Page 103 of The Sexy Billionaire

“Release the statement. Fuck her,” Luca says angrily.

“I can’t do that right before the Summer Ball, it would overshadow it, especially outing Allegra and Giada.”

Luca rolls his eyes. “Mamma and Papà would understand about the ball. They want to see you happy. They are worried about you.”

“I know they are, but we raise so much money for the charity that night, I can’t mess that up. People count on those donations.”

“Your broken engagement won’t stop people from donating, Gio. Wouldn’t it be nice if you and Paige could walk into that event arm in arm, especially as her great-aunt co-chaired with Mamma for so long? It’s a great way to honor her memory.”

Shit. I forgot that Lucia was involved with this ball. Does Paige know? I don’t think she does. Luca is right, it would be wonderful walking into that ball with her on my arm.

“Even if I announce the breakup today, I won’t be able to be seen with Paige, otherwise they are going to think I’ve been having an affair.”

“True. This is a huge mess, Gio. You should have announced your separation ages ago.” Luca sighs, looking over at me.

“Yes, I get that, but I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with someone so soon,” I argue. Then I shut my mouth, quickly realizing what I’ve just said.

“You love her?” Luca asks, a wide smile on his face.

“You don’t have to be a dick about it. I haven’t even told her that. She knows my feelings for her are strong, but not this strong.”

“I can see it on your face, man, she really makes you happy.”

“She does,” I agree, looking over to where Paige is sitting with my sister and my sister-in-law, laughing and joking as if she is already part of the family.

And I can’t wait until she is.

“It’s so hard to be this close and not touch you,” I say as Paige takes a seat beside me on the jet.

“Won’t be long until we are by ourselves, and you can touch me as much as you want.” She smirks.

That wicked woman, making me hard when I can’t do anything about it. “We could join the mile-high club, if you want,” I say, flicking my head to the bathroom behind us.

Her eyes widen as her cheeks flush. “One day, when there aren't so many people on the plane.”

I raise a brow at her. “Noted, Miss Johnson, I’ll kick them off the return leg, they can find their own way back to Rome,” I tease.

She shakes her head at me.

“Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something, but haven’t had a chance because my mouth seems to be preoccupied by your pussy.”

Paige gasps at my words and then playfully nudges me, which has me laughing out loud, getting a few looks from my family, not used to hearing the sound of my laughter.

“Not sure if anyone has told you this yet, but my family’s Summer Ball, your great-aunt was on the board for it.”

Paige’s eyes widen at my revelation. Judging by her reaction, she didn’t know.

“What does that mean? Am I supposed to be helping? I had no idea. Why did no one tell me?” she asks, shooting a million questions at me.

“Probably because it’s been a long time since Lucia had been well enough to help physically. She would call my mother and talk about it and she would help choose the charities for that year. Lucia also liked to do things under the radar, as much of a diva that she was, she was also humble.

“I had no idea,” Paige says, shaking her head.

“The ball is doing a tribute to Lucia at this year’s event, I thought you should know.”

Tears well in her eyes. “Thank you,” she says, reaching and squeezing my arm.

“She helped raise a lot of money for wonderful charities, we wanted to thank her for all that she did.” More tears flow freely from her now as I lean over and wipe the tears from her eyes. “Don’t cry, babe. It breaks my heart seeing you upset.”

---