Page 61 of The Pretender

“Please don’t tell me you talk about your sex life with my mother.” Salvo groans.

“None of your business,” Nonna retorts.

“That’s right,” Brogan says, grinning at their grandmother. “Anyway, I’m still dateless.”

Deo taps his cousin’s arm. “Can I talk to you after dinner?”

“Of course.” Brogan’s eyes meet mine. “It’s so cool you’re home again.”

“I think so too.” Deo glances at me as well.

My nerves kick up. Is Deo going to tell Brogan what he saw on my phone? Is he starting not to trust me? Fuck. I wish I could tell him what’s going on and assure him that my secrecy is for his benefit, but the less he knows, the better. Plausible deniability and all that. Besides, what would he think of me if he knew the truth? He’d never want to see me again, and right now, I don’t like the thought of that.

I know I’ll have to leave someday, but I’m not ready. I like it here. I like using my skills for hardworking, honest people. I like Deo.

There’s so much more I want to do with him too. I want to buy him pretty things and lose myself in the warmth of his body every night. I want to keep this pretend life as long as possible.

Someday, I’ll have to face Vin, but that day is not today.

“We made Nonna’s famous lemon cake today,” Deo’s mom announces. “So save room for dessert, boys.”

Deo makes an obscene noise. “Oh no. That’s my Achilles heel.”

Brogan grins. “Mine too. Wait until you taste it, Balt. It’s amazing.”

Nonna preens, smiling at her family. “You’ve all been working so hard. I felt like you deserved it.”

I notice the glances exchanged between Salvo and Larry and then the subtle nod Salvo gives his brother.

“I guess this is as good a time as any,” Larry says. “The main house has been overdue for some repairs and general updating. Before we passed things off for good, Salvo and I felt it was only right to get the repairs done, but we’ve decided to leave the design to you, Amadeo.”

Deo tilts his head. “What do you mean?”

“This will be your home soon. Your mom and I will take one of the other properties, but the managing family member always gets the main house.”

Deo’s mouth falls open. “What?”

“It’s gotten too big for us now anyway, without you boys at home.”

“Nantes and Guiliano are coming by this weekend, to pick up anything they still want, then we’ll clear out our stuff so you can move in and start making it your own,” his mom says.

Deo still looks shocked. I rub his back and he turns his gaze to me, his eyes glassy with unshed tears. “That’s a lot.”

“Which part?” Salvo asks.

“This big house just for me?”

“And whoever you choose to live with you.” Larry glances at me.

“This is exciting, Deo,” I whisper, brushing my lips against his temple.

He nods, but I see the concern and worry in his eyes. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything,” Larry says.

Nonna rises and heads to the kitchen and Brogan follows to help. Deo leans his head on my arm and I continue rubbing his back.

“You okay?”