Page 30 of The Pretender

A surprised laugh bubbles out of me. “Dammit.”

Deo grins. “I told them I would bust their kneecaps if they brought that up at dinner.”

“Not in front of Nonna, please.”

Deo smiles, plopping down on the couch. “Thanks for that. It was incredible.”

I join him, settling next to him. “I agree. You are delicious.”

His cheeks pink slightly as he drags his tongue over his lips. “You’re a surprise. A good one.” His smile fades as he searches my eyes. “Just don’t be too awesome, okay?”

“Huh?”

“This isn’t real. I can’t get attached to incredible sex. At some point, I’ll have to make do with the plebian offerings usually available.”

“I’ll try to remind you from time to time that I’m often impossible to live with.”

“Yes, perfect. Show me your absolute worst. I’ll show you mine too.”

“Deal.”

I won’t even come close to showing Deo my worst side. He doesn’t deserve it and likely never will, but I can prove I’m not a man he should get attached to.

It would only lead to heartache for him. Maybe for both of us.

TEN

amadeo

“Is that what you’re wearing?”

Balt looks down at his tailored trousers and cashmere sweater. He looks like a fashion model.

“It’s all I have until we shop. Is it okay?”

“Well, yeah, you look amazing. Just dressed up. My family is casual.”

He nods, frowning. “My travel clothes are dirty. These will have to do for now.”

“Alright then. I’ll step up my game. I can do better than a graphic t-shirt.”

“Wear what makes you feel comfortable. I’m used to dressing like this.”

I nod, my gaze roaming up and down his body as I think about what we might get up to later after dinner. Balt runs his hand down his charcoal gray sweater.

“I hope you’re not nervous. They’ll give me shit, not you.”

Balt smiles. “I’m not nervous.”

“Good.”

“Are you?”

I shrug. “A little, I guess. Mostly because the last time I saw my brothers it didn’t go so well. They were so high and mighty. It upset my mom a lot to see us not getting along.”

“Hopefully it will go better now that you’re home.”

“I hope so. I’m really not in the mood for drama.” I walk to the dresser and pull out one of my nicer shirts. It’s not a cashmere sweater, but it’ll do. “I’m gonna finish my hair real quick.”