Arabella chokes on her wine, and we both laugh until our sides hurt. It feels good. Like I have a best friend again. The type where you share inside jokes and talk about your latest crush all before dissolving into fits of laughter, just like this moment now. After Mia disappeared, I didn’t trust female friendships. I couldn’t shake the fear they would either use me to get closer to my very attractive cousins or betray me for their own gain. But something tells me, if I can pull off my plans to make New York my home, I’ll find more than freedom; I’ll find the friendship I’ve been missing too.
“You and those damn one-liners!” she says swiping under eye, before regaining her composure. “Raf’s always been hard to read. I often get the impression he also prefers I keep my distance from Luca.”
“Hmm…I get the impression he likes to be in control—in all situations,” I say, waggling my eyebrows at her.
“Oh yes, I speak from experience when I say the need for control runs in the Princi DNA.” She smiles coyly. “You know, Raf will be at the exhibition. Maybe the third time’s a charm.”
Making a good impression is my primary goal for the night. My literal future depends on it.
“Or it could be a total dumpster fire,” I deadpan. “My track record with older men doesn’t bode well.”
The wounds left by my whirlwind relationship with Alessandro should be enough to deter me from trying to pursue anything with Raf. Except my body refuses to listen to logic. Desire hums through me at the mere mention of his name, and my imagination runs wild with all the ways we could use the push and pull simmering between us. Against my better judgement, I plan to find out what it takes to get the attention of the elusive Mr. Raf Princi. I’m not above a little hate fucking if that’s what it takes.
Messages between Raf & Chiara
Unknown has created the group Playing Hard To Get
Unknown:
Hi, Law Daddy.
Unknown:
Miss me yet? Don’t answer that. I’m sure you do *blowing kiss emoji*
Unknown:
Sorry it’s taken me a while, but I’m ready to frame the pièce de résistance for your office.
Unknown:
So tell me, how big? How many inches we talking?
Unknown:
I’ve always been of the belief that bigger is better *Winky face emoji*
Unknown:
Oops, sorry. Just to be clear, I’m talking about the size of the frame.
Unknown:
However, I’m totally down to know the size of your…
Unknown:
Jokes, Raf. I know that’s probably too R-rated for an old man like you.
Unknown:
Okay, okay. Sorry. I couldn’t resist. I can see the steam coming out of your ears from here. Let me kiss it better.
Unknown:
*image attached*
Unknown:
