Page 20 of Ignacio

“What are you talking about?” Ignacio asked.

Bruno stopped beside his chair. “This,” he said, showing his phone screen.

Ignacio groaned inwardly when he saw the headline.Ignacio Santana and Delta J Made Their Red Carpet Debut at the Black and Gold Music Experience.

The drama was about to start, and he hadn’t figured out an explanation for his family yet.

“Oh, that,” he said in a nonchalant tone.

“Yes, that.”

“Since when do you follow online gossip?”

He had expected that, if his relationship with Delta came up, it would be due to his sister Monica—a social media influencer who practically lived online. But his family didn’t typically pay attention to tabloid stories about him. They had grown used to the rumor mill surrounding his life over the years and knew better than to believe anything in print unless he confirmed the story himself.

“I don’t consider this story about you and Delta to be the usual tabloid gossip. Explain yourself.” Bruno sat in the chair between Ignacio and Ethan.

“Delta?” Ethan repeated.

Bruno showed him the phone, and Ethan’s eyebrows shot up.

“Tell me this is one of those fake news stories,” he said.

Before Ignacio could answer, the back door opened, and their brother Thiago came out with a plate of food and a glass of red wine.

“You finally decided to join us,” Ignacio said, hoping to divert attention from his situation.

“And I’m starving,” Thiago said, his voice edged with the unmistakable lilt of their Spanish heritage.

He sat at the table instead of near the fire with them. Everyone said Bruno looked the most like their father, while Ignacio resembled their mother. Thiago happened to have a blend of features from both parents, including his mother’s penetrating dark brown eyes.

His beard was longer than usual, indicating he hadn’t had much time for grooming lately. He had recently begun the transition to take over as CEO of their father’s company and was practically working around the clock, seven days a week. They had to threaten him to join them, and he had still shown up late. With his shirtsleeves rolled up, he looked like he could go for another eight hours.

“What did I miss?”

Bruno quickly brought him up to speed.

“The media often makes up stories, but that looks real. Are you back together with her?” Thiago asked, disapproval heavy in his voice.

Ignacio was tempted to tell his brothers the truth. He trusted them to keep his plans secret, but since he was already viewed as somewhat of a wild child, he didn’t need their judgment.

“There’s nothing to tell. Delta and I bumped into each other at the event and took some photos together.”

“Bullshit,” all three of his brothers said at once.

“What do you mean?” Ignacio said, forcing a laugh.

Thiago swirled the wine in his glass. “You’re a good actor, and you sound very convincing, but you and Delta have history. What is going on?”

Ignacio didn’t want to lie again, but if Delta was adhering to the deal of only disclosing to a small number of people, he needed to as well. “The three of you are paranoid.”

“Here’s another article, this time byThe Entertainment Report, a reputable magazine,” Bruno said, looking at his phone. “Ignacio Santana’s next leading lady is none other than Delta J, his ex. The couple arrived together at the Black and Gold Music Experience holding hands and looking very much in love as they posed together on the red carpet. How did the two reconcile? They won’t say, but it might have something to do with living in the same city for the time being. Ignacio is in Atlanta shopping his independent film,Wrong, and Delta is working on her next album, release date to be determined. Looks like the couple’s on-again, off-again relationship is officially on—after more than a decade.” He stopped reading and looked at Ignacio. “Should I continue?”

“Not necessary,” Ignacio said in a dry tone.

Bruno continued nonetheless. “The couple was seen displaying major PDA at their table inside the Astoria Grand Hotel where the ceremony took place, both of them oblivious to the rest of the world around them.”

I wouldn’t call it major PDA, Ignacio thought.

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