Page 15 of Toxic

I groan again, cursing myself for even thinking about her. I've only seen her once or twice a year since I professed my love for her. Her boyfriend is always with her, scowling at me. The New Year's Eve party I went to the week after I kissed her proved to be even more disastrous. I had a renewed energy to convince her we were meant to be together. I didn't know Sean had surprised her and was in New York. She avoided me most of the night, but I cornered her outside the restroom. Sean saw it and was quickly in my face.

He claimed she was his. My stupid-ass demanded she was mine and then ordered Bridget to leave him. If Gianni hadn't pulled me out of Tully's house before he or our father knew what happened, blood would have been everywhere.

Since then, she's always with him, glowing with happiness, and both of them are all over each other. They're worse than the stereotypical couple. They don't just seem to be a happy couple.

Theyareone.

Anytime I think about it, I morph between the jealous bastard I am and the side of me that wants Bridget to be happy. It only takes a few seconds until I remind myself it's with him, and my noble thoughts get shut up quickly.

What makes it worse is everyone loves him, including my brothers. They state he's funny, laid-back, and charming.

He's all the things I'm not.

For self-preservation, I always make sure I bring a date with me whenever they'll be at an event. I try to put on a public display as much as they do. It's all in vain though. It doesn't even seem to bug Bridget.

Over the years, things have gotten cordial between the three of us. It's like he's so confident in his and Bridget's relationship, I'm not even a threat.

It pisses me off.

She should have been mine.

Adding to the sting is that the lucky bastard genuinely makes me laugh. I loathe myself after each incident. I'll peek over at Bridget, and she's not only laughing, but she's looking at him with herI'm so in love with youexpression in her eyes. My heart stops beating whenever it happens.

If I force myself to think about it, I'd actually like him if he hadn't stolen my girl.

Okay, that's a lie. I pushed her to him, and I know it.

That realization only makes me detest myself further.

My alarm rings, and I toss on my workout gear, then head downstairs. I go into the dining room. My family is already there eating.

I grab a plate and fill it with bacon and eggs then toss a croissant on it. I plop in the seat between Arianna and Tristano.

"Happy Valentine's Day!" Arianna chirps, and her smile lights up the room.

I refrain from groaning then tug her into me, giving her a noogie. She's only ten, so who am I to rain on her parade? "Happy Valentine's Day." I kiss the top of her head.

"Such a stupid holiday," Tristano mutters.

I elbow him. "Keep it to yourself."

He arches his eyebrows. "Okay, what did you get for Giorgia?"

I shove eggs in my mouth then wash them down with coffee. "I'll grab some flowers or something."

Tristano snorts. "Exactly my point."

"I love Valentine's Day," Arianna chirps.

"You would," Tristano replies.

"Enough. Don't spoil it for your sister," Papà orders.

"I ran into Giorgia on the way out. She said you're going to the ball at the club tonight?" Mamma asks.

Massimo snickers.

I toss a croissant at him. "Shut up."

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