Page 24 of Brightness

“It’s getting late. We’ll set up your room so you can both get settled,” Amalia offers.

Dash’s ears prick up. “We’re in the same room?”

Amalia laughs. “Separate beds, cowboy.”

“Good.” Dash nods matter-of-factly. “Then I can keep an eye on her. Make sure she’s okay through the night.”

Tony’s gaze shifts to Amalia. “We thought you’d want to do that.”

My muscles tense. If Void knew I was sharing a room with Dash, I don’t know how he would feel. But we’re in separate beds, and Void did want Dash to watch over me.

It’s only one night. And I like that he’s right there for protection should I need it.

“Okay, Ivy looks like she’s about to pass out. Let’s get her to bed,” Dash instructs. “Night, Anna.”

Mia giggles again, the sound angelic. “Night, Elsa!”

“Night, Olaf,” Dash and Mia both say in unison to Matteo.

He groans, trying to fight back his smile. “Goodnight, principessa.” Matteo leans down to place a kiss on Mia’s forehead, then gently pulls the covers up over her. “Sleep tight.”

She reaches out, grabbing Matteo’s hand. “Uncle Matty?”

“Yeah?”

“Love you.”

He leans down, taking her into a tight embrace. “Ti amo anch’io amore mio.”

I’m not sure what Matteo just murmured to Mia, but apparently, she understands as she cuddles into him. Leaving them to their moment, I turn and head out the door.

Dash wraps his arm around my shoulders, leaning into my ear. “Don’t tell anyone I told you this, but Matteo’s all right. He loves that kid more than anything. He’s a great uncle, and once he started loosening up in there, he was pretty cool with that cute kid.”

Tony chuckles behind us, making us both turn. “Matteo has many layers. It surprised me he unraveled some of them in front of you, Dash, especially considering how turbulent you both started out. But as we all know, my daughter is his weakness, and if she took a shining to you, then he will too. Your room is this one.” Tony gestures to a room off to the right.

We all veer, and as I walk in, Dash switches on the light, sending a glow over the room. The first thing to catch my eye is the giant floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the waterway, the silvery moon shining bright as it reflects on the waves. There’s a large bed, maybe a queen-size, facing the giant windows overlooking the water. I can’t think of anything more calming to wake up to. Then there’s a small alcove where a single bed is situated with a couple of sofa chairs and a door leading out to a balcony. I shake my head at the extravagance of this room. I’m sure there’s also an attached bathroom off to the side. Tony is crazy rich. I can’t even fathom having a home like this, and this is only one bedroom.

“I hope everything is to your satisfaction?” Amalia questions.

I walk over to the window, taking in the magnificent view. “You have an amazing home.”

“I’m very lucky. You should get some rest, Ivy. You’re free to roam the house, but please don’t leave the grounds, for your safety and ours. We will have the staff bring some food to your room in a short while,” Amalia offers.

I turn back to see Dash checking out the softness of the single mattress.

Tony dips his chin at me. “You’re welcome to call home, tell them what’s going on. You’ll be heading back in the morning. I will have my men drive you. For now, though, good night, signora.”

I wave my hand in the air. “Night, Tony.”

He and Amalia head off, closing the door behind them.

Dash opens his very intense shadowed eyes. “Holy shit! Did we crack the jackpot or what?”

I try to hold it in but fail as I burst out laughing.

Dash scrunches up his face, and I sit on the giant bed before I fall over. “Jesus, Dash, I can’t take you seriously made up like that.”

He waves me off dismissively. “Just ’cause I’m pretty don’t mean you gotta hate on me for it.”

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