Page 125 of Crazed

"What? It's no different from a bikini," Pina claims, then grabs Katiya's hand. "Let's go for a swim. Let the brothers talk. Don't forget to give him the box."

"What box?" I ask.

Tristano holds up his finger.

"Three, two, one," Pina says, then pushes Katiya in the water and dives in herself.

"Pina!" I shout, rise, and then step to the edge, but Katiya bursts through the surface laughing.

Tristano stands. He reaches into his pocket then pauses. "Let's go inside a minute."

"Fine." I lead him through the slider wall and cross my arms. Just to piss him off, I react, "You and Pina? Seriously? Isn't she a tad old for you?"

"Shut up, dickhead. She's only a few years older," he declares.

"Dante's going to kill you, no matter your age gap," I repeat, which isn't a lie. But I can't totally blame my brother for going after her. Pina's always been a ten. Age hasn't done anything but make her more attractive.

Tristano snorts. "That's rich when you're what...fifteen years older than Katiya? And I'm not scared of Dante."

I ignore his age remark. I'm fully aware of our age difference, and I don't care what anyone thinks. I advise, "Then tell him."

"I would, but Pina won't let me," he replies.

I offer, "Sucks to be you, then. Now, where's this box."

"Are you sure you want to marry Katiya?" he questions.

"Man, are you trying to disrespect her again?" I boom.

"No. I'm just asking. How do you know she's the one?" he inquires.

I sigh, admitting, "Never been so sure about anything in my life."

He stares at me a moment then pulls out a ring box. "Then you should have this. Ettore gave it to me before I left."

25

Katiya

The Next Morning

"Knock, knock,"Pina's voice calls out.

"Mm," I mutter, turning into Massimo's warm body and burying my face in his chest. After the initial surprise visit and interrogation, we all had a great time until late last night. When we returned to the bungalow, it was after midnight. Massimo kept me up for hours, begging him. By the time we fell asleep, the darkness of the night was fading.

Pina chirps, "Time to get up, sleepyheads."

Massimo tugs me into his body. "Go away. We're on vacation."

"Not today, you aren't. Come on. We've got work to do," she states.

I groan, questioning, "Work?"

"Yep! Besides, it's bad luck for you to see each other before the wedding," she adds.

Wedding!

I'm going to be Mrs. Massimo Marino!

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