5
Bonnie
I knewIsrael was going to be upset with me, but he could kick rocks. I had never liked his brother, not from the moment I laid eyes on him.
You know how, sometimes, you can just look at someone and see the sliminess dripping off them? That was Giovanni, and the number of ass pats I got from him at my own wedding while Israel had his back turned to me made me sick to my stomach. Granted, it was my fault for not telling Israel any of this was going on. But, at the time? I was just trying to keep my head above water.
But, as Giovanni left to go get settled into his room, I felt Israel staring at me. Stalking me out, like a hunter following a blood trail to the victim of its bullet. So, I stilled the roaring seas of my stomach and looked him straight in the eyes. Because the last thing I needed to be doing right now was showing weakness.
Israel ground his teeth together. “So. Not a fan, I take it?”
I clicked my tongue. “No, I don’t like him. Never have.”
“Sounds like a personal problem. And one you need to fix quickly.”
“Well, I don’t appreciate you bringing someone into our space when—”
Israel lunged at me. “This isn’t our space, Bonnie. It’s mine. And I’m letting you dwell in it until further notice. That man is my brother. He’s family. And you will treat him as such.”
I stared him down, refusing to buckle beneath his gaze. “I’m your family.”
“You’re a woman I married under false pretenses. And for the sake of argument, we aren’t even legally married. So, you don’t take—”
I stomached my anger. “Watch your words very carefully, Israel Rossi. Because let me tell you, that man flirted with me the entire time we were at our—”
His back stiffened. “I’m done with this conversation. He’s staying with us for a few days at my request. Either make him feel welcome or go back to your uncle and take your chances there. Those are your only two choices.”
I wanted to slap him. I wanted to slap him so hard it screwed his head back on straight. No one’s words had ever hurt so much before. But there was nothing I could do about it. I balled my fists up and swallowed my pride long enough to nod.
Israel raked his gaze down my body, then spun and marched out of the room.
Only to be replaced very quickly by his slimy, snake-like brother. “Lover’s quarrels are hard.”
I licked my lips. “I’m sorry for my attitude when you first arrived. It’s been a trying few days. I’m glad you’re here, though, for Israel’s sake. I know he’s been very wound up lately.”
“And I take it you’re not helping him wind down?”
I drew in a sobering breath. “That isn’t any of your concern.”
He took a step toward me. “Just trying to figure out how much I need to help my brother. And, possibly, if I can help you in the process.”
His hand reached out for me, but I leaned back. I knew when I was being hit on, but at least he wasn’t patting my ass like he did at the wedding. But, with every step I took back, he followed me. With every foot I placed behind me, he placed a foot in front of himself, keeping in step with me as if he meant to back me into some sort of corner. I’d had enough with corners, though. No one would ever back me into another one ever again. Not if I could help it.
Giovanni kept reaching out for me, though. He kept trying to touch me, and I’d break his damn fingers before he got the chance.
I glared at him. “You can help me by keeping your hands--and those comments--to yourself.”
“Oh, come on. I’m just playing around with you. It’s not like you two are married or anything.”
I’m going to kill him. “I’m only going to say this once, so listen up. Just because Israel and I aren’t legally married right now doesn’t mean I’m suddenly on the prowl for someone else. I love him. I love your brother. And I only have eyes for him.”
His eyes widened a bit. “Wow. That’s—that’s really sweet. It’s hard to love a Rossi. Our mother found that out the hard way.”
Is he being sarcastic? “And I have no intention of ever straying, or ever betraying him, or ever doing anything to hurt him.”
“I mean, except marrying him as your cousin and going along with your uncle’s plan and generally keeping him in the dark until you couldn’t any longer. Right?”
Guilt filled my soul. “Right.”