Page 4 of Frayed Bonds

“The city is amazing, everything I ever dreamed of. Everything else? I could've gone my whole life without,” I say and he looks over at me briefly. “Let’s just say that I'm glad to be home.”

And as far away from Paris and Mattheo as possible.

He nods as we pull up into the driveway. “So, I take it you'll be sticking around for a while?”

“Yeah, at least for the rest of the year.” I pause awkwardly, not too sure of my answer. “Thanks for the ride home. Don't forget to send me your address for tomorrow,” I say and collect my bag and the box of cannolis

“I’ll come by and pick you up at around 1 p.m.,” he says.

I can tell from his tone it isn’t a question, but rather a statement. No room for debate.

“Sure, but umm, I don't think I have your number anymore..” I trail off, feeling slightly awkward about asking for his number after so long. “You know, in case I'm running late or something,” I add on for good measure.

What if he doesn't want to give me his number? I mean billionaires have a strict privacy thing I'm sure.

“Give me your phone, and I'll put it in, then you can text me so I have yours.”

He hands me my phone back and I slip it back into my bag. “It was good bumping into you, Nino.” I smile and climb out of the car.

“Likewise, Val.” He flashes his perfect smile, which I’m sure has every woman in Tevici weak in the knees, and then I wonder if he’s still single.

“I’m back, and I have the goods,” I yell, walking into my home.

Karyn meets me in the kitchen with a frown on her face. “He went off to bed, and said he was getting sleepy.” I frown and check the time, realising that I'd been gone for quite a bit longer than I had originally intended.

“It’s okay, at least he’ll have something to look forward to tomorrow,” she says, patting my shoulder as I open the box and offer her one of the delicious pastries.

We both flop onto the couch and resume watching the show we previously were. “Did you know Luciano Vitale died last week?” I ask.

Her head snaps to me and immediately the TV is paused. “NO?” She practically shouts.

I frown. “They must be keeping it under wraps until after the funeral, then.”

“The poor family probably just wants to mourn in peace. More importantly, how do you know he died?” She raises a brow.

“I bumped into Antonio at Trescatelli's.”

“I knew something was up when you were taking longer than usual. Does he still look the same? It’s been years since I've seen any of them outside of the newspaper or social media.”

“He’s taller, and a bit more muscular, but otherwise, the same.” I shrug. “He invited me to the reception after the funeral tomorrow.”

Her eyes widen. “Are you gonna go?”

“Probably, yes. He said he’d pick me up at around one.”

She turns the TV on without any further questions. “That makes sense as to why Ambrose is back in Tevici,” she says absentmindedly.

“What do you mean? Hasn't he been here the entire time?”

Karyn bursts out laughing. “Have you been living under a rock in Paris? He’s been on the front page of every news outlet for the last few months living La Dolce Vita along the Amalfi Coast. A different girl every day, blowing millions of euros; that was up until last week. Then everything went radio silent, and suddenly they’re reporting on him returning to Tevici today.”

I raise my brow at her. “Are you cyberstalking the Vitales?”

She rolls her eyes. “I have a lot of free time on my hands when your father is napping, and besides, have you seen them? They're so gorgeous, keeping up with their lives is far from a chore.”

I try to swallow the bile rushing up my throat at the thought of finding any of the Vitale’s attractive. “Yes, they're all good-looking with pockets so big they could end world hunger with a paycheck, but all I can think of are the obnoxious boys that I remember growing up with.”

“You haven’t seen recent pictures of them, have you?” Karyn asks, taking in my disgusted expression.

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