Chapter Ten
Ella
My heart leaps into my throat at the sound.
It’s seven o’clock on the dot.
They’re perfectly punctual. Unusual for a country where being on time doesn’t seem to be a priority. Since landing in Sicily, we’ve learned patience and to expect delays. The laid-back rhythm of life here is something I could get used to.
As if summoned, Zoe appears behind us.
She looks stunning and, as expected, provocative.
If I thought my neckline was plunging, it’s nothing compared to hers. The front of her golden mini dress drops to her belly button, exposing the soft curves of her breasts.
My eyes lock on the display. If that’s the effect on me, the men waiting in the corridor don’t stand a chance.
Annoyance prickles under my skin.
What if Tiero’s attention goes to her?
Rhia reads my mind. “Zoe Iris Bannaghan. I can’t believe you. This is Ella’s gig, not yours. Go change,” she says sternly.
Another knock hits the door.
“There’s no time,” Zoe coos. “Relax. I’m not planning to nab Ella’s man. The other two, though…” She lets the rest hang in the air.
Rhia and I grimace.
“I guess that’s his first test. He’d better pass,” she mutters as we walk to the door.
I take a deep breath, give the girls a small nod, and turn the handle.
Oh my…
Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome stands there in triple force.
I’m fairly certain my mouth is hanging open. Zoe gasps behind me.
Have we died and gone to hot-men heaven?
Dressed in crisp dark gray suits, all three of them look like they stepped off the cover of a fashion magazine.
I recognize Mateo immediately. The family resemblance is impossible to miss. And yes, the smoldering looks clearly run in the family.
I needn’t have worried about Zoe. Tiero’s gaze barely flicks her way before locking back onto me.
“Wow, Ella,” he says in that deep, velvety voice, gesturing toward me. “You’re… breathtaking.”
“Thank you,” I manage, my voice just as husky. “You too.”
I step aside to let them in and close the door behind them. With my back still turned, I release a slow, silent breath and try to steady myself. The sight of him has sent my entire system into overdrive.
Opposite Ella. Opposite Ella.
I straighten and turn with what I hope is a confident smile.
Tiero steps closer and takes my hand. My breath hitches as a jolt runs through me, leaving my skin tingling.
Oh no. Here we go again.
He smiles at me, then gestures toward his brother.
“This is Mateo, my younger brother by two years. He’s my right hand in all things. The person I trust most.” His eyes stay on me. “I really wanted you to meet him.”
The weight of that lands strangely in my chest.
“Oh… um,” I say, caught off guard.
Why is he telling me this? Why does it matter that I meet his brother?
I thought Mateo came along to make up numbers. Now it feels like something else entirely.
I slip my hand from Tiero’s and offer it to Mateo. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Mateo takes my hand and gently pulls me closer to kiss both my cheeks, earning a visible scowl from Tiero.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ella. My brother has been singing your praises, and he hasn’t exaggerated. You’re gorgeous,” he says in a warm Italian accent.
Heat floods my face and an embarrassed laugh slips out.
Italian charm really is on another level.
Mateo’s expression turns serious. “Thank you for what you did for my brother yesterday. We’re both incredibly grateful you stepped in.”
Still flushed and overheated, I manage a slightly coherent reply. “I’m just glad I was there at the right time.”
I risk a quick glance at Tiero. “And I’m glad he didn’t get hurt too badly.”
“His shoulder is a little banged up, but he’ll be fine in a few days,” Mateo says.
Tiero slides a hand to my elbow and draws me closer, shooting his brother a look.
“Don’t talk about me as if I’m not standing right here, little brother. I’m perfectly capable of speaking for myself.”
We all laugh. Mateo claps him on the shoulder, and the two share a look. Something silent passes between them. Mateo gives the smallest nod.
What’s that about?
Before I can analyze any of this, Rhia nudges me.
Right, where are my manners?
I gesture toward the girls. “This is my best friend Rhia and her sister Zoe.”
Zoe is blushing.
Blushing.
I’ve never seen her nervous around men. Ever.
What is happening? Perhaps all things are truly the opposite tonight.
“This is our friend Romeo,” Mateo says, introducing the third Italian god.
“Romeo?” Rhia asks, winking at me. “Do you do voice-overs?”
Ever since our Scotland trip, we’ve set our navigation apps to a voice with a delicious Italian accent. It’s named Romeo.
Tiero’s friend smiles cheekily. “No, but perhaps I should. It’s nice to meet you.”
He steps closer and kisses Rhia and Zoe’s cheeks, but when he reaches me, he only shakes my hand.
Okayyyy.
Tiero hasn’t offered the same greeting either. Other than holding my hand, he’s kept his distance. It’s unusual in a country this affectionate, and I can’t help wondering why.
Rhia notices too but gives me a small shrug.
Small talk starts, and I quietly watch our little group.
Rhia’s eyes sparkle. She’s clearly enjoying Romeo’s voice. My best friend has a weakness for deep timbres. Years ago, she had to change gynecologists because she got too turned on by her doctor’s voice.
As expected, Zoe is completely taken with the men and flirts shamelessly, especially with Mateo.
He’s a few inches shorter than Gualtiero and clean shaven. If my first impression is right, he’s the more easygoing brother.
I shift my attention to Romeo. Classic Italian looks. Broad shoulders. Muscles stretching the fabric of his suit.
How often do these three go out together? I pity the women who cross their path. They probably dissolve into puddles at the mere sight of them.
I risk a glance at Gualtiero.
He’s been watching me the entire time.
The intensity of his gaze makes my stomach flip, butterflies whipping into a frenzy.
With a boldness I didn’t know I possessed, I hold his stare.
The top two buttons of his shirt are undone, revealing a strip of tanned skin. My fingers itch to undo the rest, to find out what’s underneath. Judging by the heat in his eyes, I suspect he wouldn’t stop me.
The thought sends a pulse of power through me. A part of me that’s been dormant for far too long stretches awake.
Who knew I had Sleeping Beauty inside me?
Is Tiero the prince meant to kiss her awake?
Ugh. That thought makes me nervous all over again.
Opposite Ella, come on.
“Shall we go?” I say, grabbing my clutch and key.
Mateo holds the door open as we step into the corridor.
Two guards wait just outside my door and another two are by the elevator, all wearing earpieces.
Why is all this security necessary?
I glance up at my date.
Who are you, Gualtiero De Marco?
Unease creeps back in. The familiar sense that I’m in over my head resurfaces.
I should stay far away from him.
But it’s too late for that now.