I glared at her, disgusted at the breathy sound in her voice. “He’s not my man. What did you do? Google him?” I knew she had, and it was her lustful behavior most women exhibit around Ciro.
“Well, if he wasn’t your man, I’d be all over him.”
My heart stopped. I was so done. “Perfect. Thank you for reminding me why I don’t want him.”
“Aww, come on. I can see he’s in love with you. Of course I Googled him,” she said with pride in her saccharine voice.
“Right.” I sighed, leaving the kitchen and bumped into Jon at the beverage station. “Oh, sorry!”
“In a hurry?” he asked dryly.
“She is,” Falina replied. I turned toward her, ready to tell her to back off.
“Leaving with your ex?” Jon asked.
“Her baby daddy,” Falina whispered.
I was totally flustered, stuck in the middle of them. Couldn’t they see how uncomfortable I was with their nosy questions?
Jon huffed. “Figured that’s who he was when he appeared laying claim to you. I wasn’t impressed. But I guess you can’t help who you love.”
Falina swatted Jon’s arm. “Be nice.”
“Will you both stop?” I whisper-shouted so Ciro couldn’t hear me. He was seated less than twenty feet away.
“Isla?” Ciro’s hand went on my hip. “Are you ready?”
“Yes.” I looked at Falina and Jon. “Good night.”
Ciro’s timing was always impeccable. I was grateful to be rescued, even though I was furious with him.
“What was that all about?” he asked as we exited the bistro.
“Nothing.”
He smirked the way I loved. “You’re deflecting.” He led me to the car, his hand on my back. “Iwaslaying claim to you.”
How much had he heard? I didn’t reply as he helped me into my seat.
We sat in silence on the drive to Alba’s. I needed quiet to refuel after being overwhelmed by Ciro, Alba and Jon. I was so angry at all three of them.
But I was angrier at myself.
Every time Ciro touched me, I wanted to fall into his arms. My body was acutely aware of his presence. My mouth thirsted for him. I should drink a glass ofvinegar to punish myself for desiring him after he destroyed me.
“I want you and Pippa to stay with me tonight.”
“What?” I whipped my head toward him. “No way.” I laughed at his ridiculous notion.
“Why not?”
“Isn’t it obvious? Because we are not together.”
He huffed in frustration.
“And I have a home.”
“Won’t you try to meet me halfway for Penelope’s sake? I want more time with her and you. You said you don’t work tomorrow. Think of it as a mini vacation. We can spend the day together, order room service, take Pippa out for a walk.”
