Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 148962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 745(@200wpm)___ 596(@250wpm)___ 497(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 148962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 745(@200wpm)___ 596(@250wpm)___ 497(@300wpm)
“Yeah. Earlier than planned, but I didn’t want to bail without saying goodbye.”
I don’t have to ask to know that Romeo is already gone. It’s not a surprise, considering he wasn’t here when I left for school.
I swallow the weird feeling in my throat and nod.
“Thanks for taking care of my stubborn-ass brother.” He rises from the lounge and grabs his bag. “It’s funny, he’s never let anyone else do that.”
“Oh?” I rasp.
Part of me knew that, but I wish Rafe weren’t confirming it right now. It only makes things more difficult.
“You two always had a special connection.”
“Yeah, we did. A long time ago.”
“I guess some things never change.” He offers me a sad smile. “No matter how much he tries to push everyone away.”
With those parting words, he takes his leave, and I stand there staring after him until my phone pings and snaps me out of it.
Frowning at the screen, I open the text from Michael.
You’ll meet with Riccardo this Saturday at the Vitale estate to discuss wedding plans with Valentina and have a dance lesson with their nonna.
The phrase "wedding plans" settles in my gut like a lead weight.
The last thing on earth I want to do right now is start planning my wedding to Riccardo. But trying to explain to Michael that I want to focus on school for the rest of the year would be as productive as banging my head against a brick wall. He’d yank me out so fast, without an ounce of regret, if I said something like that.
Channeling my self-preservation, I text him back my agreement.
With that dark cloud hanging over my head, I venture to my room and find a black gift box on my bed. When I open it up, there’s a note waiting for me inside.
See you Friday, kitty cat.
I unfold the tissue paper, revealing a kitten half-mask first—the face a smooth, soft pink, with rose-gold filigree curling around the eyes. The ears are made of soft pink velvet, and two pieces of satin ribbon tie it together at the back.
Beneath that, there’s a matching choker that looks like a cat collar, complete with a tiny bell.
When I unfold the costume itself, I find a blush pink long-sleeve leotard with a scoop neck and a snap closure. The second piece is a short, chiffon wrap skirt.
The combination of ballerina and kitten is perfect, and I honestly couldn’t have picked something I love more.
It's a little eerie how well he knows me.
I try on the cat ears and snap a selfie, then upload it to our chat.
BiteSizedGabi: Can’t wait to try the rest on.
Eros415: Can’t wait to ravage you in it.
BiteSizedGabi: Only if you catch me.
Eros415: You say that like you don’t know how this ends. I always win, Gabriela. The chase is a courtesy to let you think you have a chance.
BiteSizedGabi: Hmm. I guess we’ll see. How will I know what you’re wearing?
Eros415: You won’t. Remember your claim signal?
BiteSizedGabi: Venator?
Eros415: Good girl. Use it when you think I’ve caught you. I’ll respond with mine.
I forgot there were two, and I’d meant to look them up. When I pull the invitation from my nightstand, I see them together.
Venator/Praeda.
A quick search confirms they mean hunter and prey.
My stomach does a weird flip at the first word. It could be a coincidence, and it most likely is, but I feel like it’s haunting me now. Or, more accurately, maybe he is.
I collapse onto the bed, groaning when I realize my pillow still smells like him.
Yep...
Romeo Vitale is definitely haunting me.
16
GABRIELA
By the time Friday approaches, I’m full of anxious energy.
I’m excited for the manor, but I’m also nervous.
It will be the first time I see Eros since Romeo kissed me, and I just hope I can find a way to keep him from infiltrating my mind the entire night.
There’s also the small matter of the looming wedding planning and dance session with Riccardo tomorrow. I’m dreading it, but trying not to think about it.
For now, my more pressing concern is talking to Julian. I’ve been trying to figure out the best way to go about it, and when I finally approach him after school, he arches a brow at me.
“Can I help you with something, Miss Bianchi?”
Guilt knots my stomach as I remember the way he’s protected me. I wasn’t sure about him initially, but he’s turned out to be a good guy. I know a lot of women in my world feel like their guards are their wardens, but I like Julian. I don’t want to lie to him, and I feel I owe him some loyalty after the way he covered for me with Riccardo.
“About tonight.” I twist my hands together in front of me as I rock back on my heels. “I have a thing—”
“I know,” he says. “I saw the event populate on your calendar.”