Mr. Vincenzo | 18+

nineteen

e l o i s e

The constant ringing of my phone was much more irritating than when I had first woken up in bed with Vincenzo. I was not in his arms then and not in his bed. We were apart on the hotel bed, no more than two strangers who'd chosen to indulge in desires that shouldn't have remained after that night.

But they did and much to the fluttering feeling in my stomach, our legs were tangled today, our torsos touching, my face in his neck, his scent like heaven surrounding me.

My phone rang again.

"Someone better be dead," I mumbled and stretched out my arm from Vincenzo's grip, grabbing that little devil from the bedside table. He rumbled, deep from his chest but it almost sounded like a nag. It made me laugh and laugh more when he pulled me closer, traced his nose against my neck, and that seemed to settle him.

My phone kept fucking ringing. I was irritated but once I saw the name to be Aryanna, I remembered all the unresolved issues we had and instantly picked up.

Before I could say anything—"Where the hell are you?"

I cleared my throat. "At home."

"Home? Really? Is that why Aunt Ava called me to talk to you? Aren't we having a sleepover? How are you at home?"

Shit.

"Baby," Vincenzo grumbled.

Eyes going wide, I immediately clamped my hand on his mouth.

Shit. Shit.

He peeled his beautiful eyes open, looking at me with confusion and questions. I mouthed 'Aryanna' and gestured to my phone pressed against my ear. God, just don't let Aryanna recognise his voice.

"I didn't know you lie so well, Eloise. Who are you with?"

I let out a breath and so did Vincenzo, catching the unsaid hint that all was good. He placed a kiss on my shoulder, then the weight of his head increased, his soft snores bringing a smile to my face. Guess he really got tired yesterday—working whole day, staying up and spending a lot of his energy for more than half the night. He also had the emotional baggage from his parents, old wounds, pain afresh.

I ruffled his hairs and placed a quiet kiss on his head. He was such a beautiful, brave man.

"Eloise?"

Shit. I totally forgot Aryanna.

"I am sorry. There was just something—uh, leave it."

"Who are you with?"

"Are you going to believe me if I say I'm not with Reyansh?"

She let a moment of pause fall between us. "Yes," she said, her voice suddenly lower. "Because I am with him."

"Is that what it took for you to finally trust my word?"

"You know how bad it was, how you put it all."

"I don't remember, Aryanna. I honestly don't. I don't know how bad it was but I am sorry for every word I said. I unknowingly created differences between you and Reyansh, us. I hurt Patrick. I never meant it."