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

Chapter 12

Matteo

New York, United States - December 31st, 2020

9:18pm

Aurora coming definitely changes the vibe. We stop playing before Valentina even gets to pull her card, and someone dims the lights to turn the room into more of a dancefloor rather than a lounge.

Another one of Ariana's friends comes up to me before I can even go and enjoy the A$AP Rocky song Vinnie just put on. Are they all part of a ploy to keep me occupied all night or what? I really couldn't care less about socializing with any of them.

I half-listen to Ariana's friend's story about the summer party at my house in Taormina while I look for her. She must be on the balcony because I can't spot her anywhere.

"How long have you had the house for?" The girl asks and I shrug, remembering the party she's talking about.

"Since I was born I guess."

I need a line because I feel depleted already.

As I try to think of ways to get out of the conversation gently, I make eye contact with her.

She's by the speakers, kindly nodding her head at whatever Aleksi's telling her.

Since when is he comfortable being so close to her? I've never seen them interact like this; I always thought he was too shy to ever approach a girl.

Yes, he's been obviously going to the gym since I've last seen him, but I didn't think that would also put his personality on steroids.

Valentina smiles at me and I subtly tap the right side of my nose.

She raises her brows in question and I nod in response.

"I'll be right back." I tell the girl who's still talking. She looks confused but shrugs and watches me walk away.

I head straight over to my bedroom, which I've locked for obvious reasons. Marco's been chatting up one of Ariana's friends ever since he arrived, and I don't want him making his moves on her on my bed. He has his own apartment for that.

I take out the tray from my bedside table and go sit down by the desk.

The door opens and I smell her perfume the moment she enters the room.

I get this instant déjà vu when she sits down at the edge of the bed.

We don't say anything and I'm glad to have a break, even if it's her.

Valentina goes first, of course, and I hold the tray up for her to do the line. Then she leans back on her palms and watches me do the same thing.

We make eye contact, and from the way she looks at me, I know we're both thinking the same thing.

However, I am not gone enough to actually try to do anything right now.

"Are you having fun?" she asks, derailing me from my incoming thoughts.

I shrug.

"This night isn't as fun as I expected."

She tilts her head. "What would you do, if you could do anything in the world?"

"I already can do anything I want to."

She rolls her eyes. "Fine, be blindly arrogant." She waves her hand. "Let me put it another way. What would do if you didn't have to do was already decided for you?"

"Right now, or in general?"

"In general, first."

"I don't know."