Page 43 of Raziel

Then Raziel appeared from the hallway like he’d been summoned. His eyes landed on me—and he froze.

For half a heartbeat, everything in him stilled.

Then his expression shuttered. Cold. Controlled. Like I wasn’t even in the room.

Bastard.

Alessia looped her arm through his. “Let’s show you around my father’s house. He’s been kind enough to let me host here while he’s in Italy.”

Her gaze flicked to Priest. “He wants me to get acquainted with everyone in our circle. We can all be… friends.”

I rolled my eyes.

Miyori’s hand grazed my arm as she leaned close. “Don’t act up in these people’s house over a man that ain’t yours.”

I arched a brow. “Priest was married when y’all met,” I reminded her. “This chick ain’t got no ring.”

She sucked her teeth and looked away.

I smiled sweetly.

Alessia led us through rooms like she was on a real estate tour, spouting history and pointing out antiques like anyone gave a damn.

When we returned to the living room, the rest of the guests were already sipping cocktails—twelve in total. Older women with tight smiles, younger ones with tighter dresses. Two men—her cousins—hovered near the fireplace, talking fast in Italian and laughing.

Raziel walked off and took a seat at the head of the table. I watched out of my peripheral as he waved a server over for a drink.

“Maya,” Alessia said, “if you’re single, I should introduce you to my cousin Matteo. Smart. Family man. Loyal.”

I turned, smiling. “Single as can be. Nobody likes me. And the ones who do, don’t want to.” I made sure my voice carried.

Matteo grinned when I gave him a once-over.

He was pretty.

Olive skin, perfect teeth, tousled dark hair. His jaw looked carved by God himself, and his hazel eyes crinkled when he smiled—like he knew he was charming. He wore a crisp button-up, sleeves rolled to show off forearms.

The kind of guy who ordered wine in fluent Italian and called youbella.

I didn’t do pretty.

Pretty was for girls who wanted sweet, well-mannered men. Who liked being calledprincessand swooned over roses and candlelight.

Raziel’s glass hit the table hard behind me.

I didn’t even look.

My phone buzzed a second later.

You better tell her no.

I grinned.

Alessia tilted her head. “What’s funny?”

I held her gaze. “Oh, nothing. But if your cousin is interested, I’d be okay with seeing what he’s all about.”

Matteo nodded. “I’ll get your number before I leave.”