“No.”
“That’s a shitty thing to do. Rosa could tell she was caught off guard and uncomfortable.”
“Probably because she’s ashamed of hiding Pippa from everyone.” I gritted my teeth.
“So that’s how it’s going to be? You’re going to be a dick to her.”
“I have every right to be furious with her.She kept Pippa from me.” I leaned forward to be discreet. “She’s in the wrong. I’m trying to find a way to forgive her.”
“Forgive her? That’s rich. You really are an asshole.” Roman sat back in his chair, putting some distance between us.
My jaw twitched as I bit down on my back molars. This was why I didn’t want to talk about Isla. “You don’t understand.”
“Oh, I do understand. You both made choices leading you to right here and now. Honestly, you’ll be lucky if she even takes you back.”
“Fuck off,” I told him in a low voice, trying not to make a scene. “Isla’s always been mine and always will be.”
“You’re a fool, Ciro. Allow me to enlighten you, big brother. Isla has Pippa to protect. She won’t be with you if she thinks you’ll abandon them like her father did to her.”
“She’s already been with me,” I sneered at him pridefully. “I was back in her bed within twenty-four hours.”
His eyebrows shot up.
“Not that it’s any of your business.” I reclined in my chair. The urge to put my fist in Roman’s mouth was intense. “And for the record, I would never abandon my child.” My daughter will have everything she could ever want, and so much more.
Roman sneered, likely wanting to hit me, too. “And how is your child doing today? Have you bothered to find out?”
The server finally appeared before I could unload on my brother. Luckily for her, she’d brought our food and another drink for me. Otherwise, I would have terminated her on the spot.
Roman was right. I was an asshole.
We ate in silence, though I hardly touched my meal. Ichecked my cell phone several times, debating whether to text Isla or not. If I did, I’d keep it neutral and impersonal unlike my previous text. How could I admit that I missed her after what she did?
No, I wouldn’t contact Isla, but I’d call Paolo when I got home. I didn’t need Roman eavesdropping and interfering more than he already had.
The sound of glass shattering made me turn around to see what had happened. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I stood from my chair at the sight of Courtney laughing on the floor, clearly drunk and quite possibly high.
Courtney Collins was one of the country’s top models or had been before drugs entered her life. We met at an A-list gala, danced and had a one-night stand. Not too long after our romp in the sack, she toured the world with International Models Inc. We hooked up several more times, then she started sniffing the white powder and shooting up. Our friends-with-benefits relationship changed after that.
For the last three years, she’d been in and out of rehab. Her modeling career tanked. It was awful to see her like this, wasted and stoned. She was nothing like the old Courtney I’d once known.
“Roman, help me,” I shouted over my shoulder as I rushed toward the scene. “Hey, Court… Are you okay?”
Her eyes were wild and she fucking reeked of booze. “Ciro! I’m so happy to see you,” she said through her giggles.
“Let me help you stand.” I hoisted her up, letting her lean on me. She giggled some more as I steadied her. “Are you here with friends?” I hadn’t noticed anyone around but thought I’d ask.
She wobbled on her feet. “Nope. Just. Me.”
“Can Roman and I take you home?” I turned towardRoman, giving him a questioning look. He nodded sharply. I couldn’t leave Courtney in a public place, alone and intoxicated.
She laughed some more, grabbing onto my blazer. “What? The two hottest Remotti brothers want to take me home? I just fucking won the lottery.” She squealed excitedly as flashes flickered around the room.
Fucking hell.She was drawing all kinds of attention.
Roman whispered, “I’ll meet you at the car.”
“Come on, sweetheart. Let’s get you home.” I wrapped my arm around Courtney’s waist, tucking her against my side. The sooner we got out of the restaurant, the better, though I knew her face was already plastered all over social media.
