Sequel to the Within His Reach series.
~
She tries to leave the past behind.
He can't seem to escape it.
The two lovers move to Italy in the hopes of a safer life. But when the greater powers living within the orchards and vineyards make themselves...
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I stand in front of all four of them, a wide grin on my face as they stare up at me from their places on the couches. Nico's eyebrows are pulled together, his lips pursed as he inspects my cheerful face. I tap my toes against the floor, playing the melody of some Spanish song that was popular a couple of years ago. He doesn't seem to appreciate it, his eyes diverting to my feet with a scowl.
"So. I have gathered you all here to go over the plan!" I announce, clapping my hands. Jackson furrows his eyebrows at me, a confused smile covering his face. Matteo shifts where he stands, visible discomfort resting on his shoulders.
"Plan..?" The voice of Leonardo fills the room. I glance at him, nodding my head optimistically. He lifts a single eyebrow. Don't act stupid, Leonardo. You know exactly what I'm talking about. I smirk a little, looking back at Nico.
"Yes. That idiot over there," I point at Nico, "has informed me that you are planning on pretending to be Lorenzo to try and get Talia and Katherine to safety." I explain, glancing over at Leonardo. He lifts his eyebrows, eyes widening. A small groan leaves Nico's lips as he throws his head back. It's as if he wasn't allowed to let me in on it.
Probably because he wasn't.
"An idiot he is..." Jackson murmurs under his breath. I roll my eyes at them. At this point, they're all idiots.
"I understand that you all think I will ruin whatever plans you have, but let me tell you, my input on this so-called act Jackson came up with will make things much easier," I explain, slumping against the wall. Nico glances at the floor, running a hand through his wavy hair. Matteo straightens where he stands, letting out a deep breath.
He looks at me, sending me a happy and encouraging smile. I send a weak one back. He glances at the others, shrugging his shoulders a little.
"Maybe we should hear her out before we judge her?" He suggests in a small voice. The rest of them look up at him, passive expressions silently judging him. I smile at him again, appreciating that he backed me up.
Nico turns his head back to me first, his eyes scanning my face. I flutter my eyelashes, pouting slightly. He chews on the inside of his cheek, letting out a very deep sigh. As he clears his throat, the rest of the men look back at me, understanding the subtle command.
"Let's hear her out..." Nico mutters.
I smile widely at all of them.
"Okay. So, what did Lorenzo really want from Nico?" I ask, regaining my straight posture. A mixture of confused expressions spread over the rest of the men's faces. Valentino shrugs, slumping back against the backrest of the armchair he sits in.
"For him to be dominant?" Jackson suggests. I shake my head, curling my lips.
"For him to not be a bitch?" Valentino suggests, a clear grin on his face.
