Chapter Twelve Ella
Chapter Twelve
Ella
Tiero’s face darkens as I speak, his eyes turning cold and unreadable.
For a split second, he looks like someone else entirely, and I’m taken aback. Then he seems to remember who he’s talking to, and his easy smile slides back into place.
He shrugs. “I’m a businessman, Ella. I have a few enemies. It comes with the territory.”
As if sensing the weight of the moment, he adds with a wink, “This is Italy. We’re passionate. Emotions run high. People do stupid things when they stop thinking clearly.”
I’ve said my fair share of stupid things when I’ve been upset. But never did I want to kill someone.Then again, the stakes in my world aren’t nearly that high.
I lean forward slightly. “Someone wanted you dead. How can you be so relaxed about it?”
“It’s sweet you’re worried for me.” His smile is… measured. “But there’s no reason to, princess. Everything is under control.”
He gestures subtly toward a nearby table where four of his men sit. “That’s why I have security.”
Princess… heat floods my cheeks before I can stop it.
“They weren’t much use yesterday,” I say, trying to ignore the flutters in my chest. “Aren’t they meant to keep eyes on you at all times?”
I glance at the men he indicated. They’re big, broad, and alert. Even in suits, they look dangerous. Two of them followed the others to the dance floor and now stand in the shadows nearby, scanning the room without pause.
“When I took the phone call, I stepped outside thinking I’d only be a minute,” Tiero says easily.
It still doesn’t explain why he was alone.
“They’re normally very good at their job. But maybe I should hire you to look after me.” He winks, and I hate that I blush instantly.
I wish I were immune to him.
“You did a fine job yesterday keeping me out of harm’s way. Thank you again.”
He raises his glass in a quiet salute, his eyes never leaving mine.
I clink my glass against his and take a sip. The champagne is delicious, slightly sweet, and refreshing, one of the best I’ve ever tasted.
My mind is elsewhere, though. How did the driver of the SUV know Tiero was alone? It can’t have been a coincidence.
I’m about to ask more questions, but Tiero beats me to it and speaks first.
“We should order,” he says smoothly. “You must be hungry after your exciting day.”
Just like that, the conversation about yesterday is over. I’m left none the wiser, with even more questions circling my mind.
“Have you had a proper traditional Sicilian dinner since you’ve been here?” he asks.
“That depends on what you consider proper. I usually feel full when I’m done,” I joke.
He chuckles. “A traditional Sicilian or Italian dinner usually has five small courses. Would you like me to order for you?”
I nod. Why not? It’s his favorite restaurant. He’ll know what’s good.
“Is there anything you don’t like to eat?” Gualtiero asks.
“I’m not a fan of eggplant,” I admit.
Tiero smiles. “That rules out a few dishes. Don’t worry. I’ll find things you’ll love.”
“I know I’m in expert hands with you,” I say flirtatiously, mentally patting myself on the back.
Go, Opposite Ella.
I haven’t flirted in so long, I forgot how fun it can be.
The others are still dancing, in no hurry to return, so Tiero orders for all of us. As if on cue, the four of them reappear just as the food arrives.
“The first course is the antipasto,” Tiero explains. “Normally I would’ve ordered caponata, but eggplant is the key ingredient, and you made your feelings very clear.” He grins. “So I chose a seafood salad instead.”
“Wonderful choice. It looks amazing.” It tastes even better.
We move through the courses easily. Every dish Gualtiero ordered is delicious, but I’m most excited when we get to dessert. It’s always my favorite part of any meal.
Since I’ve already eaten my weight in cannoli, Tiero convinces me to try cassata siciliana instead, and it doesn’t disappoint.
Sponge cake soaked in fruit juice, layered with ricotta and candied fruit, wrapped in marzipan.
Absolute heaven. Like every good Austrian, or half-Austrian in my case, I love marzipan.
Conversation flows easily. My earlier unease fades as we laugh and flirt. By the second glass of champagne, I feel relaxed and completely at ease.
Over dinner, Zoe zeroes in on Mateo while somehow still making Romeo feel like the only man in the room. She has the multitasking of men perfected. The three of them exchange loaded glances all night.
Tiero watches with quiet amusement, while Rhia studies her little sister like she’s witnessing a rare wildlife documentary.
Until this trip, they’ve barely spent time together.
Growing up, Rhia worshipped her older brother Connor, and he returned the devotion tenfold. I used to tease them about it. To this day, they’re thick as thieves.
I remember wishing for that kind of sibling bond when I was little, begging my mother for a brother or sister of my own. She always said the age gap would make it different. In the end, Rhia became that person for me anyway.
Maybe that’s why she and Zoe never quite clicked.
Zoe was always the annoying little sister in the background. They argued constantly as teenagers and avoided each other whenever they could.
Now, watching Rhia try to reconnect with her feels strange in a good way.
Even if Zoe is making it as difficult as possible.
Mateo claps his hands together to get our attention. “There’s a great club just around the corner. We should go.”
Zoe’s face lights up instantly. “Yes!”
Rhia grins. “I’m in.”
I groan. “Of course you are.”
I hate clubs. They’re too loud and too crowded.
Mateo looks at me. “You too, Ella?”
“No thanks. Clubs aren’t my scene.” I shake my head. “You guys go without me. Just remember the bus for our Mount Etna tour picks us up at nine.”
“Shoot. I’d forgotten about that,” Rhia laughs.
She usually prefers pubs to clubs too, but tonight I suspect she wants to keep an eye on Zoe while conveniently leaving me alone with Tiero, the conniving little devil.
“Rhi, are you sure you don’t want to come back with me?” I ask, hoping she’ll change her mind and won’t abandon me.
Her devious smile returns. “Yeah, I’m sure. I feel like dancing tonight.”
“Don’t worry, Ella,” Mateo says. “I’ll make sure your friends get back in time.”
He grins like the cat that ate the canary, and I have no doubt what his plans are. Let’s just hope they go to his place. Otherwise, I won’t be getting any sleep.
If Zoe is anything like her sister, she’s going to be loud. Rhia and Lex had so many noise complaints from neighbors that they ended up buying an entire floor apartment with soundproof walls.
I pull Rhia aside. “How are you getting back to the hotel with… whatever’s about to happen?” I glance pointedly at her sister, deep in flirtation with the two Italian hunks.
“Don’t worry about me, El. Enjoy your time with Tiero.” She looks over at him and licks her lips. “He’s delicious and completely into you. Make the most of it. Opposite Ella, remember?”
“Some friend you are. Abandoning me like this,” I complain, making her laugh.
“I’ve only got your best interest at heart.” She hugs me, then heads back to the others, wiggling her fingers in a farewell wave.
Traitor.
Tiero stands with his brother. They hug, slapping each other on the back. Mateo says something with a broad grin, then glances my way.
Tiero’s gaze follows. A warm smile spreads across his face.
I feel like I’ve been caught eavesdropping and quickly look away.
They were talking about me, weren’t they? Annoyingly, I blush.
Tiero walks toward me while the other four pile into the waiting SUV for what I’m sure will be a night of sexy fun for at least three of them. Knowing Zoe, she won’t be getting much sleep. Let’s hope she can still climb a volcano tomorrow. Then again, she’ll probably just ditch us.
Tiero stops in front of me.
“Would you like to go for a walk by the sea?” he asks as I watch the SUV drive off. “It’s only a block from here.”
Do I?
Or am I ready to be in the confined space of his car again?