Page 59 of Forbidden Arrangement

“Oh?Okay.”

“With Annie.”

“Oh shit,” I said.“Has Sienna met her yet?”

“I’m not sure.When I brought Annie up, Sienna just kind of made a face.”

“Why does Dad do this?”

“Because he’s stupid.”Stefano rolled his eyes.“Now come on, let’s go back into the living room and have a nice family dinner.”

“That’s all I wanted to do until you attacked me as soon as I arrived.”

“You’d know if I attacked you, Sam,” he said, glaring at me.

“Very funny, bro.Anyway, what’s going on with the matches?When’s the next one?”

“I’ve got one coming up next week.”

“Hey, Stefano, we need your help.”I heard Elise’s voice coming down the hallway.

“Hey, Elise,” I said, giving her a small wave and a huge smile.

“Hey there, Sam.”She walked over to me with a pep in her step.

“Why are you so happy?”I asked.

“A girl can’t be happy?”she said.

“Yeah?But I haven’t seen you this happy in a while.”

“Oh, I’ve just got a date later and—”

“You what?”Stefano said, frowning.

She said, “I have a date later, and I’m excited.”

“You didn’t tell me that you have a date.With who?”

“Um, with Brad, actually.”

“Brad?”Stefano sounded pissed.“Brad from the fighting ring?”

“Yeah, so?”

“Brad, who I’m fighting with next week?”

Elise let out a long sigh.“Well, I don’t really think you should enter that fight because—”

“Did you say that to Brad as well?”

“Why would I say that to Brad?He’s not my best friend.”

“Yeah, but you’re going on a date with him.Are you going on a date with him because he’s trying to get you to stop me—”

“Oh my God, I’m not having this conversation right now.”Elise rolled her eyes and looked at me.“Come on, Sam.”

“I’m coming, Elise.”I looked at Stefano and mouthed at him, “Get a grip, dude.”

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