Page 51 of Friends Who Fake It

Francesco raised a brow, as he moved towards his brother and wrapped him in a hug. He felt slim. Too slim.

“Come upstairs,” he muttered, even when it was the last thing he felt like doing. He wanted to be alone.

No, that wasn’t true. He wanted to be with Willow, but that was a dangerous thing to want so he refused to feel it.

“You’re not busy?”

“Do I look busy?”

“That’s no reason to think you won’t be entertaining later.”

A muscle ticked in Francesco’s jaw. “I wouldn’t have invited you if I didn’t mean it. Come upstairs.”

He flicked his phone and the security doors opened.

Once inside Francesco’s penthouse, Raf looked around, so Francesco realized his brother hadn’t been here. “Nice place,” he said, echoing Willow’s words, that first time she’d come.

His heart thumped slowly, painfully. He stalked to the bar. “Drink?”

“Is that even a question?”

“How are you?”

Raf dragged a hand through his hair but his obsidian eyes were focused on Francesco. “I feel like that’s something I should be asking you.”

“Why?”

“You look like shit.”

Francesco barked out a short laugh. “Thanks.”

“You look…angry.”

“I’m not.”

“Or upset.”

“Jesus, Raf. I’m fine. You’re projecting.”

“If you say so.” Raf took the proffered drink then moved to the large windows, with their stunning view of the park. “Where have you been?”

“Dinner with Rocco and Maddie.” He omitted Willow’s name on purpose. Raf wasn’t aware of the ruse, and he wanted to keep it that way.

And yet, a moment later, Raf asked, “And Willow?”

Francesco’s heart thumped faster, as he whirled around to face Raf.

“Maria mentioned it.”

Guilt, and something else, sliced through Francesco. “Did she?” He hesitated. “When?”

“A couple of days ago.”

Francesco closed his eyes on a wave of something far too complex to comprehend.

“I thought it strange that you hadn’t mentioned it. Maria says you’re good together.”

Francesco pulled a face, then drained his glass, before replacing it on the kitchen counter. “Looks can be deceiving.”

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