Page 3 of His to Claim

“So let’s change that,” Hannah says easily, a glimmer in her eyes. “Girls, I think we should help Carlotta find a good man.”

“Do any exist?” I can’t help but ask.

“Yes,” Alessia answers without hesitation. “Your brothers.”

“Well, I can’t date my brothers nor would I want to—no offense—so where are the rest of the good men?” I wonder aloud. Because I sure as hell can’t find any.

“Out there, somewhere,” Hannah says, which is completely unhelpful. “And we’re going to help you find one.”

“Thanks, and not to burst your bubble, but the situation looks pretty grim, ladies.”

“Oh, c’mon,” Gabriella scoffs, waving her hand through the air. “You’re still a baby. You have plenty of time. Something or someone definitely made you a little jaded, though.”

Gabriella definitely doesn’t miss a thing. Although being a business woman and being married to Enzo, I can understand how she’d always be on her toes. She is extremely perceptive, quite intuitive and wise beyond her years.

“Yeah, his name was Rendall and in a matter of three months, he managed to shatter my self-esteem and trust in the opposite sex. Now I’m scared I’ll never be good enough for anyone or be able to trust a man again.”

“Oh, sweetie, not all men are like that. The best ones will love and protect you. Always,” Alessia tells me, and the other women nod.

“That’s right,” Hannah agrees. “Vin saved me when I needed someone the most.”

Vincentius had stepped in and rescued Hannah when she’d been forced to participate in an underground auction. He’d outbid everyone else, swooped in and carried Hannah out of that nightmare. Literally, in his arms, he’d marched up to the stage, lifted her up and carried her away.

“You can’t give up on love.” Alessia reaches over and lays a hand on my arm. “We’ll help you, won’t we, ladies?”

They all nod.

“I have an idea,” Gabriella declares, the corner of her mouth lifting. “The masquerade!”

“What about it?” I ask, not catching on.

There’s a masquerade party benefit happening this weekend, but I wasn’t planning on going. I don’t have a costume or a date, and it all seems like way too much effort.

“Yes!” Alessia grins, nodding. “You have to come, Carlotta.”

I start to shake my head, but then realize that maybe they’re right. I keep saying I need to get out more and this would definitely check that box. The masquerade is a big event and it will draw a big crowd. Maybe a handsome, single stranger? I guess I can hope. Above all, though, it’s an important charity event and showing support would be a good thing to do.

Still though, I am not entirely convinced. Plus, I’m still feeling down and not good enough or confident enough to snag a man’s attention. My flirting has gotten rusty.

“I don’t have anything to wear,” I tell them. It’s a lame excuse, I know.

“We can help,” Hannah declares without hesitation, and the girls nod in agreement.

After briefly hesitating, I slowly nod. “Why the hell not?” I say, and they all squeal.

The truth is, I’m a romantic at heart, so I’ll give it a try. Maybe, if fate is smiling down on me, I’ll meet someone and kickstart my love life.

I won’t hold my breath, though.

2

ARCHER

Leaning back in my black leather chair, I lift my feet and prop them up on the edge of my desk. I’m not sure how much faith I have in the conversation that just took place with one of my informants, but I’m weighing all the intel in my head. Deciding if it’s worth my time to look into it more deeply.

It involves Miceli Rossi and his family. Normally, I wouldn’t worry because I know Miceli can take care of himself and his people. But a lot has happened to his family lately and I’ve been keeping an ear open. If I come across any information that can help or, in this case, warn him, I pass it along.

To be clear, I owe him nothing; he owes me nothing.

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