Page 113 of His Juliet

He grasped my hands and tugged me to standing. “We don’t have to stay for dinner if you’re not up for it. I’ll even smuggle you out of the apartment so they don’t see you.”

“How will you do that?”

“I’m sure I can find a large suitcase and roll you right on out.”

“Yes, because that won’t be weird or suspicious.”

He pressed his smile to my forehead. “Come on, baby. I want you to get to know my family. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.” He hugged me, his hold firm as he waited for me to respond. I sighed and wrapped my arms around him, relaxing into his chest. He was warm and strong andsafe.

“What would you have done if I said this relationship was too much?” I asked.

He grunted and his arms tightened until I could barely breathe.

My lips twisted into a smile at his non-response. “Hmm? Would you have let me go once it was safe? Dropped me back off at my apartment?”

He pulled back and met my gaze with a fierce scowl. “Fuck no.”

I traced my finger along his firm jaw, rough with stubble. “So, what would you have done?”

“I don’t like this conversation.” He pressed his face into my hair and breathed in deeply. “I would have done everything I could to win you over. And if all else fails, there’s always kidnapping.”

I snorted a laugh but then realized he might not be joking. His expression was all innocence as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder, tucked me to his side, and half-dragged me out of the room.

“Wait,” I whispered once we were out in the hallway, digging my heels in to stop him. “Where’s the bathroom? I need to clean up.” My underwear was soaked and sticking to me in a cold mess.

“Nope,” was his only response as he led me to the kitchen.

The conversation came to a screeching halt when we came into view, and I cringed as all their eyes fell on us.

“Did you sort everything out in asatisfyingmanner?” Sienna asked, her eyes twinkling with laughter.

Romeo flipped her off, and I curled into him as my cheeks burned.

“Be nice,” Sofiya scolded. “Dinner’s ready if you’re staying?” Her expression was hopeful.

“We’re staying,” Romeo said, walking me to the kitchen island. Noodle trotted over and bumped my hand with his wet nose. I scratched his ears and he leaned into my side.

“Good,” she beamed. Then she poked her husband, who was still holding a sleeping Clementine.

Matteo looked almost sheepish as he met my gaze. “I’ve been told I need to apologize to you for beating up this one.” He lifted his chin at Romeo.

Sienna groaned. “To apologize, you have to actually sayI’m sorry.”

Matteo looked so put out, it almost made me smile. “But I’m not sorry,” he grumbled. “He deserved it.”

Sofiya and Sienna let out exaggerated sighs, and Romeo chuckled.

“I am sorry for the distress this has caused you. And for the danger you’re in, although that’s really Romeo’s fault, so I’m not sure why I have to apologize about that,” Matteo said. He turned back to his wife. “How was that?”

“I think it’s as good as it’s gonna get,” she said, pursing her lips to keep from smiling. “Let’s eat at the table.”

Their playfulness eased some of my tension. I still felt wary around Matteo, but the way all of them talked and teased each other… it felt like family.

The guys grabbed trays of food, and we settled in at the table. I was sandwiched between Romeo and Sienna. Matteo sat across from me, Sofiya by his side, and Angelo next to her.

“You want a bit of everything?” Romeo leaned in close and played with the ends of my hair.

I nodded, and he took my plate and started to fill it.

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