Page 93 of Titan

“Who are your friends?”

He shoved off the window and stepped forward, sticking his hand out. She delicately placed her hand in his.

“Edric Russell, this one’s underboss. And that beautiful lady over there is Theia, Gil’s new flame.”

Pippa’s eyebrow twitched as she dropped Edric’s hand and turned to Theia.

“Hello, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I didn’t realise you’d met someone, Gil, but I’m so happy for the two of you.”

There was a certain level of animosity in Pippa’s voice that had me tugging my girl closer. I wrapped my arm around her waist, not caring how possessive the gesture was.

“Hello,” Theia said, glancing up at me with a frown.

“Pippa is my cousin’s wife.” I hadn’t explained to her who Pippa was before we got here, but I should have. “Dino, her husband, is my first cousin once removed.”

Theia turned back to Pippa.

“It’s nice to meet you too.”

Pippa didn’t smile. Instead, she looked at Theia like she was a threat. Then her face cleared, and she clapped her hands together.

“Well, I best make the rounds, but do enjoy yourselves. Toodle-oo.”

None of us had time to say another word as she turned away, swaying her hips as she walked over to another group of people.

“Damn, I bet she’s demanding in bed. Probably dominates your cousin,” Edric said, rubbing his hand over his face while he quite obviously stared at Pippa’s arse.

“Did you really have to go there?” I asked, giving him a look.

“What?” He shrugged and waved at her. “Listen, I’m not saying I would… I mean, I would, but like it would be a one-time deal.”

Why? Just fucking why?

“Bringing you here was a mistake.”

Edric said something in response, but I wasn’t listening as I spied one of my cousins on the opposite side of the room. With her dark blonde hair tied up in a slick ponytail and her black dress moulding to her body, Verona had her head thrown back as she patted the arm of the man next to her. Knowing I would never hear the end of it if I didn’t say hello, I grabbed a hold of Edric’s arm while keeping a tight hold of Theia and made my way over to my cousin.

“Where are we going?” Edric asked, brushing me off him with a huff.

“To see my cousin.”

“Another one? Jesus, it’s like meet the family night. I swear there are too many of you Villettis.”

I ignored him because Verona had turned her attention to me. Her brown eyes narrowed as if she hadn’t been expecting to see me here. I wasn’t surprised she was in attendance considering she worked for a financier in Knightsbridge. I spied one of Zayn’s men standing close by. Clearly, Verona had only been allowed out tonight with a bodyguard due to the threat against her family.

“Oh, hello, Gil,” she said as we drew closer, giving me a tight smile. “Fancy seeing you at one of Pippa’s dos.”

“Evening, Verona.”

Her eyes darted to Theia, giving her a cutting look before they landed on Edric, and disgust painted her features. I was in no doubt Verona was the last woman on earth who would ever let Edric charm her. She wasn’t known for being nice to anyone. Being a bitch was pretty much her default personality at this point.

“Who are these two? Your friends or something?”

She said the word friends like she was surprised I had any. I didn’t take it personally, considering my ability to maintain friendships was lacking.

“This is my girlfriend, Theia, and my friend, Edric,” I said before turning to Theia. “Verona is my aunt, Martina’s daughter.”

“Well, at least you’re dating an age-appropriate woman, unlike your brother,” Verona said.

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