Page 24 of Broken Deal

“She’s a really good writer.” Technically, not a lie. “I think if anyone could make me feel comfortable with something I typically hate doing, it would be her.” Also, not a lie.

He nods absently, and I can practically see the wheels turning inside his head. “Let me get this straight,” he begins. “You never do interviews, because, and I quote,fuck the media and everything they have to say.” He punctuates his words with air quotes. “And in all the years I’ve known you, not once have you given the media what they wanted, but now you’re totally on board because she’s a great writer?” He narrows his eyes, rubbing his jawline.

Pursing my lips, I tilt my head, contemplating how to respond, because I have the feeling I’m walking into a trap. “Yes.”

He completely stills, his cold, blue eyes settling on me. “Well, I’d be damned. I never thought I’d see the day.”

I scowl at him. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“Lorenzo Mancini, the infamous playboy, wants to scoreagainwith the one woman who doesn’t even give him the time of day.”

My eyes roll at the ridiculous accusation. Listen, just because I enjoy sleeping with women doesn’t mean I’m a playboy. I don’tplaywomen. I give them exactly what they’re looking for—a good time. They know what they are getting into, because I always make my intentions clear. And when women are falling into bed with me, it’s not because they are planning to marry me. They like to use me, and I simply let them. There’s a difference.

“Trust me”—I snort a laugh—“I don’t.”

Mmm, then why did you want to kiss her so badly tonight?

A momentary lapse, of course. I’m human. Shit happens. I got clouded by… I don’t know, her looks. Her scent. Her beautiful smile. Her bright-blue eyes. Her plush, pink lips.

Stop.

Fuck.

“Oh, please, Enzo. Spare me the lies.” Matteo rolls his eyes. “You just want what you can’t have, and honestly, I enjoy watching you squirm.”

“You’re having entirely too much fun with my life lately.”

“What can I say? I enjoy the dramatics.”

I glare at him. “You’re a dick.”

He laughs. “I’m not here to rain on your parade. I know I fuck with you a lot, but I mean, you’re an adult. You know what you’re doing.”

“But?” I prompt—like I said, I always know when there’s a but.

He fixes me with a piercing stare, all traces of mirth disappearing. “Be careful. This is Red’s best friend we are talking about here. She’ll be in our lives forever. Don’t go making it awkward for the sake of proving a point.”

I’m not trying to prove a point. Sophia is just…very intriguing.

And let’s not forget about the fact that there must be a reason why she walked back into my life when I thought I’d never see her again.

Getting close to her is a dangerous game, because every time I’m near her it’s like everything I know and the way I think goes out the window. I’ve never felt like this. I don’t understand what this feeling even is.

But I’m willing to play, even when I don’t know what the reward will be.

Iopt for knocking on Aria’s door this time. As I wait for the door to open, I run my fingers through my hair, smoothing it out to keep it looking casually perfect. I don’t know why I’m so nervous. This is just a regular dinner with a couple of friends, nothing to be excited about.

Maybe because you’re going to see a certain man with a set of brown eyes you haven’t stopped thinking about. The one you almost kissed, even though you told yourself you weren’t going to engage in those types of activities. Remember?

Oh, right.Ha. Like I could ever forget.

Aria opens the door and greets me with a hug. “Hey, girl.” She takes a step back and looks at me from top to bottom. “Interesting outfit. Looking to impress someone?”

I shoot her a glare, handing her the bottle of wine. “Yes.Myself.”

She squints at me, humming unconvinced. “If you say so.”

As I walk into the apartment, I head straight for the kitchen, drawn to the charcuterie board that’s spread out with my favorite cheese and multigrain crackers. I grab acracker, scoop up a generous portion of that delicious, garlicky cheese with the knife, and slather it on.

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