Page 38 of Bittersweet Endings
“You look amazing.” She pulled me in for a hug. “Breathtaking, Octavia.”
She released me and my father stepped in. “I hate that dress,” he grumbled before pulling back with a twinkle in his eye. “I much preferred the old dresses, but I suppose they were never thereal you.Were they?”
I shook my head.
“You’re stunning.” He let me go, stepping away to chase after my mother as she floated around the room to greet guests and order staff around. A damn force, that woman. And I couldn’t help but smile as I approached the bar.
The bartender leaned over the counter, giving me a wink. “What can I get ya?”
“Cabernet Sauvignon, please.”
He nodded, walking off to drop off a drink before quicklyreturning. “You look like you have good taste.” He lifted a bottle of Peter Michael, Cabernet Sauvignon, Au Paradis 2014.
Taking a sip, I smiled as the flavor burst along my tastebuds. “Thank you.”
“Wish that smile was for me.Thatis compliments of the gentleman over there.” The bartender leaned back, allowing me a sight I swore wouldn’t break me.
Hewas here. I didn’t know why I’d assumed he’d stay away. Sienna had told me she overheard Lucky arguing with him. His mother was attending the event and his father wasn’t welcome. Well, like father, like son. Because I had a feeling JP was here somewhere too.
All the people around him had their backs turned, but I knew to always keep my eyes on the biggest threat in the room. He was leaning on his elbows against the bar, staring at me. His expression as tense as the air between us. I refused to drop my guard, even as my heart was pounding through my chest.
The bastard smirked and raised his glass before walking off. And I felt like I could suddenly breathe again.
I sat back in my seat, staring at the bar top as I tried to calm myself. People I’d met before—often in this circle—stopped by to greet me but moved along quickly. I’d just felt like I was getting myself under control when it all changed.
The hair on the back of my neck rose. I didn’t need to see him to know he was there. Something daunting sizzled against my shoulder whenever he was close by.
Carmine leaned against me, getting the bartender’s attention. I couldn’t hide the slight gasp at his touch, and his smile told me he’d noticed. The asshole was enjoying every piece of my discomfort—as usual.
I tried slipping off the stool but was pinned by someone at my back. I glanced over a shoulder, and Matteo’s dark gaze hitme fast before scanning across the room. I tried to excuse myself, but Carmine blocked me.
“Here you go,” he said, and then I saw her.
A bitch in a far-too-revealing dress stood between him and his brother. Her hair was a very brassy blonde, her makeup caked on and that dress… Christ, even I couldn’t take my eyes off her.
There were sheer pieces all around her body. One wrong move and she’d show the whole place her darkest secrets. She reminded me of this bitch Tatianna that I went to school with. Fake blonde and pretty much everything else fake too.
As she looked me up and down, I was ready for her claws to show. Especially since Carmine hadn’t taken his eyes off me. He leaned forward, noticing I was staring at hisdate.
“How are you, Matteo?” I asked instead, knowing my dismissal would piss him off.
“Nice to see you, Octavia.” He glanced in my direction but kept his focus on the crowd.
“You as well. Thankfully, under better circumstances than last time.”
He smirked, shaking his head as his brother got closer to me. “You look well. Glad to see you’re healed sufficiently.”
Carmine bristled at the lack of attention.
Too. Goddamn. Bad.
“If you’ll excuse me…” I smiled. “I need to be going.” I stepped away quickly while mumbling, “Anywhere but here.”
A hand gripped around my arm, and I twisted, giving him a kidney shot. Expecting it to be Carmine, I was shocked to see Lucky’s angry expression when I looked up. I laughed, refusing to apologize as he pulled me into a hallway with Rocco on our heels.
“He’s not on the list. Did you fucking invite him?” Lucky barked.
I shrugged him loose.
