Page 129 of Carnal

"Make yourself at home," he adds, then glances at Tristano.

Tristano stares him down until he goes into the office. Then he turns to me and pats me on the back in assurance before following the three men into the other room.

The door shuts, and I pace the hallway until Massimo comes barreling down the stairs. He cautiously asks in a low voice, "What's going on?"

"Dante wants to talk to Tristano and me."

"About what?"

"He didn't say." I glance at the ceiling and take several slow breaths.

What if Dante knows?

Maybe it would be best if he did.

What am I saying? He's going to be so disappointed in me.

Massimo pulls me to the corner of the hallway, questioning, "Why don't you just get it over with and tell him?"

"No," I insist.

"Why not? If you and my brother are an item, then just—"

"Who said we're an item?" I blurt out but instantly regret it.

He crosses his arms, scowling. "You slept with Tristano, and it's just fun and games?"

My heart beats hard, and I try my best to give him my poker face.

Why is this so hard for me?

"Tell me you aren't that stupid," Massimo seethes.

"Why don't you ask your brother that?" I hurl.

"Meaning?"

I huff. "You know Tristano."

What am I saying?

His eyes turn to slits. "Still not following."

I glance around the Marino palace, feeling like I'm going to cry. This is their life, not mine. I don't belong here.What was Tristano thinking when he said he wanted to marry me?

I spout more nonsense. "This is a conversation you should have with your brother, not me. I'm not the one with the issues."

"What issues?"

"End of conversation," I claim and brush past him.

"Pina!" he growls.

I glance over my shoulder and glare at him. "Stay out of it, Massimo."

He holds his hands in the air. "Fine. I have enough of my own problems."

"Yeah, you do," I mutter, hating myself for making statements that sound like Tristano is anything but loyal and dedicated to me.

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