Page 85 of Forever Fake

“Sweet cousin, we’re about to change that. Retail therapy is going to make both of us so much happier.”

Her smile falls. “If you say so.”

“Trust me.”

“She’s not going anywhere. Especially with you.” The formidable Italian blocks Aunt Antonia’s doorway. I’m not sure who called in this six foot five barbarian, but he’s really getting on my nerves.

Hands resting on my waist, I pop my hip. “Andwhoare you?”

He glares at me. “Maximo.”

“Never heard of you.” I pick up my purse. “But why don’t you be helpful and take our suitcases to the taxi.”

Elena giggles. Maximo looks offended, but also a little out of his depths. Besides being ridiculously tall, and broad, I’d guess he’s in his late twenties. Jet black waves soften his angular features, the short beard helps too. But it’s those stunning sea-green eyes that will forever make him memorable. Which is how I know I’ve never met this guy before.

He clears his throat and stands taller, as if that’s even necessary. “I’m Maximo Pontrelli. Son of your father’s cousin. I’m in charge of ensuring Elena’s safety.”

Ah, so he’s family. Or at least, he’s Elena’s relative, since I’m not really a Pontrelli.

I glance at her. “Why didn’t you tell me you had a jailor?”

“Because I’ve barely been anywhere. I’ve seen him like once a year when he visits Aunt Antonia for Christmas.”

He clears his throat again. “I visit more often than that.”

“Could have fooled me.”

Oh, I like a snarky Elena. She doesn’t come out nearly often enough.

I turn my attention back to him. “Fine. You can come with us as our security detail.”

“I think not. I have more important responsibilities to attend to here.”

“Sure you do, which is why you’re here trying to stop two women from traveling around the country on vacation. Super important work.” I hold up a palm to stop him from interrupting me. “Before you launch into more crap about Elena’s safety, she won’t be traveling as herself.Duh, how stupid would that be. Haven’t you seen her fake identity? Passport and all. It’s not like she wasn’t just in Paris and London for my wedding.”

Maximo eyes me, then glances at Elena. “Do you want to go?”

She nods.

“Okay. But you will take this and check in every morning.” He hands her a cell phone. “That is secure. And it has a tracker. Keep it on you always.”

Overprotective men. I swallow down a snarky comment. Elena takes it from him and tucks it in her bag.

“You will also give me a full itinerary of where you’re going. I expect it to be on my phone by tonight.”

“Fine.” I grab my suitcase. “Can we go now? Our taxi’s waiting.”

He steps aside, then surprises me by taking both my and Elena’s suitcases to the cab. Maybe there’s a gentleman hidden beneath that rough exterior after all.

“Thank you.”

“Stay out of trouble,” he warns. “I know which daughter you are, the trouble-maker one.”

“Well, it seems my reputation precedes me.”

“I’m very serious.”

I sigh. “I’ll take care of Elena. I promise. We’re going to have lots of fun—very carefully.”

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