Page 47 of Vicious Behaviors

Of course, Izzie doesn’t wait for an invitation. She just struts over, all bright smiles and deliberate charm before my ass has time to even get off the seat.

“Hi,” she beams, eyes flicking between me and my sister. “Looks like we had the same idea. Sunny days like these deserve to be celebrated with ice cream, am I right?” Her voice is sweet, singsong, but I know her well enough to hear the intent behind it.

The moment her gaze lands on my sister, my body goes rigid. Every protective instinct I have spikes to red, and it’s a miracle the devil in me doesn’t claw her eyes out this very second.

“Marcello,” Annamaria says curiously, unaware of the building tension in the air. “Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend?”

‘She’s not our friend. She’s our problem,’the voice hisses.

When I don’t answer, since I’m using all my strength to keep the demon at bay, Annamaria introduces herself.

“Hi. I’m Annamaria,” she greets, smiling at Izzie. “Marcello’s sister. And you are?”

“Izzie. I’m a trainer at De Luca’s gym. I’ve actually already trained with your sister, Stella,” Izzie says, smiling wide. “But I have to say what a serendipitous little run-in this is. I was just thinking about your brother… and poof, here he is.”

She flashes me a grin meant to disarm, but all it does is make my jaw clench harder. My fists stay hidden beneath the table, tight enough to turn bone white. I don’t return her smile. Not now. Not ever.

“You were thinking about my brother?” Annamaria asks, curiosity lighting up her face as she gives Izzie a quick head-to-toe once-over, probably filing away the entire image to report back to Stella later.

“Yes,” Izzie says with a pleasant smile. “I have a client interested in taking up some kickboxing, and since Marcello far excels at it than I, I was hoping I could sweet-talk him into giving her a few lessons.”

“Is that so?” Annamaria coos, holding back a cheeky grin. “That sounds like a great opportunity for you. What do you say, Mar? Can Izzie sweet-talk you?”

I groan under my breath at the spark in my sister’s eyes.

“I’m not a trainer,” I say flatly.

“I know that,” Izzie replies, flicking her hair back so it flows effortlessly over her shoulder, her voice a feigned coy. “But maybe you could make an exception? For me?”

My eyes lock onto hers in an unyielding stare. She’s never flirted with me before. Not even a hint. So why is she putting on this act now? Just to charm Anna?

No. This isn’t about charm. It’s about control. She’s demonstrating hers, picking the perfect opportunity where I’m unable to demonstrate mine.

“I don’t do exceptions,” I snap, standing up. “Come on, Anna. Let’s go home.”

My sister’s bright smile drops like glass to the floor. But not Izzie’s. No. She’s thriving on this.

This woman is dangerous. Very fucking dangerous.

“Oh, well. Had to ask,” she says before turning to my sister. “Nice meeting you, Annamaria.”

“You too,” Anna replies a little more quietly, sliding out of the booth. She waves Izzie goodbye and starts walking toward the door.

“Go ahead,” I say, when she looks back and doesn’t see me following her. “I’ll meet you by the car.”

Annamaria nods, suspiciously glancing between us before walking out. The moment she’s gone, Izzie’s fake-friendly smile fades.

“She’s lovely. Wish I could say the same about you.”

I lean in close, her perfume clashing with every defensive instinct I have.

“Never, and I mean never, approach me when I’m with my family again.”

“Ouch,” she says, placing a hand on her chest as if I just stabbed her. “And here I thought we were becoming friends.”

“Is that what you want?” I ask, my voice low and venomous. “For us to be friends?”

Her gaze flickers to my mouth for a split second, and just like that, my pulse quickens.