Page 154 of Vicious Temptation

“What do you mean, and? Isn’t that enough? Me at a party surrounded by Philly’s finest after they hauled me in like some criminal and leaked a photo of me so every creep within a fifty-mile radius could get off on it? Please.”

I snatch my water bottle off the bench and take a long drink.

“And he got upset because you said no?”

“He got upset because I basically told him I’d rather cut off my legs than walk into that party. Then I told him to lose my number and left.”

Matteo bursts out laughing.

I glare at him.

“I’m glad you find this amusing.”

His laughter finally dies down. With a sigh, he slides off the pads and throws an arm around my shoulders.

“Remi, if you told him to lose your number and that’s exactly what he did, then why are you upset?”

I shrug and look away because answering him would mean admitting something I’ve spent the past three days trying very hard not to think about.

I’ve kept myself busy with music blasting in my ears, torn apart the spare RB26 engine I’ve been meaning to rebuild for months, built a custom AR, and burned through two goddamn bags of watermelon lollipops. I’ve done everything I can to keep my hands moving and my mind from wandering back to Thiago.

Sure, that’s dramatic, but staying busy is easier than admitting that maybe, just maybe, a tiny part of me misses him. It’s also easier than admitting I’m pissed he listened to me.

I snatch my gloves off the bench and start pulling them back on. “Another round.”

Before Matteo can answer, the door to his private gym swings open. Aunt Leni strides in, followed closely by Aunt Eva.

I wait a few seconds, half expecting Mamá to appear behind them, but the doorway stays empty. I love her more than anything. But after being cornered and interrogated as if I couldn’t be trusted to make my own decisions, I’m not ready to have that conversation with her yet.

“We heard you two were here,” Aunt Leni says as she looks between us.

Her gaze drops to the gloves in my hands. “Should we come back after you finish beating up Matteo?”

“Too late.” He drains the rest of his water. “She clipped my chin with a two-three combo.”

“You deserved it,” I tease, crossing my arms. “What brings you two by?”

Aunt Eva places a hand on Matteo’s shoulder, and they exchange a look that seems to convey an entire conversation without a single word.

The traitor grabs his bag, leans in, and kisses my cheek. “Take it easy, Rem.”

“Coward.”

His grin widens as he heads for the door.

The moment it closes behind him, both women turn their attention to me, confirming what I suspected. This isn’t a social visit.

“Look—”

“We’re just here to talk,” Aunt Leni says as she moves closer.

“I’ve heard that before.”

“Remi.” Aunt Eva’s softer voice cuts through my irritation, so I turn toward her.

“This isn’t what you’re thinking,” she says. “We’re not here to talk about the other day. We wanted to set the record straight and update you on information that’s been circulating behind the scenes.”

My arms clench across my chest. “What information?”