After a quick chat with Pietro, I dash upstairs to my wardrobe, nerves swirling inside me, rethinking if this is a good idea or not. I rifle through my collection of bikinis, the soft fabric brushing against my fingertips as I debate silently which one will best suit the afternoon. Finally, my fingers settle on the deep, rich burgundy set; a color that makes me feel both bold and elegant. I slip it on and drape a sheer black sundress over it. Standing before the mirror, I tilt my head, a satisfied smile playing on my lips. Perfect.
I descend the stairs with a light, confident step, my heart quickening as I catch sight of the brothers lounging on the back patio. The moment I step outside, their eyes lock onto me, a sudden hush falling over the space. “What?” I challenge, hands firmly planted on my hips, refusing to be intimidated.
“You’re smoking, Red!” Mattia teases, pretending to spot out a fire, his grin wide and mischievous. Carlo and Stefano exchange knowing glances, shaking their heads at Mattia’s antics.
“Principessa.” Luciano steps forward to stand directly in front of me. “Do you really think this is the best outfit to be wearing in front of my brothers?”
I meet his gaze evenly, a spark of defiance in my eyes. “It’s either this or nothing,” I shoot back, a dangerous edge in my tone.
His glare deepens, but before he can say more, I slip my hands beneath my dress, pretending to undo my bikini. “Stop it,” he mutters, grabbing my hands and stopping me from actually untying them.
Taking my small victory, I weave around him and saunter to the bar, ordering a margarita just as the front doorbell rings. “Behave,” I warn the boys, rising to greet my friend. “Hey, Mel.” I wave as Laura, our other maid, lets her in.
She hesitates in the doorway, eyes wide as she looks behind me at the guys. “Umm, Charlie,” she whispers, “you didn’t tell me they were all fucking hot. I would have dressed up a bit more if I’d known.”
I wave my hand dismissively at her. “You can raid my closet.” I guide her over to meet the brothers first. “This is Mattia and Gabriele, and you saw Carlo earlier today,” I introduce, watching her wave nervous hellos. “And over at the bar is Stefano and Luciano.”
She grabs my arm, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Isn’t that the guy from the club?” she whispers to me at the same time Luciano looks over.
“Yep.” I bite my lip, reliving the memory in my head.
“And you’ve been shacking up here with him?” she says, practically bouncing on the spot for more information.
“We have separate rooms,” I clarify.
Mel’s gaze shifts to the brothers. “What about them? Do they live here too?”
“They have their own house on the property.”
Intrigued, Mel watches as Luciano takes this as his moment to step forward. “Hello, Mel. I’m Luciano,” he says smoothly.
“Well, hellooo, Lucianooo.” She draws out the o’s and smirks, looking him up and down. I nudge her playfully.
“If you don’t mind us, we need to get ready to go swimming,” I say, steering her back toward the house.
“Aren’t you already in your bikini?” Gabriele asks from his day bed.
Mattia jumps up and drapes his arms around our shoulders. “Do you ladies need any help?”
“Oh, yes.” I wink cheekily. “I’m sure I can find some use for you in my bedroom.” Mel’s eyes widen as she stares openly at us.
“Stay here, Mattia,” Luciano orders, and Mattia reluctantly releases us, giving me a playful slap on the ass. Luciano shoots daggers at his brother, who just shrugs as he walks away.
I lead Mel upstairs and I sense her shock as we enter my room. Once the door closes, she turns to me, eyes blazing with curiosity. “Start talking, Charlie. What the hell is going on? And who are you sleeping with: Luciano, Mattia, or both?”
“Hell no!” I laugh, walking towards my closet. “Mattia’s more like an annoying brother. I just use him to push Luciano’s buttons some days.”
“So you’re sleeping with Luciano?”
“Not yet,” I admit to her, a smile tugging at my lips. “Do you need a bikini? I have a whole closet full,” I offer, opening a drawer full of them.
Mel’s voice rises in delighted disbelief. “Who the hell are you, Charlie? Look at all these designer clothes! This closet is the size of my apartment!”
Laughing, I pull out a couple from the drawer and hold them up. “Which one?”
“Gucci, of course!” she exclaims, grabbing them and disappearing into the bathroom. “You know, you’re not getting this back. They’re mine now!”
Half an hour later, Mel is ready, and I decide to leave the sundress behind, preferring the freedom of my bikini alone.
