he and Matteo unpacked the breakfast containers. “But if you’re happy then I guess that’s all that matters.”
“Thanks, I think. You didn’t invite Luis?” I glanced around, half expecting him to appear at any second.
“He’s with Tristan, they’re...” Matteo glanced at Nicco and he nodded. “They’re with your father.”
Silence fell over the six of us. Here we were celebrating, but there was still a difficult uncertain path ahead.
“Nope. Not happening.” Nora declared. “This is a celebration breakfast. So less moping and more celebrating.”
“Thank you,” I mouthed at her and she nodded, pride glittering in her eyes.
“One good thing about weddings... bachelor party.” Matteo smirked.
A low grumble spilled from my lips and all heads turned to me.
“Did Ari just growl?” His eyes were the size of saucers.
“I’m just hungry.” I averted my eyes, heat burning my cheeks.
“She did, she growled.” Amusement laced Enzo’s words.
“Yeah, only because she knows what happens at such things,” Sia replied. “Remember Uncle Sil? His bachelor party was wild.”
“How the hell do you know what happened at Uncle Sil’s party?” Nicco arched his brow at his sister.
“I hear things. Aunt Dru made him sleep on the couch for a—”
“Okay, Sia.” Nicco clapped his hand over her mouth. “I think we get the picture.” He shot me a pleading glance.
“Let the guys have their fun, I say.” Nora stabbed her fork into a stack of pancakes. “While the men are away, the girls will play.”
“I don’t think that’s how the saying goes,” Matteo said, and she shrugged.
“It is in my world. I’m thinking a stripper, massages, the full works.”
Nicco had gone as white as a sheet and I smothered a chuckle.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Nora offered him a saccharine smile. “Did you think we were all going to sit around and braid each other’s hair and have pillow fights while you’re off getting lap dances and drinking your body weight in liquor?”
“More like sharpen each other’s claws,” Enzo murmured.
“Careful, E, I bite too.” She bared her teeth at him.
“You know you two just need to get it out of your system, right?” Alessia took a bite of bacon.
“Huh?” Nora frowned while Enzo sat deathly still.
“The tension between the two of you.” She wagged a finger between my best friend and her cousin.
“Fuck that,” Enzo gritted out.
“The feeling is mutual,” Nora hissed.
“Okay, why doesn’t everyone just take a breath?” I suggested. I was too happy to let their bickering spoil my moment.
“Ari’s right,” Matteo said. “We’re here to celebrate.” He grabbed a glass of orange juice and thrust it in the air. To Nicco and his fiancée, Arianne. May your life be filled with happiness, love, and lots and lots of hot newlywed sex.”
After breakfast Nicco asked to talk to me.
“What is it?” I said as he led me away from our friends.
“I’m going to go back with the guys to see my father.”
“You’re leaving?” My heart clenched but I knew it would be like this sometimes. There were still things to take care of.
“Only for a little while. We need to figure out a plan. The sooner it happens,” he cupped my face, “the sooner we can get on with our lives.”
“Okay.” I covered his hand with mine, turning my face slightly to kiss his palm. “Be safe.”
“Always. Luis is on his way back. I think Tristan is with him.”
“Maybe you should be gone before they get here,” I smiled.
“I’m not scared of Tristan, Bambolina.”
“I know.” We’d moved closer, our lips almost brushing.
“You’re mine now,” he whispered. “Nothing can ever change that.” The sheer possessiveness in his voice made my heart swell.
My hands twisted into his t-shirt. “Don’t be too long.”
“I promise. I think there’s still some tiramisu left in the refrigerator.”
My tummy clenched. “Nicco, you can’t say things like that to me in public.” I breathed, glancing to where our friends sat, as his lips painted a warm trail to the shell of my ear.
“But you taste so damn good.”
“Vitelli is here,” Enzo called. “We should go.”
“I’ll be back soon.” Nicco pressed a kiss to my head before taking my hand and leading me back to our friends.
“Come on, Sia, let’s go.” Enzo’s cold gaze went to where Nora and Alessia were sitting on the couch.
Nicco’s sister pouted. “I could stay.”
“Not. Happening. You’re lucky we brought you here as it is.”
“Fine.” She hugged Nora before coming over to me. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Thank you.” We hugged, Alessia hanging on for dear life. There was something so pure about her easy acceptance. It only reaffirmed the feeling that