I don’t want to lie to him, but if I have to, I will.
Sully has never betrayed me, but the idea of someone finding out about Vincenza and I, in any way other than on my terms, sends a stabbing pain through me. Iwillprotect her, even from my own best friend.
“I saw the way you were looking at her at the gala, man.”
When I couldn’t keep my eyes off her.Of course, someone saw.
I attempt to hide it. “Like she is the enemy?”
He smirks. “Like you wanted to rip the clothes from her body and fuck her right in the middle of the dance floor.”
Fuck.
I waver, torn between coming clean or lying to him. Still balancing on the line between trusting him with this secret or protecting it at all costs. The thought of getting it off my chest is appealing, but if anyone found out. If my family—Enzo—found out.
“Look, you don’t have to say anything,” he relents, putting his palms up as though he’s backing away from the subject. “I can understand that if there is something going on between you, it could be detrimental for your family dynamic. But, if youdowant to talk about it, you have someone who’s not in the Lucchetti bloodline who can lend an ear.”
It’s the most mature thing he’s said since we came back to the States. Perhaps his outburst at the gala last night pushed him in a direction to think and reflect about his life.
Running a hand through my hair, my voice is strained when I finally respond. “Grazie, amico mio.”
“Plus,” he continues. “She’s hot as hell. I bet you could have stripped her naked and let her bounce on your dick on the dance floor and not a single pers?—”.
“ENOUGH,” I boom, seeing red at the mere thought of that happening.
Immediately, Sully starts laughing hysterically. “Shit, man. You’ve got itbadfor her. How long have you two been sneaking around right under my nose? Doesanyoneknow?”
“No,” I bark, giving up the secret. I should have known Sully would have seen the truth all over my face. Now all I can do is beg him to keep his mouth shut. “And it needs to be kept that way. If this gets out, I don’t need to tell you the implications of what could happen. Enzo may never speak to me again. And Papà?—”
“Your pops will support you, eventually. Enzo, on the other hand…”
“Exactly.” I rub my hand through my hair and cross the room.
Defeated, I sink into the seat next to him. Memories of the gown slipping from my piccola ladra’s body instantly infiltrate my brain as I sink against the soft leather.
“Your secret is safe,” Sully vows. “Sixty-nine years of friendship and I’ve never stabbed you in the back once.”
“Perhaps you should go back to school for some extra math classes, amico.”
“It’s billionaire math. You know, when we’re so rich, we have other people handle the numbers for us?”
“You worry me.”
“Not the first time I’ve heard that. Listen, I need to get going. I’m supposed to be at my parents' house in thirty and I have a feeling traffic’s going to be a bitch. Keep me updated on the dirty details of your love life, though, okay? A man could use a little excitement from time to time.”
“Finished with Hera so soon?”
“Please, that was weeks ago. You know commitment isn’t in my vocabulary.”
Sighing, I lean back in my chair and pinch thebridge of my nose to relieve the headache Sully is building.
“We will talk soon, amico. Tell your parents I said hello.”
“Will do.” Sully stands and leaves my clinic, the door slamming closed behind him.
Leaning forward on my elbows, I rub my eyes, digging the heels of my hands into the sockets.
Idiota.
