Page 8 of Something Old

“I guess now’s the time, then.”

I stare back towards Leora. “I wonder if daddy’s little princess over there knows her father isn’t so rich anymore. She wouldn’t survive a day in the life of a working person.” I smirk.

“There are a hundred men who grab the chance to marry that fox. She’s too beautiful to worry about not being a pampered princess.”

“Hmph.” I snort in annoyance. I don’t like spoilt brats, and she is the queen of brats.

“She might be beautiful - but I pity any man who ends up having to marry that one.”

Eventually, the conversation drifts away from Marco Alesso and his spoilt daughter, to far more interesting topics, like our own family business, which has been thriving.

For the rest of the wedding, I do my best to avoid Leora, not wanting to be tempted to repeat the same mistake. I hang out with my brothers and drink beers at the bar until the guest start leaving and the crowd thins out and I think I can leave too without being rude about it.

I walk over to the table where I left my jacket over the back of the chair. Picking it up, I slip my arms into the sleeves and shrug in onto my shoulders.

I feel a hand run down my back, sending a shiver through my body.

“Are you leaving already?”

I turn to face Leora.

My jaw muscles clench and my mouth is dry.

She steps close to me and runs her hand down my chest.

I catch her wrist and stop her.

“Leora, I hope you enjoy the rest of the evening.” I say, stepping away from her.

“But - don’t you want to get my number?” She looks hopeful.

“No, thank you.” I take another step back and she steps with me, so I reach out and grab her shoulder, forcing her to stop.

“Goodnight, Leora.” I say - to the point - leaving no room for misunderstanding.

She nods, a slight, tipsy grin on her face.

“Good night, Mas. I’m sure we will see each other again soon.”

I turn around, walking away briskly. “I doubt it.” I mutter to myself.

I hope my brothers didn’t see all of that, otherwise they’ll be ripping me off again.

CHAPTER FOUR

Leora

Iwake up with a smile on my face. I feel as though the world is full of possibilities right now and they are all in my favor.

Rolling over, I bury my face against my pillow, giggling to myself.

I’m still high on all the emotions left over from that kiss. Wow! That kiss.

I can’t believe my first kiss ever was with the hottest man on the planet, Masaccio Vece.

Rolling onto my back, I stretch my legs out, yawn, and assess my body. I don’t have a hangover - which is pretty impressive considering how many shots we had last night.

Wow. That was so much fun. That was the best wedding I have ever been to.

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