stepping forward, I grab the boxes out of Liana’s hands. “Why are you carrying these?” I demand.
“I told you he’d act barbaric over you lifting a finger,” Gio laughs out.
“If you knew what my reaction was going to be, why the hell did you let her?” I snap, backing out of the elevator.
“Oh, stop,” Liana says, moving to grab the boxes I just took from her, but I turn around and take off down the hallway.
Liana’s heels click on the marble floor as she hurries to follow me. “I’m not helpless, you know.”
“I never said you were, but it wouldn’t make me a gentleman if I let you carry your own boxes to our room while my hands are empty.”
I expect some kind of remark from her, fighting me on this, but to my surprise, she remains quiet.
When we reach our room, I walk in and set her things down on the table in the sitting area by the couch.
Turning around, I carefully watch while Liana slowly walks into the room and inspects the area. “Is it to your liking?” I ask with a lift of my brow.
Her gaze moves to mine, and she says, “It’s great.” She nods to the couch behind me. “Your couch looks big enough to fit you too, so I’m sure you’ll love it over there.”
