Chapter Four #6
“Fine,” I say gruffly. “I’ll try to make up with him. But if he rejects me, what happens next is on him, not me.”
“Yes. Thank you, Elio.” Her voice is filled with relief and she surprises me when she kisses my cheek.
I pat her back awkwardly. “It may not work. Don’t thank me yet.”
Mrs. Foschini and a surly-looking Marcello appear beside us a few moments later. Noemi is with them, cheeks flushed and eyes sparkling with frustration.
There’s an awkward silence as Marcello shoots me a resentful glance.
I feel tension radiating from Marcello’s family while they wait to see how I’ll behave.
Gritting my teeth, I shove down my pride and step closer to him.
When I do that, his sisters and mother seem to disappear into the crowd.
Now it’s just me and Marcello, staring at each other warily.
His expression is arrogant. Hostile. My initial emotional response to that is anger, but then, for whatever reason, I begin to see past his mask of resentment.
Deep in his dark eyes there’s vulnerability lurking.
I can sense he’s braced. He’s expecting me to be harsh and angry with him.
I’m surprised when I recognize his anger for what it is: insecurity.
He may be the most powerful alpha in the room, but deep down, he’s just a big kid afraid of rejection.
Seeing that in him softens me, mostly because it’s such a surprise.
I’d never in a million years have suspected he had an insecure bone in his body.
He hides it well behind cold aggression.
But it’s there. Eating away at him just like it would anyone else.
I take a calming breath, and move closer to Marcello. He narrows his eyes suspiciously, which irritates me, but I push forward. “I’m sorry,” I say quietly. “I’m sorry I was so thoughtless earlier.”
The astonishment on his face is almost worth what it costs me to say those words. His eyes flicker and confusion washes through his brown eyes. He doesn’t speak for a second, but a muscle twitches in his lean cheek. “You’re sorry?” he repeats almost as if he thinks it’s a trick.
I nod. “Yes. I embarrassed you by behaving rudely.”
He blinks at me, speechless.
“I hate that you’re upset with me, Marcello.
” For good measure, I slip my arms around him.
His body is hard and stiff at first, but he puts his hands on my hips instinctively.
His scent is clean, the wool of his tux mingling with his cologne and the natural scent of his warm skin.
If I’m honest, it feels good to be in his arms. Almost comforting.
I’m not sure why that is, but it’s true.
I grimace. “I only checked my phone because I thought the text might be from Fabio or the doctor.”
He looks down at me, a line appears between his dark brows. “You thought the text was from your brother?”
I lift one shoulder. “I worry constantly that something will go wrong with Fabio. That his health will take a turn for the worse.”
He clears his throat. “Oh. I… I guess that makes sense.”
Hoping I look suitably contrite, I add, “But even so, I should have waited until I was in private to look at my phone.”
I don’t mention Pete. I don’t bring up the fact that Marcello is the one who said we could have lovers on the side.
That’s a conversation for when we’re alone.
I put all my energy into my expression, doing my best to look conciliatory.
Submissive. I want anyone watching us to think we’re in love.
Bonded. Solid. In truth, I fear we’re more like a pile of match sticks, easily toppled, and on the verge of going up in flames.
He looks like he might be softening, so I say, “Don’t be mad, okay?” I hold his gaze, channeling sincerity. “I’m sorry I upset you.”
He hesitates, but then says, “I accept your apology.”
Gee, thanks.
His gaze is on my mouth, and I feel like what’s needed to finish off my Academy Award-winning performance is a kiss.
Even though I’m irritated with what a big baby he’s being, I know that a kiss will sooth him even more and look good to anyone who noticed we were having a problem.
With that in mind, I push up on my toes and press my mouth to his.
I feel his surprise, but I’m relieved when he kisses me back.
I’m even more surprised when he pulls me closer, deepening the kiss.
His big hands slide down to cup my ass, which makes heat fill my cheeks because we’re in the middle of a crowded room.
He doesn’t seem to care where we are. His tongue pushes into my mouth, and I can’t help the moan that escapes me.
After a minute, he pulls back, looking smug.
I’m sure my face is pink because that wasn’t a kiss so much as a make-out session.
Even though making out in public isn’t my style, the embarrassment is worth it because, not only was it a very nice kiss, but Marcello looks happy again.
The jealous beast has been calmed. I run a shaky hand over my hair and meet Mrs. Foschini’s approving gaze.
Ginevra also looks happy, as does Noemi.
Mission accomplished. The entire family is happy with me.
Then I meet Sandro’s resentful gaze, and my gut tenses. I feel bad for him because it’s obvious he’s still in love with Marcello, but the stakes are too high to worry about his feelings.
For now, crisis averted.