Of course, his first concern is for Becks. My sister-in-law’s best friend. His love, whom he had to leave behind for family duties.
I only know what Juliette says, but she’s finally starting to live again.
Matteo: Good. Look after her.
I will. All good with you?
Matteo: As good as it can get. You know the deal. This life fucking sucks over here.
Matteo: Gotta go. Talk soon.
Evasive bastard.
He’s always been hush-hush about his family back in Italy, pretending he didn’t tell us when we were kids that his family is part of one of the biggest organized crime syndicates.
He kept which one a secret, but it made so much more sense why we were all petrified of his father.
When my phone buzzes again in my hand, I’m not surprised it’s one of the fifty group chats I’m in with my brothers. The texting is nonstop, half the time I keep them silent.
This one is the four of us and our friend Jackson Peters, who now lives in London.
Leo: I just got the best head. Top-fucking-notch.
I chuckle, shaking my head at this idiot.
Seb: How the fuck are we brothers? Keep that shit to yourself.
Leo: Holy fuck, Nate.
Leo: She’s engaged.
Always so dramatic, but I can’t help but be curious about who he’s talking about. I put down my fork and text back, then sip my wine, waiting for the gossip.
Who is?
Leo: Maddie Grace.
My smile drops, and I stare at the phone in disbelief.
Engaged.
No.
My hand flies to my chest as I struggle to breathe. My heart slams against my ribcage and a wave of nausea punches me right in the gut.
I reread the words a hundred times when my phone buzzes again.
Leo: Hello?
My thumbs fly across my phone. He can’t be serious.
Don’t fuck with me.
Seb: Mason just confirmed…shit. I’m sorry, man.
Jackson: I didn’t even know she was dating someone. I’m so fucking out of the loop.
Seb: Why are you up?
