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“Sure.” Because even though I want to say no to that, it honestly sounds amazing.

The waiter rounds the table and stops in front of me. His eyes make the near-fatal move down to my cleavage again before they shut close. When he opens them again, they’re looking over my head at Antonio, who I can feel simmering with anger behind me.

He places our order, and the waiter nods before scurrying off as quickly as he showed up.

“Stronzo.He’s lucky I didn’t fuck up his face for looking at you like that again,” he says, and I’m sure it’s just for me to hear as punishment for wearing this dress in the first place.

The pastas arrive, and immediately, I’m consumed by the wonderful aroma. The restaurants my father picks always go all out with their meals and usually have at least one Michelin star.

Antonio snacks on the one pasta like a small child as he tries to stay focused on whatever conversation is happening right now. At the same time, I’m utterly consumed by the food and the last few chapters of my book.

For the first time, this dinner doesn’t feel like a chore; it feels like well, a dinner. One where nothing is expected from me but my company, and not in thesit still look prettykind of way.

“I’m surprised you ordered pasta, you would never usually get that.” Kylian’s nagging voice finds its way into my ear again.

I’m about to reply when I suddenly feel something touch my ankle. As I look down, I spot Antonio retrieving something from the floor.

“Wanted to try something new,” I reply, attempting to regain my composure.

“Disobedience doesn’t look good on you. You know how these dinners are supposed to work, and sitting here stuffing your face while reading…” he starts lecturing me, but his words simply hit the side of my head. All I can focus on is the way Antonio’s slowly grazing his fingertips up my leg. When he returns to his previous sitting position, the full weight of his palm rests on my thigh and is still moving upwards.

He’s insane. Absolutely-fucking-insane.

I look over at him, but he’s unfazed as he chats with the group, discussing the possibility of them attending some event.

Panic runs through me as he coasts even higher. If anyone saw us, I’d die of embarrassment. But most of all, I’m embarrassed to admit that my panties are soaked right now.

“Theá, are you okay?” Kylian asks just as Antonio’s finger reaches the uppermost area of my thighs.

I abruptly stand. Everyone’s eyes move to mine, and Antonio’s hand expertly slips back to his lap. “I need the bathroom,” I say under my breath and rush towards the bathrooms around the corner.

I make it into the bathroom and quickly lock the door.

Staring in the mirror, I barely recognise myself. My eyes are wide and slightly glossy, and even behind my makeup, I notice a slight pink tinge on my cheeks. I can’t feed into this. We’re at an important dinner, and myfather and brotherare sitting at the table. Exhaling deeply, I close my eyes; this is all supposed to be pretend.

I whip out my phone, scroll to Eleanor’s contact, and call her.

“Eleanor’s dating hotline, how can I help you today?” she answers.

“Eleanor, you were right,” I whisper.

“That’s what I love to hear, but you’re going to have to be more specific about what.”

“He is 100% jealous. The dress worked,” I say, fanning my face and trying to calm down.

“Oh shit! What’s happening? Are you guys still at the dinner?”

“Yes, I’m hiding in the bathroom.”

“What? Why? You have a hot Italian man jealous right now, why are you hiding?”

“I’m just a tiny bit scared of what might happen if I stay seated next to him any longer.”

She’s right. I can’t hide in the bathroom the entire night. I will have to eventually go back to the table. I start psyching myself up, making sure my hair, makeup, and dress are exactly as they’re meant to be.

“In a good way or a bad way?” she asks.

As I swing open the door, cool green eyes meet mine and peer into my soul.