Page 54 of Gilded Princess

And Mary would too, if she wasn’t in the middle of her own shit right now.

Even though my sister feels a thousand miles away, you don’t break a bond like ours so easily.

So why not? Why shouldn’t I start a collection of men? I’m not expecting a ring. Just a summer fling. Some honest, steamy fun with some seriously hot guys. Something to think fondly of when I’m stuck inside the stifling walls of a classroom in the fall.

I can bury my unresolved feelings for Matteo and leave only the attraction. The chemistry and lust.

In an uncharacteristic move, I don’t have a detailed plan for what to do. I’m going to try something new.

Spontaneity.

The idea is more daunting than having more than one boyfriend.

Four different men come to mind, without even conscious thought. Perhaps my subconscious has been steering me in this direction all along.

I mean, I nearly had sex with a stranger in the middle of a charity gala—a stranger! My version of a one-night stand was making out with a guy I went on a double-date with.

I was sheltered by choice, if that makes sense. Someone had to look out for the three of us. And in a city this size, it would be all too easy for something to go wrong, so I did my best to keep my head in the game.

And that’s worked really well for me—for us. The only time I let the ball slip was a couple years ago when Matteo and I dated. We were kids then—I was fairly innocent. But I was into him with a fierceness that scared me a little.

And when I look at him now, some of those butterflies feel a whole lot heavier, demanding even. Curiosity thrums inside my veins at the idea of rekindling something with Matteo.

I bite my lip when a fantasy scrolls across my vision. Me sandwiched between my mystery man from the gala—my Aries—and Matteo.

That’s assuming I ever see Aries again. I’d probably have more of a likelihood of adding Charlie Hunnam to my harem than seeing him again.

Mesmerizing green eyes materialize in this fantasy.

Leo.

Tall and tattooed with that goddamn dimple. He’d be the perfect addition.

And damn, without my phone, I don’t know how to get in touch with him.

I hear muffled voices from the hallway, and I glance in that direction. I don’t see anyone, but I imagine Dante leaning against the wall, crossing his huge arms across his well-defined chest.

Yeah, I could definitely add Dante too.

Huh.

I guess maybe I’ve been slowly accumulating my own harem after all.

I’m not exactly sure how to go about it. I have to imagine it takes a very specific type of man to be open to this kind of relationship.

And what better person to solicit information from than my very own cousin, the one who planted the idea, unintentionally, I’m sure.

“Maddie? Earth to Maddie.”

Lainey’s shout rips me from my thoughts. “Hm? I’m sorry, I must’ve spaced.” I shake my head a little to the side.

Lainey’s brows crease and she leans toward the camera. “Are you sure you’re okay? Maybe you should call that Dante guy back in. I’m not sure if you should be alone.”

I wave her concern off with a few flicks of my wrist. “I’m fine, I promise. I was just lost in thought, and I didn’t realize you were back.”

She nods, the movement measured and slow. “If you say so.”

“Everything okay with you?”

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