Page 29 of Tilly
“Because I need to know that someone is there,” he says.
“You have no idea how much attention he gets, Antonio. It’s embarrassing,” I whisper that last part. “Besides, I already have these two following their daddies’ orders to be my shadows for the foreseeable future.”
“Actually, it’s your daddy’s orders we’re following,” Enzo chimes in before gesturing a hand to Alessandro. “His daddy seconded it, though, while mine is innocent in all this.”
I roll my eyes. “You really are an idiot.”
“Oh, there she goes again. You two need to come around more often. Really brings out Little V’s fun side.” Emillio cackles at his own joke.
“Fifteen,” I tell Antonio.
“Fifteen what?”
“That’s how many girls stopped to give him their numbers during one lecture yesterday.” I shake my head. “He draws attention. I don’t like attention.”
“You know, I’m starting to regret skipping this whole higher education thing.” Emillio digs into his breakfast before gesturing a fork at his brother. “Think I missed out on having the real college experience.”
“I’m sorry. Want me to come with you instead? We could find another study hall to hole up in for the day?” Antonio lifts a suggestive brow, and I almost choke on my eggs.
“Nope, you’d get more than fifteen numbers,” I tell him, skipping over the last comment entirely. “Emillio is fine.”
“Great. But just so we’re clear, I’d get zero numbers. Because I wouldn’t give anyone the opportunity to even think I’m open to receiving them. The only number I need is yours, Matilda.” Antonio leans over the table and presses his lips against mine.
“That was good.” I grin when he pulls back again.
“Fucker,” Alessandro mumbles under his breath.
“So, who’s ready for school? It’s going to be a great day.” I smile as my eyes flick around the table.
If I thought Emillio drew a lot of attention yesterday, having all three of the guys follow me from class to class is even worse. I’ve never had so many girls try to stop and talk to me. I don’t think half of them even know my name. Not my first name anyway. But that doesn’t stop them from chatting up a storm with my chaperones.
I’ve always preferred to be in the shadows, out of the spotlight. It’s why I don’t make it a habit to hang out with my cousins while on campus. It’s easier that way.
Even now, as they follow me into the café where I’m meeting Kinsley and Rosa for lunch, heads are turning. Mouths are moving and people are staring.
I find the girls at our usual booth and smile. There isn’t enough room for the boys. Which means they’re going to have to sit elsewhere. I walk over and slide in next to Kinsley.
“Hey! Sorry I’m late,” I tell them.
“Two minutes, Tilly. Your time management skills really need working on,” Rosa says with a hint of amusement in her tone.
Emillio slips in next to her. “Hey, I’m Emillio. This one’s future brother-in-law,” he says while hiking a thumb in my direction. “And I’m guessing you two are the best friends?”
“Future brother-in-law?” Kinsley picks up my hand before dropping it with a dramatic sigh. “Damn it… I thought there was going to be a ring.”
“Um, no. Ignore him. Why don’t you go and sit waaaay over there?” I point to where Enzo and Alessandro are seated at a booth a few feet to our right. Within the line of sight, but far enough away I can at least pretend they don’t exist.
“I’m good. The company here is much prettier.” Emillio smirks at my friends.
“Emillio, no,” I tell him. “Please don’t give me a reason to hate you.”
He seems to consider it for a minute before he smiles again. “You’re far too good a girl to ever hold a grudge, Little Valentino. You’d forgive me eventually.” He shrugs.
“Maybe, but are you willing to take the risk? The rest of our lives is a very long time after all. Also, I’m calling in on that future sister-in-law loyalty. You can’t say no to family.”
“Damn it.” He shakes his head. “I’m gonna be just over there,” he huffs while gesturing a hand towards my cousins.
“Thank you,” I tell him.
