Page 2 of Prelude of Love

“Good thing I’m famous and can cook then,” Levi said, pulling Noctis closer.

“Does it count if your boyfriend is already famous?” I wondered. “Can they be your hall pass, too?”

“Speaking of…” Tiago’s gaze landed on my husband, who’d been silently observing the chaos with his typical stoic expression. “Who’s your hall pass, big guy?”

Duke’s scowl could have curdled milk. “No.”

“Come on, everyone else shared.”

“I bet I know who,” I said in a singsong tone, unable to resist stirring the pot.

“Ooh, give us hints!” Noctis bounced in his seat.

I tapped my chin as I pretended to think it over. “He’s gorgeous, charismatic, talented.”

“Iason?” Tiago guessed, earning a round of groans from everyone.

If looks could kill, Tiago would be bleeding out on our floor from a fatal wound. Duke’s glare was particularly withering as he threatened, “I will break you in half if you say something that stupid again.”

Tiago laughed as if it weren’t an actual threat that Duke and his huge muscles could carry out. “Uh-oh, looks like I touched a nerve.”

Iason wrinkled his nose. “That would be like being with my brother, so that’s a hard no.”

Clearly wanting to take the heat off Tiago, Levi guessed, “Kieran Aiello?”

“Younger,” I said, enjoying the game far too much.

I could barely contain my laughter as Duke’s expression grew stonier with each guess while everyone else became more animated trying to solve the mystery.

“Wouldn’t it be funny if Duke had a thing for bad boys?” Tiago joked. “Someone who’d give him a run for his money.”

Ferris shook his head. “Nah, he has a type. Look at Early. Duke likes pretty blonds.”

“Maybe he wants the complete opposite,” Sal chimed in. “You know what they say about variety.”

“Duke needs someone who triggers those caveman instincts of his,” Iason said. He had been friends with Duke since they were roommates in college, so he’d know best. “Someone feisty who’ll challenge him.”

“I’m pretty sure that’s a prerequisite,” Levi agreed, since he had also gone to college with us.

Sal remained skeptical. “Celebrity or not, I can’t imagine Duke with anyone other than Early.”

“Not even Chance Prince?” I asked with triumphant glee.

The table erupted in shocked exclamations and delighted laughter. Duke ran his hand over his face with a growl. My ass would pay for being so ornery later, but I couldn’t wait.

“Holy shitbiscuits,” Noctis gasped in amazement. “I can’t imagine Duke having the patience for someone that young.”

Tiago rubbed his chin as he pretended to mull over the revelation. “I suppose it makes sense. He’s someone Duke would want to pin down and assert his authority over.”

“I’m about to assert my authority over you in about three seconds,” Duke snarled.

“Promise?” Tiago asked with a charming smile that drew an irritated huff from my husband.

“It’s not fun for him if you enjoy it,” Ferris pointed out, patting Tiago’s arm.

Levi spoke next. “You know, a feisty musician makes sense the more I think about it.”

“His voice and talent are something special,” Duke finally said in his defense. “It’s not about him being young.”