“No, I hadn’t.” I try to sound uninterested.
“Andrew’s taken a turn.”
“Poor bastard. I think I’d rather be put out of my misery than have a disease eat away at me.”
“I’ll remember that,” she says, grinning at me. “Come on.” She holds out an arm, and I take it. “So where did you meet Layla?”
“You know the answer to that question.”
She taps her forehead. “Oh yeah. Silly me.”
“You’re a terrible liar.” She smirks up at me. “Let me guess, you’ve been sent over to entertain me while Levi talks to Layla.”
She looks quickly at me and shakes her head. “You’re very suspicious.”
“Everyone’s working an angle, Isabella. I’m just trying to work out what yours is, and what’s in it for Levi.”
She shrugs, patting my hand. “And there goes that imagination. I happen to care for your cousin.”
“Really?” I quirk my eyebrow.
“Why do you seem so surprised?”
“Have you met Levi?”
“He’s a pussy cat really.” A thoughtful look passes her face. “Ah, look, your man’s here. Who’s he with?”
Roman stands in the doorway, looking ridiculously uncomfortable with Katy on his arm, her eyes wide as she takes in the magnificent space. I can clearly read the wordsfuck meon her lips.
I haven’t got eyes on Layla, so I take the time walking with Duchess to scan the crowd. Layla was right, everyone does look the sodding same.
“Rome.” I nod once at him and turn to Katy, who looks beautiful in her floor length midnight blue dress. Her hair is poker straight, framing her face, accentuating her features, her olive skin has a shimmery gleam to it.
Rome may look uncomfortable, but they do make an attractive couple. Oh, I’m going to have fun with this.
“Katy, this is Isabella.”
“Fuck me, this place is something isn’t it?” She doesn’t mince her words, and Rome glares at her.
“Having fun?” I ask, prodding the bear and he just stares at me, fuming.
“I’m getting a drink,” he finally says. “Katy.” He nods, unhooking his arm and disappearing into the crowd.
“Oh, toot-a-loo.” She waves after him. “Tell me, Luca, what is that man’s problem? I’ve never known such a grumpy git.”
Isabella laughs, and my lips twitch.
“I’m serious, he seems worse than you.” She turns to Duchess and kisses her on both cheeks. “Nice to meet you, Isabella. If everyone here looks like you, I’m leaving. Your dress is stunning.”
“Thank you so much.”
“Have you seen Layla?” she asks, looking worried.
“There she is.” Duchess points, and there’s Layla with none other than Levi.
“Suspicious my arse,” I mutter, throwing Duchess a look. She just shrugs.
“Lovely to meet you, Katy. I’m sure I’ll see you throughout the evening.”