Games We Play - Round 2: Two Truths, One Lie (18+ dark mafia romance)

Chapter 11

Matteo

Matteo's apartment, New York, United States – December 31st, 2020

1:20pm

Vinnie is the first to arrive to my apartment in the afternoon, with a duffle bag and a grin on his face. He and Eddie flew in together this morning, but Eddie's staying with Marco and Aurora.

Isabella announced that she will be staying with Valentina, who confirmed that she will come to the party. Even though I'm the one hosting the party, it was Isabella who invited her. I didn't even think about inviting her because I assumed she'd spend it in Russia like she did last year.

I don't know how to feel about it. Does she even know that the guys who attacked her are no longer alive? She must do... It was all over the news. Everywhere, on every channel and in every paper.

My father's idea worked, because the police are speculating that they were Russian gang-related killings. The 'gruesome murders between rival Russian gangs fighting for territory', as they call it.

My father seems pleased, in spite of his initial reaction to what I'd done. As long as the spotlight is off the Italians, he's happy.

Valentina hasn't said anything though, and I need to be smart about it if I ever want to bring it up. As far as she knows, I had nothing to do with it.

"When's Ariana landing?"

I look at Vinnie.

Fuck, Ariana.

"Five minutes ago." I groan, getting up from the couch so I can put on some shoes.

She asked me to pick her up, and I've been trying to find a nice way to tell her that I don't want her visiting anymore.

"Do you want me to come with?" Vinnie asks as he lets himself fall into the couch.

"Do you want to come with?"

He smiles and shakes his head, already reaching for the Xbox controller.

2:28pm

I cannot drive the two of us back from the airport fast enough. She's chewing my ear off about what she did on Christmas, and I really, hand to my heart, do not care. I don't think she notices what's going on in my head because she doesn't stop talking until we reach my apartment.

Vinnie is exactly where I left him an hour ago, with a joint between his lips.

He stops the game to stand up and greet Ariana – ever the gentleman.

"Drinks?" I ask them.

Ariana scrunches her nose and shakes her head. "It's too early. I'm going to wash my hair and get ready. My friends are going to be here in three hours."

Vinnie and I look at each other as she walks out of the living room.

"Her friends?"

"She invited ten more people."

"So...thirty people in total then. Should be a small get-together." He says in that voice of his that is meant to annoy me.

I look towards the door to make sure she's not listening. "She invited them without asking."

"So? Since when do you have a problem with saying no to people?"

I run a hand over my face as the reality of my situation finally sinks in.

"Since I think I might've gotten myself into a relationship without wanting to."

He groans and hands me a controller.