Page 44 of Gio

“And you think I only have sex with men I’m considering for marriage?” I laughed and shook my head. “I like Gio, and he likes me, why isn’t that enough for you?”

“Because you’re my little sister.”

“Correction, I am youryoungersister Cole. I’m not a little kid anymore and you know something else? I’m not a virgin.”

“Harper,” he groaned. “Please.”

“Seriously. We like each other. I’m your sister and he’s your oldest and best friend in the world, who exactly do you think you’re protecting with your shitty behavior?”

He laughed. “Gio has a three-night rule, you know. He doesn’t fuck a woman for more than three nights, period.” His words were meant to shock me, and he frowned when he didn’t get the desired response.

“Yeah, I know all about it. The girls told me and then he explained it.”

“And you don’t mind, Harper? What the fuck?”

I shrugged. “It’s gross, I’ll give you that, but I understand that he doesn’t want to give them the wrong impression.”

Cole laughed. “And you won’t get the wrong impression?”

“No, I won’t. For starters, it’s been a hell of a lot more than three nights. It’s been weeks, Cole. I like him and he likes me. I don’t know where it’s going but right now, I don’t care. He’s the same Gio only better, and with incredible sex.”

“Could’ve lived without knowing that last bit.”

“I know you made him promise not to touch me a million years ago but that was then. Things have changed. We both have changed—in case you haven’t noticed.”

“You think he’s changed. Did he tell you about Cindy?”

I nodded. “She did too. When she threatened me.” His eyes widened in surprise. “Yeah. He told me she had her three nights,and she wants more. He doesn’t.” And the truth was that if he got tired of me, it would hurt but I’d lick my wounds when I was back in California.

“You really like him?”

I nodded. “Yeah, I really do Cole, and you were an asshole to him, treating him like he’s scum or something.” He opened his mouth, and I shook my head. “And don’t give me thatlittle sistershit, either. He’s your friend. Your brother.”

“Yeah, fine. I’ll talk to him but when I’m ready.”

“Good because he really has done a good job of looking after me.” I wasn’t sure how much Gio told him, so I relayed the attempted kidnapping and the shooting. “He’s been good to me.”

“Yeah, I knew he would be.”

“Then stop being an asshole.” I took his hand in both of mine and squeezed it. “I mean it. Now let’s go have a drink while I tell all about this thing Gio does with his tongue.”

“Yes, to the drink, fuck no to the things you said that I’ve instantly erased from my mind.”

“Fine.” Just as we stepped inside Cindy stepped out of Gio’s room wearing nothing but a towel. She stopped and looked at me, a slow smile creeping across her face.

“Motherfucker!” Cole growled beside me before he took off for Gio’s room. “He’s dead.”

“Cole,” I called after him. “It’s not… Gio,” I said when I caught up to him and found the man I didn’t recognize zipping himself up.

“Hollywood, what are you doing in Gio’s room?”

He shrugged and flashed a million-dollar smile. “Gio said I could use it while I figured my shit out. Got a knock on the door and a welcome home blowjob. Who’s this?”

I smiled. “I’m Harper, Cole’s sister.”

He flashed a knowing smile. “And Gio’s woman?”

“Yep, that too. How’s freedom feeling?”

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