Page 67 of Kortlek

Cove hums. “I needed a change of scenery.’’

“You did?” I blink, baffled. Oh, he’s starting to lie so badly that it’s laughable. “And what made you pick Italy?”

“Arlo’s suggestion,’’ he shrugs. “Besides, you can’t say you don’t like it here.’’

I smile. “I do like it.’’

It’s true. I’ve been to Italy a few times in the past with my family, and it’s always been a wonderful experience. All of the food, culture, and tourist destinations are to be seen. However, I’ve never been here without knowing when I’d return home.

“Go get ready,’’ Cove says. “I’m taking you out.’’

A small groan slips from me. “Can I pay at least once?”

He gives me a stern look. “There isn’t a single scenario in this world where I’d ever let you pay for a date, Aria.’’

“I do have more money than you.’’

“Then spend it elsewhere. You’re not paying for our date, and that’s final.’’

I raise my hands up in surrender with a small laugh. At times, he can be so traditional that it’s insane. Though, I find it endearing. He won’t outright say it, but I see it in his actions. He wants to take care of me, and I’ll gladly let him.

It feels too good to be taken care of by Cove Steele.

While I was getting ready, doing my makeup and hair, Cove went out to a boutique and bought me a dress. I’m not surprised he knows my exact size and taste, because the dress is absolutely gorgeous. The sleeves are lace, with the same neckline. It’s tight, ending right above my knees, half-backless with a big belt around the waist.

The color is deep red, and I happen to have a matching lipstick.

Once I put it on, it was a struggle to keep Cove’s hands off me. He was all over me, and we almost didn’t make it to the restaurant. My stomach growling caused him to pause and save it for later. The restaurant was a couple of minutes walking, which was nice on the nice, slightly chilly, November night.

I take a sip of the white wine, inspecting my surroundings. The carbonara tasted divine, creamy, and delicious. Cove isn’t drinking tonight, and throughout the dinner, I could tell that something was bothering him. The conversation was going great, but his eyes would often flicker all around.

“So,’’ I clear my throat, putting the glass back down. “What’s going on?”

His eyes snap to mine, and his shoulders slightly tense. “What do you mean?”

“Well, I’ve noticed a few things.’’

“Such as?”

“For one, this whole trip is bullshit. I know something’s going on, and you know that I know. Now, that aside, tell me why the fuck Logan is sitting a few tables away from us?”

Cove’s shoulders go fully rigid, his eyes slowly narrowing at me. “You’ve noticed,’’ he states.

“Of course I fucking noticed,’’ I hiss. “He’s been working for Hudson for what — ten years at this point? Ten fucking years. Of course I’d notice him. And he’s been following us around since we landed here, which means he was on the same flight as us.’’

“Listen, Aria—’’

"No, you listen. I don’t care that you think you’re protecting me, but you’re not. You’re only angering me by not telling me what is going on. This is my life we’re talking about. No one has ever made decisions for me, and no one will start making them now.’’

I take a deep breath, reminding myself not to cause a scene in public, in a foreign country, at that. I exhale the air, straightening up in my seat. Cove’s eyes don’t move from my face, and I see his brain go into overdrive.

He’s contemplating whether or not to tell me.

“If you won’t tell me, Logan will.’’

Another beat of silence passes, and I stand up.

“Sit the fuck back down, bunny.’’

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