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Our eyes met, and I smiled, glancing away as his eyes lingered on me for slightly longer than necessary. I shook off the thought, realizing my lack of experience with men made me feel like every one of them had an agenda. I blamed Cal for that; he suspected that every male on the planet had a plan to woo me.

“It was a pleasure to meet you. If you ever need any help at all, just get in touch.”

He held out a white embossed card, drawing my attention to the platinum wedding ring on his finger. I sighed with relief, mentally kicking myself for assuming he was checking me out. I examined the card and nodded gratefully.

“I will, thank you so much.”

He hesitated briefly before nodding in the coffee counter’s direction.

“Your latte is ready,” he chuckled as I whirled around, colliding with a woman in a suit who stared at me haughtily.

“I’m so sorry—” I began as she glared at me before walking away. My cheeks flamed with embarrassment as I smiled an awkward goodbye to the Professor, making my way out of the coffee shop and onto the busy street. I realized my heart was racing.

What is wrong with me?

I’m not skittish or clumsy normally. I shrugged, sipping my latte in delight as I made my way to my first class.

Part Two: Chapter Four

CAL

“So, what you’re saying is, there’s a possibility. It’s my girlfriend’s birthday, and I’d love to surprise her.”

The travel agent flushed as I smiled at her from across the desk.

“Maybe, but you would need to book it today. There are only two seats left on the flight.”

I handed her my credit card with a broad smile. “I knew you could do it,” I eyed her name badge with interest. “Beth.” she tapped away on her computer, refusing to meet my eyes.

“I need the names as they appear on the passports, please.”

After it was all booked, I slid the envelope into the inside pocket of my jacket, stepping outside into the crisp New York air. I lit a cigarette as I watched the tourists snapping photos of everything—the street signs, the sidewalk, and even the damn sky. I noticed a girl watching me with interest from the corner of the street, her long red coat billowing in the wind. I felt my heart slow as my eyes took in her slender frame, her waist-length black hair loose around her shoulders.

It couldn’t be her.

I released the smoke I held in my mouth slowly as she gazed at me, her hand covering her mouth in shock.

Fuck.

Lucia.

We stood like that for what felt like an eternity until I noticed a man standing by the side, suited accordingly. He followed her gaze to me as his eyes flickered in recognition. He whispered something in her ear as she nodded blankly, letting him guide her to a waiting limousine by the sidewalk.

He closed the door before making his way towards me.

Michael Salvatore, Lucia’s youngest brother. He had the same caramel coloured skin as Lucia, his blue eyes framed by thick dark lashes.

“I didn’t realize you were back here, Leonardo.”

I winced at his use of my full name. He shook my hand, his dark eyes studying me intently.

“You should join us for dinner this evening, so we can extend our gratitude for your help in Winterburg.”

This wasn’t to be mistaken for an invitation, it was a command, and I recognized it as such.

“Of course.”

He nodded as he made his way back to the car, turning back to me briefly before he opened the door.