Page 23 of Ruthless Guardian

“Unlock the door first.”

“Nope, I don’t think so. I like it better with you stuck out there.”

“Isabella…” he growls.

“Come on, Raf, just give me this! You already ruined my night by not letting me go to Serena’s party. Can’t you just leave me alone for two hours? I’m perfectly safe in here.”

He mutters a curse, the Italian expletive ringing out in the quiet car.Dio, if I get away with this, I deserve a prize.

“Fine,” he hisses. “But I’ll be right out here if you need anything.”

“Great, thank you.”

I release the speaker button and draw in a breath. “Damn, I can’t believe I got away with that.”

Matteo’s lips melt into a beaming smile. “Tonight is going to be memorable to say the least.”

CHAPTER 12

CHEERS!

Isabella

The banging bass vibrates off the floor-to-ceiling windows that form the walls to Serena’s modern loft. Despite its large size for a Manhattan apartment, it’s filled to the brim with writhing bodies, dancing to the hypnotic beats. I can’t remember the last time I’ve been in a room with so many people. The DJ stands in the corner, spinning a mix of house and techno beats, perfect to get into the European club mood.

I strangle the stem of my champagne flute, scanning the mass of wriggling forms for Matty. He disappeared into the crowd a few minutes ago in search of another martini. I should have gone with him. Instead, I’m perched on the end of Serena’s leather sofa as a couple dry humps beside me.Get a damned room. What are they teenagers?

The packed dance floor parts, and a familiar pair saunters in my direction. “Oh, hey, cuz, I didn’t think you’d be here tonight.” Alessia sashays closer, wearing one of her mom’s couture designs. It’s a bright red sequined top, that hangs off hershoulders with sheer sleeves embroidered with Chinese dragons. Like all Aunt Jia’s designs, it’s gorgeous. And with Alessia’s exotic mix of Italian and Chinese, she looks stunning as always. Alessandro, her twin brother, walks beside her, and a hint of unease tightens a knot in my belly.

The last time I saw Ale was the night Frankie was shot.

“Move.” Alessia shoos away the couple with no qualms about PDA and sinks into the seat beside me.

“How are you feeling, baby cuz?” Her twin towers over me, his unique irises, one a brilliant blue and the other a dark chocolate brown, scrutinizing me.

“I’m fine. Thanks for coming to check on me, by the way, asshole.”

“Sorry, Bella. Things were chaotic after the incident at The Velvet Vault.” He drags a hand through his long hair. The wild dark locks nearly brush his shoulders now. “But I was thinking about you.” Something darkens his expression, a twitch in his typically casual demeanor. Maybe he has been going through something…

“And Pa was pissed as all hell,” Alessia adds. “He threatened to take the Vault away from him for that fuck-up with the Russians.”

“No need to bore our cousin with all the details.” His gaze swivels away from mine, taking in the array of female guests. “I need to get laid tonight.”

“Unlike every other night?” Alessia smirks up at her twin.

Ignoring his sister, he reaches for my champagne and swallows it down in one gulp.

“Hey!”

“I need it more than you do, trust me.”

“You have no idea what’s been going on in my life, Ale,” I hiss.

“Actually, I do. Matteo keeps us up to date on all your struggles with your new bodyguard, princess.”

“I heard he’s hot as fuck.” Alessia’s sharp gaze circles the room. “Where is he by the way? I was hoping to get an in-person peek.”

That flare of guilt rises, but I swallow it down, wishing I had some champagne to wash it down with. “It’s his night off.”

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