“Come on. Say it again. Please?”
I hear Sofia begging. I feel a rage at her begging for someone else other than me burning in my chest.
“I thought you were here to keep my company and make me feel better. Not to torture me.”
“Come on, Matt. Just say it again. For me.”
I grit my teeth barely stopping myself from barging in and doing something stupid.
“You can be really annoying sometimes you know?”
“I know. I can get worse, but you can stop me by just saying it.”
“Fine. Dawg. There. Are you done making fun of me now? Can we get back to our game?”
“That is the funniest thing I have ever heard. Man, I love your accent.”
I hear Sofia giggling and it’s the last straw. A spike of jealousy flows through me as I open the door and step in.
“Bash. You’re back.”
Sofia is sitting on an arm chair pulled close to the bed. In between her and Matteo, there is a table with cards strewn about.
“I am.” I growl out.
“Don.” Matteo averts his eyes and attempts to get out of bed.
“Stay down, Matteo.”
He nods. “Forgive me for not being able to properly greet you.”
“I understand. You need to rest and get better so you can get back to work.”
“Of course, Don.”
“I sent a package to your Mother. She is being well taken care of in your absence.”
“Thank you. Your generosity knows no bounds. It is much appreciated.”
“Sofia, do you mind if I talk to you for a minute?”
“Sure. Guess you win this time, Matt. I will be back to finish our game.”
“I count on it.”
As soon as Sofia crosses the room, I lean down and capture her lips with mine. I don’t know why, but I had this sudden need to claim her as my own.
I pull back and smirk at Matteo, but he isn’t looking our way. He is actively avoiding looking in our direction.
“See you later, Matteo.”
He looks my way and all I see is respect in his eyes. Not even a hint of jealousy.
Good.
I pull Sofia out into the hall and turn left towards my room. Luca moves to follow but I wave him off.
“Why are we going to your room?”
