Photo #4
Gio is holding the cockroach plush up to the camera like it's his child and he's proud. I'm next to him, clutching the grumpy bear. We look like two unhinged parents defending our weird, mismatched babies.
Photo #5
One of my favorites. We're both serious, deadpan, looking into the camera like we're doing a mafia mugshot. Me trying not to burst out laughing.
Photo #6
There's one where I just…stare at him. That's it. I forgot about the camera because he was talking. I'm just looking at him, fully gone.
Photo #7
Gio grabs my jaw with both hands, kisses me aggressively, and I melt. Of course.
Photo #8
Gio again, completely out of nowhere, just leans in and licks my neck. Like full tongue. You can see the betrayal on my face.
Gio's flipping through the strip, grinning. "This is what I like to call art, baby," he says, holding it up dramatically. I roll my eyes, still trying to stop laughing. "You're unbelievable."
He smirks, nudging me with his elbow. "And you're lucky I'm letting you stand this close to me, peasant."
I turn to him, dead serious, brows raised. "Oh? Big talk for someone whose lip ring has touched my dick more times than I can count."
He freezes. I grin. "I'm just saying, maybe let the ring rest for five minutes, yeah?"
"I'm actually impressed with this comeback. I'm proud of you, Ravioli." The others finally catch up with us, soaked to the bone and dripping water. Lorenzo throws both arms around our necks dramatically, pulling us close. "I hope your last night was enjoyable, my love," he says to me, deadly serious.
"Stop," I groan, already feeling my eyes sting. "Don't do that. I'm not crying again." Daisy pulls me into a hug. "My poor baby brother, off to Canada all by himself. Next time you visit, I'll have my own place. You can stay with me."
"Objection," Gio jumps in immediately. "Why wouldn't he stay with me?"
Marco chimes in like a bored judge. "Had a couple in court last month having this exact argument. I said the same thing I'll say now: shut up."
Daisy rolls her eyes. "Fine. I'll let it slide because I love you, Gio. If you were anyone else, I'd skin you." We start heading toward the exit, the fair behind us still glowing and echoing with music and laughter.
I look at them all. "Thank you, guys, really. This night was everything. Marco, thanks for the cockroach." Marco puffs out his chest like I gave him an award.
"See you tomorrow, Ravioli!" Lorenzo yells after me. And then I turn to Gio. He's slipping on his helmet. I lean in, alittle quieter. "Shame this night's already over…I don't wanna go home yet." He glances at me with a smirk.
"Who said anything about going home?"
43) Promise Me
Gio
It's 2AM.
We're at a red light. The streets are dead quiet. Rava's got his arms wrapped tight around me, holding my waist. His fingers are brushing over my abs, real slow. I smirk. "You're not falling asleep on me, are you?"
He snorts behind me. "After everything that just happened in there? I don't think I'll be able to sleep again for at least five days." "Good," I say, revving the engine. "Because I need you awake. For one last time."
But then I correct myself. No. Not one last time. Fuck that. I'm not letting it be the last. I'm gonna make this plan work. I'm gonna get him back here fast. I don't care what I have to do to that bastard Nicola. I'll pull every string, burn every bridge, bribe whoever the hell I need to. I don't have a choice. I can't do two fucking years without Rava. I won't.
I pull up outside my place and kill the engine. "Off," I say. He hesitates. "Wait…you said we weren't going home."
"We're not," I say, already dismounting. "I just need to feed Lulu and grab a couple things. We're walking from here."
