Page 71 of Reckless Desire

“Don’t be cute. What do you mean there are rumors?”

“They are not rumors if they are true.” God, I enjoy riling her up.

“Explain.”

I chuckle. “Something Caro mentioned. I think it’s time we tell her, and for you to disclose the relationship to Ravinski.” Anger edges inside me at the mention of his name.

He’s been avoiding Sydney since the incident, apart from necessary work-related interactions, but the idea of her alone with him in his office doesn’t sit well.

A beat of silence stretches and another unwelcome feeling creeps in. Is she having second thoughts?

“Are you sure?” she asks finally.

“You’re not sure about us?”

Another beat of silence. What the hell? “No, it’s just… isn’t it too soon? What if, you know, things don’t work out and we’re exposing Caro to… well… to another change.”

Part of me is grateful she puts my daughter first in this situation, but…

“So you’re not sure about us? You don’t want to tell Caro because you don’t believe we will last. That’s fucking good to know, Sydney.”

ChapterTwenty-Three

Sydney

The emergency meeting at London’s place is a distraction for me. Her doorman smiles at me for the hundredth time as I sit in the lobby, waiting for Paris, who is twenty minutes late. I should just go upstairs, but I’ve been indecisive about pretty much everything in my life lately.

I haven’t seen Hunter for a week. He said I should decide what I really want and if I’m truly in. His words have rung in my mind ever since, but I’m stuck, unable to make a move. Hiding, as usual. Torn by indecision. Part of me enjoys my newly forged loneliness. It’s safe, after all.

I’m not a person who hopes for the best. We don’t know what’s going to happen, so by hiding our relationship we can protect others from suffering from the potential break-up. We’ve been together for two weeks, for fuck’s sake.

“Sorry I’m late.” Paris flows in, an air of grace surrounding her. She is the most elegant of my sisters and the most creative one. “Hello, Cesare.” She smiles at the doorman because, of course, she knows his name.

“It’s okay.” I stand up and trudge toward the elevator.

“What’s wrong with you? You were distracted this weekend. Isn’t it amazing Massi got his Michelin stars?” Paris laces her arm through mine as we ride the elevator. I don’t answer because her questions are more observations, and she can go on for a while without realizing her conversation is one-sided.

I must look horrible if she picks up on my mood. I don’t want to discuss my brother’s achievements. I’m happy for him. But it’s hard to cheer from the sidelines if my own happiness is weirdly suspended.

I know I hurt Hunter with my hesitation and he’s giving me space. But I miss him. I miss his funny remarks. His smile. That intense, hooded gaze of his silver eyes. I admire the way he takes care of everyone around him, even when he doesn’t have to.

Of course he adopted Caro, but he wasn’t obligated to take care of a lonely old lady or give a job to his friend. Or care about people who can’t afford a fancy gym in the city. But he does care. And I feel safe with him.

“What happened here?” I ask as we step off the elevator.

There are only two condos on London’s floor. Both walls between the two doors are now lined with boxes.

“Someone must be moving in.” Paris is about to knock on London’s door.

The door across the hall opens and a tall, hot AF man steps out. In his simple white T-shirt and sweats, with his dark blond hair falling into his blue eyes, he looks like he’s just stepped off a magazine cover.

“Hello. Have you just moved in?” Paris chirps and goes to shake his hand to introduce herself.

He jerks his head back, glaring at her hand as if it was poisoned. “Seriously? What the hell?” He grabs a box and returns to his place, shutting the door so hard, the walls vibrate.

“Has the jerk slammed his door?” London says as she opens for us.

I chuckle. “Come on, Paris, he thinks you were Lo for sure.” The number of misunderstandings their whole life has been a source of entertainment for all of us. “You don’t like your new neighbor?”

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