The Italian's Fake Fiancée

49

"How nice of you to join us, Leonardo."

Leonardo raised his head and frowned at his cousin.

"I thought you are done with pools today, especially after what happened. Perhaps you are here for another round?"

Holding his breath, Leonardo stole a glance at Paige, who was frowning at Alberto in confusion. Leo released his breath. Obviously she did not understand the implications in Alberto's words.

If Alberto was irritated, he was here. So was he. He was also irritated, not to mention jealous when he found out Paige was going swimming with him. In nothing but that piece of cloth, she called a bikini.

He didn't know the deal with Alberto. If he was just curious about Paige or if he liked her. Whatever the case, he didn't want to allow any opportunity for anything to develop between the two of them. He was jealous of anyone who so much as smiled at her for more than a few minutes.

It would be alright to say he wanted the girl all to himself. And he would have been more secure if he were already dating the girl. But he had a lot of loose ends to tie up. A lifestyle to straighten before he gets to that end.

He wanted an opportunity to woo her first. He wanted to keep his path clean so that by the time he asked her to date him, he would have already reduced the chances of being rejected. Before then, anyone who stands in his way becomes an obstacle. Including Alberto.

"I was feeling hot so I came downstairs to cool off." Cut and simple, he dismissed Alberto. He knew his excuse was flimsy, but who cares.

He allowed his back to touch the cold blue water, letting himself to float on the water, and sneaked a glance at Paige. She had grown very quiet. He hated when she went quiet like this. He couldn't tell what she was thinking. Earlier today, she was spitting fire in their bedroom. Where was that same energy? Or was she also annoyed he was here? Damn it.

With a simple flick of his hand, he threw the ball on his stomach at her, losing his balance in the process. and she caught it, somewhat surprised. He resurfaced, water falling from his hair and onto his face and naked chest. He has gotten her attention now. Good.

He turned to Alberto, who was eyeing him. Alberto was resting by the porcelain marbles. A little further away, a little detached from him and Paige. Leo ran his hand over his face, grinning. He needed to rest this issue once and for all before it turned into something else.

"Alberto," he called. "It turns out Lolita was paid to seduce me after all." Paige's head snapped in his direction. Leo had just phrased that statement in a manner that suggested he and Alberto had been discussing it before and he just recently found the confirmation they were looking for.

Alberto's brows furrowed, and he bent down until his head disappeared under the water and did a few laps. When he surfaced, water dripping from his hair, he used one big hand and wiped his face down. "By who?"

Leo fought the urge to turn to Paige as he said to Alberto, "My sister, Rosa, paid her to seduce me."

"I'm not surprised," Alberto muttered.

From the corner of his eyes, Leo eyed Paige. There was a thoughtful frown on her face. Leo's heart beat. What he said now wasn't for Alberto's benefit. It was for her. He turned his head and caught her gaze. She had been staring at him. She tried to turn away, but he held her captive with his eyes. Paige opened her mouth and closed it."So you see, i had nothing to do with that woman."

Her cheek was the first to turn red and then it spread to her ear and she stole a glance at Alberto. Biting her lips. He could imagine her groaning in her head.