Page 111 of Broken Pieces
Alex opens the door, his features lacing surprise. “Well, what do we have here?”
“Can you let me in? We need to talk.”
He smirks as he stands to the side and gestures for me to come in.
Prick. I hope you choke on your own dick and die.
I casually swing my hips as I step in, making an effort to steady my breath.
He lets out a little whistle and says, “You look good.”
I’m wearing the tightest sluttiest black dress—sponsored by Sophia’s closet. It hugs my body in all the right places. The cleavage is a bit on the wild side, pushing the limits.
I need to tread carefully here. If I seem too eager, he’ll know something’s definitely up. “Thanks.”
He walks to the kitchen. “Want anything to drink? Water? Or how about wine? I know how much you love your wine.”
I laugh. “Yeah, wine is fine.”
He serves two glasses half way and walks to the living room where I’m taking a seat comfortably. He hands me the wine and sits down next to me.
“Listen, Aria. These past few months, I know I’ve acted differently, and for that I’m sorry. I just worry about you, you know?”
Matteo chuckles in my ear and murmurs something along the lines ofassholeandgreat acting.
Hearing Alex’s words makes mewant to take this cup of wine and smash it against his head, but instead, I say, “I know.”
“And you see? I was right. Look at Damian now. Stealing a famous painting? Doing shady business? I told you he was bad news.”
I glare at him. “Alex, we’ve known each other for how many years now? Drop the act. I know what you did.”
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about.” He feigns innocence.
I place the wine on the coffee table before facing him. “I’m not here to bust your balls, Alex. Let’s stop pretending like you didn’t frame Damian and let me in on the plan.”
He smirks knowingly. “That brother of mine sure has a big fucking mouth.”
His comment catches me off guard, making me falter. Oh my God. They’rebrothers?
I stare at Alex, and suddenly everything clicks. He's shorter, and he definitely doesn't have those Italian good looks going on for him, but his skin tone is tan. I've seen Alex's mom; she's pale, so that's not where it comes from. His hair's more like light brown, not as dark as Damian's. But what really gives it away is his eyes. They share the same deep green color, but there's a difference. Alex's eyes lack that intense gaze, and they don't stir up the same feelings as the eyes I've grown fond of. Still, they're prettyfucking similar.
His gaze narrows. “You didn’t know?”
Think, Aria. Think.
This was such a stupid idea. I mean, seriously, what were we thinking? If all the stuff we've got on our hands turns out to be true, Alex is not just some regular trouble— this guy's dangerous.
I've got to tread carefully here. If I'm not super cautious, my life is hanging by a thread. It's not just about some petty danger; it's a real, definite threat. Alex seems to be playing on a whole different level, and I can’t afford to make a wrong move.
Matteo’s voice in my earpiece warns, “Aria…”
I muster the most honest chuckle I can come up with. “Looks like your brother isn’t as chatty as you thought.”
Oh, come on, please, whoever's up there, make it happen. I'm begging you, just let him take the bait. He fucking deserves it.
With a nonchalant shrug, he comments, “He's not the smartest one around, to be honest.”
I let out a quiet sigh of relief, but I keep it in check. I'm already deeply involved in this mess, so I've got to see it through to the end. No turning back now.
