Page 123 of Ruthless Guardian

“Soon, I hope.”

“Well, let me know so I can fly back into town for it.”

He nods just as Bella rushes over, teetering on those fabulous heels I’d bought with her at Barney’s in the spring. “What are you guys doing just sitting here?” She flicks her hair over her shoulder, motioning toward the dancefloor.

Alessandro throws her a lazy grin. “Not sure if you’ve noticed Bella, but they’re playing old-timey romantic music and none of us have dates.”

“Since when has that stopped you and Alessia from giving everyone a show?” Matteo smirks at his cousin, a shit-eating grin lighting up his eyes.

“You’re disgusting.” He throws a decorative pillow at Matty who easily deflects the cushiony missile.

Ignoring them, Bella drops down between Alessia and me. “Come on, Sere, we don’t have much time to hang out if you’re heading back to Milano on Monday already.”

“I don’t think your new broody, bodyguard boyfriend is going to appreciate my hands all over you on the dancefloor.” I waggle my brows just to get a laugh out of her.

She’s too easy.

“Oh, stop.” She giggles, that smile lighting up the entire room. It was hard enough being away from her this summer, but now that I’ve decided to stay in Milano indefinitely, I don’t know what I’m going to do without my best friend.

Only my parents know the plan, and I’d hoped to tell everyone else this evening. But Bella just seems so happy, and I hate to put a damper on her night. I’ll have to tell them all tomorrow. Maybe I’ll even throw one last epic party in my loft…

“Come on!” Bella’s already tugging me off the couch before I can reach for my flute. If I’m going to be forced to endure slow dancing with my best friend, her boyfriend and Frank Sinatra, I’m going to need some more alcohol.

“Promise me we’re hanging out tomorrow?” Bella pushes out her bottom lip into a dramatic pout that has me proud. She learned from the best, after all.

“Absolutely, all day.” My gaze flicks up to meet a dark one. “As long as Raf here will let you out of his sight.”

Bella wraps her arm around his waist, and he gently tucks her into his side, and even my jaded ass can see how well she fits there. “Don’t worry.” Raf smirks. “You won’t even notice I’m there.”

“Amore…” My cousin smacks him playfully on the chest. “I’ll have Andrew?—”

He presses a finger to her lips, and her eyes heat at the touch. “There is nothing I’d enjoy more than spending the day walking across Manhattan and watching your cute little ass swaying to an invisible tune.”

“Oh,Dio, he’s obsessed,” I laugh.

“Told you.” She feigns annoyance, but I know Bella better than anyone and dammit, Matty’s right. This is for real. Figures our little princess would marry the first man she fucked.

My phone buzzes again, drawing my attention to the clutch tucked beneath my arm. Pulling it out, I glance at the new message. Another Tinder match. Maybe I won’t be going home just yet. Before sliding my cell back in the purse, I take a quick peek at the guy. Italian_Stallion69. I barely suppress the wild cackle from bursting free. He’s in a black hoodie, with sunglasses, his face covered in shadows but damn, there’s just something about him, despite the ridiculous name. I swipe right and stuff my phone into my new Prada.

“Booty call?” Bella’s eyes twinkle as she glances up at me.

“Maybe…”

“Well, don’t stay out too late tonight. I want to go to your mom’s yoga class at nine.”

“Deal.” I pull her into a hug, squeezing the shit out of her. “I miss you already, cuz. I don’t know how I’m going to survive with you so far away.”

“We’ll make it work. I’ll come to visit, a lot, I promise.” After the situation with Raf’s family had been resolved, they had come up to Milano twice, but that was when they were only a three-hour train ride away. Now how often would I see her? Once, maybe twice a year if we’re lucky.

“I love you,” I whisper, unexpected emotion suddenly making it hard to get the words out.

“Love you more!” She squeezes me tight before finally releasing me. Raf stands behind her, his protective stance obvious even in this family setting.

“Okay, see you in the morning!” I waggle my fingers and spin around before the tears spill over. Damn it, what’s wrong with me? Who knew I’d start to get all emotional and shit at the ripe old age of twenty-four?

One of the guards closes the penthouse door behind me and I rush to the elevator, jabbing my finger at the button. The doors finally glide open, and I dart inside, exhaling a sigh of relief as I lean against the sleek metal wall.

My phone vibrates again, and I draw in a breath as I fish it out of my purse. New message from Italian_Stallion69. My finger hovers over theViewbutton for an endless minute. I should just go home and get some rest, right? Or I could drown all my anxieties and fears with a hot stranger and just forget for one night…

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