41. Arianna
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
ARIANNA
T he next day, my sisters and I were in the lobby of Matteo’s penthouse, nagging the receptionist for information.
After Gianna’s revelation, I shared with my sisters that I ran into the man who saved us. His identity was still a mystery at this point, and not knowing made me uneasy.
The world sure was a small place.
“I’m certain he’s been here,” I stated.
“I’m sorry, miss, but I don’t know anyone by that description,” the receptionist answered, lowering the volume on the screen in front of him.
Gianna groaned. “This guy is useless. Maybe we can ask Francesca.”
The words from the stranger rang in my ears like a warning. Make sure your sister and her friend stop snooping.
I turned to look at my sister, arms crossed. “What have you and Francesca been up to?”
“We’ve just been exercising our rights.”
I frowned. “What rights?”
She grinned. “To snoop around.”
Hannah shushed us, shooting us a warning glare to shut up. Then in the next breath, she plastered on a smile and leaned over the counter, displaying her ample cleavage.
“Listen carefully,” she drawled. “Don’t tell me you don’t know any handsome, tall, dark-haired men when I’ve seen at least three walk through this lobby just since we arrived. Now, you’re going to look at the sketch my sister made, or I’ll smash your face against this counter.”
The man’s lips thinned and he glared at Hannah. “Fine, let me see it again.”
Gianna gaped at Hannah like she’d never seen her before, a slightly awed expression on her face, and silently handed over the sheet.
“He doesn’t live here,” he said, and my heart pounded. “But he visits someone in this building.”
My heartbeat skyrocketed. “Who?”
“That, I can’t tell you. We value our tenants’ privacy around here, and no threat from you will convince me to risk my job.”
“But—”
“Look at this,” a familiar voice came from behind. “We have triple trouble going on in here.”
I slowly shifted around, lifted my head slightly, and my gaze collided with cold hazel eyes.
Angry eyes.
Nikola and Gabriel emerged from somewhere and stepped forward, both wearing leather jackets.
Gabriel observed us. “What are you three doing here?”
“Obviously harassing the staff,” Nikola deadpanned.
Hannah pinned him with a stare.
“The only one harassing someone is you , Nikola.” She arched a perfectly shaped brow. “Have you figured out how to deal with your psychotic tendencies? We can’t have your shit touching our precious Skye.”
Nikola nearly got into her face, but Gabriel grabbed him and pulled him back.
“That wasn’t nice,” Gianna scolded her, then turned to Nikola. “Stop glaring at her. It won’t get you anywhere.”
“I’m not glaring.”
“You are,” Matteo deadpanned.
“You should be on my side,” Nikola huffed under his breath. “I’m here helping you.”
“Helping with what?” I asked curiously.
“Shut it, Nikola,” Matteo growled and the two shared a staredown that I had no interest in participating in.
“Well, this was… yeah. But we must get going,” I cut in, tugging at Hannah, but my sister refused to budge.
“Not so fast.” Matteo’s expression was calculating. Callous, even. “What are you three doing at my place?”
“Your place?” Hannah asked, surprised. “Well, what a coincidence, because—” I stepped on my sister’s foot, causing her to yelp. “Arianna!”
“Whoops,” I murmured, then yanked on her. “Let’s go.”
Gianna piped up next. “We came to visit Francesca.”
I feigned a smile. “But she’s not here, so we’ll be on our way.”
“You three are not supposed to be off campus without guards.” Matteo blocked my path.
Nikola grinned. “Thought you were off the hook, didn’t you?”
“If you wish to be our ‘bodyguards,’ you’ll do well to stay at a distance.” I pushed past him, fighting the urge to look at Matteo. “Lest any violent, irritating, leather-clad men try to grab us.”
With that, I turned on my heel, praying the hitch in my voice was drowned out by my sisters’ peals of laughter.