He shakes his head. “I’m always nice.”
We watch as Patrizia leaves, and soon, the elevator doors close. Our eyes collide, and the tension rises with the beating of my heart.
I didn’t think this through. I thought he wouldn’t be here and I could roam the space alone.
“What are you doing here, Valentina?”
I shrug. “I came to see if I need to make adjustments in the apartment I’m going to live in,” I lie, using the same story Patrizia did.
He chuckles. “I’m afraid it's hard for me to believe that. Try again.”
“Why is that hard to believe? If you had answered my calls or texts, maybe you would believe me.”
He takes a step toward me. “What game are you playing, Valentina?” One more step. “I know you were the one who offered yourself for this marriage.” One more step. “You were the one who started our little game that night in the club.” I raise my eyebrow as he takes another step. “Then you provoked me that night when Salvatore and Nico were at the club.” With the last step, he stops in front of me. “Then, you make sure to leave your mark the night of the engagement in front of everyone, and now you're best friends with my mother.” The warmth of his body in front of me envelops me, and I smile.
“I’m not playing anything,” I say innocently.
“Bullshit.”
I inhale. “Want the truth?”
“Yes.”
I go up on my tiptoes until I can almost look him in the eye. “I like you. I knew who you were that night in the club, and I wanted you. So, I grabbed the opportunity to marry someone I like.” I observe his confused face. “Is that enough truth for you?”
“Why should I believe you? Maybe this is some new game you’re playing.”
I roll my eyes. “Why would I play any games? If I didn’t want this, I wouldn’t be here. Especially not alone.”
He takes a step back from me and regards me carefully. “How did you get here?”
"On my bike.”
He narrows his eyes. “All the way from Chicago?” I nod. “Does your brother know?”
I shake my head. “I don’t need his permission to be here.”
“Maybe you don’t need his permission, but it’s not safe.” His lips thin before he shakes his head and takes his phone from his pocket. “We’re on the verge of a war, and your brother has his own problems. You have no idea how careless you're being.”
I cross my arms in front of me. “I can take care of myself. I made sure no one was following me wherever I went.”
His eyes meet mine. “Maybe you think that…”
I cut him off. “I know that. Don’t you dare treat me as if I don’t know anything. I assure you, I earned my position by Nico’s side.”
Gabriel’s eyes flash with something strange that I can’t read, and I’m almost sure his lips twitched.
“Nevertheless, we all make mistakes, and your safety is my responsibility, even if you can take care of yourself.”
My stomach dips at the way he saysmy responsibility, and not in a bad way. It’s like the sensation is vibrating and travels downto my core. Almost like the butterflies I felt the first time I saw him and every time I hear his name.
I bite my lip, hiding my smirk, because I’m not showing him that I like being his responsibility. “Well, I’m here now. So, why don’t you show me around, and maybe we can have a conversation instead of you scolding me.”
His jaw clenches, and he narrows his eyes at me. “I’ll show you around, and we can talk on the plane when I escort you back home.” I purse my lips and prepare myself for an argument, but he shakes his head. “Don’t even think of contradicting me. I didn’t get a single minute of sleep last night, and we have some serious issues going on. Rats are everywhere, and we are on the verge of elimination. You being here puts you in danger and makes you an easy target.” He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. “Just do me a favor and be careful, at least until the wedding.”
“But I am careful.”
He tilts his head to the side. “Is that what you call your actions?”
