Page 110 of Massimo

"What?" I ask, self-conscious.

Gemma is the complete package—stunning, sexy, and confident. She's staying in San Francisco and becoming Massimo's second-in-command, so she's also strong and ruthless.

She's everything I'm not.

"I like your outfit." She tilts her head, looking at my fitted black jeans, white top, and navy chunky cardigan. "It's not one of the few pieces of clothing you brought from Lake Como, but it suits you."

Massimo had initially outfitted an entire wardrobe based on the clothes the Mancini Princess typically wore. All of that disappeared, though, replaced by clothing more suited to my preferred, casual style, and all from my favorite designer, Jiya Miko.

A few haute couture dresses still hang in the closet, though I don't know when I'd ever need them since I don't leave the house. And once all of this is over, I won't have any need for beautiful dresses.

"How are you?" Gemma asks.

"Besides being a captive, I'm peachy."

She laughs. "I like this version of you. Reminds me of when we first met."

That sobers me quickly. When I was in Italy, Gemma had caught a glimpse of the real me—or who I wished I could be.

"And this version of you—the real you—is safe here. Let her shine, Nova."

I long for her words to be true. But rather than dwell on that, I take notice of her expression and the profound sadness that is now emanating from her.

"What's wrong?"

I've never had friends, but the connection I felt with Gemma in Lake Como when we first met is still there. And despite the hurt and betrayal I felt from her role in my kidnapping, I can't deny that my life here has been far better than what awaits me at home with my father and Julien Moreau.

She looks at me through thick, lowered lashes. "I broke the news to my father today about my decision to be Massimo's second-in-command. Shit timing on mybehalf."

"Is there ever a good time to break it to our fathers that we're fighting against the role they've molded for us?"

"True, but I broke the news that Riccardo Santoro'spreziosa bambina—his precious little girl—isn't coming home on her dead mother's birthday."

"I'm sorry. I didn't realize you lost your mother."

Her smile is sad. "She died giving birth to me. I think that's the reason my father is so over-protective, not to mention pig-headed and stubborn about me having a role in his mafia."

"But he's allowing you to have a role in Massimo's? That doesn't make sense."

She huffs a laugh. "As much as I love my father, he's old-school and a tad bit misogynistic. I'm sure he either thinks I'll be home within a month because I can't hack it, or Massimo fires me. But I'll prove him wrong."

"I'm glad you're staying. Gabe seems pretty glad, too."

She smiles, shaking her head. "No one really knows what that big man is thinking."

"I think you're wrong, Gem. It's pretty clear when it comes to you."

Her cheeks turn pink, and I'm shocked to see such a confident woman blush and look shy.

She looks out the window. "I can't believe you're not going stir-crazy in this place."

"It's a huge house," I defend. I love it here even though I'm couped up inside. It's so vastly different from my hellish prison under my father's thumb. "When I was allowed to leave my house in Boston, it was for my father 'showing' his prized possession of the Mancini Princess to the world or someone he hoped to make an alliance with."

Gemma turns back to me with a sly smile. "He was putting the pure, virginal prize on display, right? Guess that chess piece is off the table, hmm?"

My cheeks flame, and my mouth pops open. Even if I wanted to deny it, my reaction makes it pretty obvious. I inwardly groan and turn away.

She leans forward and grips my hand. "I'm happy for you."

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