Page 16 of Lodged

“Oh, come on. Is it the cute redhead?” Penny asks with a knowing smile. I make a frustrated sound at the mention of Ruin. I can’t get her out of my head, and the guilt of being attracted to a student is eating at me.

“No, it isn’t her—it’s Vicente.” I glance at Penny and catch her raising an eyebrow in question.

“One of my brother’s brother-in-law.”

“What a mouthful.” She chuckles.

“Anyway, he’s asking me to go to London for the weekend. But I don’t know,” I share with her as I open the door to the Lebanese restaurant that we love coming to.

“Let’s go.”

“Let’s go where?” I ask, confused.

“To London, of course. Isn’t he the one who lives in London? I need a weekend in a big city.” I feel my eyes widen.

“Why do you look surprised? You know how much I love to travel,” she says with a shrug.

We pay for our food, and I get a wooden sign with a number so the waiter can bring our order to our table.

“I just didn’t know you wanted to go to London, that’s all.” I take a sip of my raspberry tea and glance around the restaurant. I tell myself I’m not looking for anything in particular, but I know I’m looking out for someone. I didn’t see her this morning at the library and as strange as it is, I miss seeing her. I miss her red, wavy hair, her light green eyes, and her gorgeous smile.

“Earth to Gio.” Penny waves her hand in front of me.

“Yeah, you’re right. We need a weekend somewhere else.” I take my phone out of my pocket and quickly fire a text to Vicente, letting him know I’ll be in London this weekend.

“Fuck yes!” Penny shouts at the exact moment the restaurant falls dead silent. She tucks her head in, and I stifle a laugh, hoping not to attract even more attention.

The flight to London is uneventful. Penny drinks way more champagne than I think her body can handle, but by the time we land, she’s fresh as a daisy.

There’s a Rolls Royce waiting for us on the tarmac, my last name visible on a whiteboard. When I approach the gentleman holding the sign, he does a double take, clearly not sure if I’m the person he’s waiting for. I’m not unfamiliar with this kind of reaction. Most people think that billionaires dress in expensive suits or luxury brand loungewear. But I’m not your typical billionaire—I favor Converse over Christian Louboutin shoes and comfortable shirts, jeans, and pants over Brioni suits.

I offer the gentleman a kind smile, and he shakes out of his stupor. “Mr. Bianchi, what a pleasure. This way, please.” I let Penny get in the car before me, and once we’re inside, I release a deep breath.

“I hope Vicente doesn’t have anything too crazy planned for this weekend.”

Penny elbows me playfully, and I wince at the attack.

“What was that for?” I ask, rubbing my side.

“You’re no fun. We didn’t cross the pond just to do the same things we do at home. I hope Vicente goes all out to show us around.” I roll my eyes at her, but I know she’s right. I came to loosen up a bit. I needed it after being a hermit while finishing writing my dissertation.

When we get to Vicente’s place, someone takes our bags inside while I help Penny out of the car. Vicente is waiting for us at the entrance.

“Gio, what a pleasure. I told myself I wouldn’t believe you were coming until I actually saw you with my own two eyes, standing in front of me.” I extend my hand in greeting, but Vicente pulls me closer for a hug. Hmm, the few times I’ve met him he has been aloof and proper. This is a new side of him.

“Oh, I see you didn’t come alone.” He shoots a flirty smirk to Penny who bats her lashes in return. Oh God, if these two hook up, I don’t want to be in the way.

“Yes, this is Penny, my best friend.” I motion to her, but Vicente already has her hand in his and is bowing to kiss it. I snort, and Penny glares at me, while Vicente is fully focused on her.

“So, Vicente, where are you taking us tonight?” Penny asks, always straight to the point.

“I was thinking you could freshen up, then we could have dinner at one of my favorite restaurants in the city. After that, we’ll see where the night takes us.” I internally groan. Why did I think things could be different this time around? As nice as he is, Vic is a playboy through and through.

“Oh, I like the sound of that. I’ll see you boys in a little bit.” Penny disappears to the second floor of Vicente’s mansion, glancing back to blow us a kiss before disappearing.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were bringing company this weekend?” Vicente tells me once Penny is out of sight.

“I wasn’t planning on it. She saw me texting you and decided she wanted to tag along.” I shrug as I follow him into his studio. Vicente’s place is everything you’d think a billionaire’s house should be: opulent, grand, and lavish, with marble floors, intricate ceilings, and furniture in dark, rich colors.

---