Marco
I watched her as she walked beside me, quiet. It had been five minutes, and not a single word had left her lips. I found that surprising. A few hours ago, she had let her guarded self show just a little, even if it was brief. That enticed me. But now? She was locked up tight again.
Salvatore pulled up beside us, the sleek black car stopping just in time. I reached for the door handle, opening it for Leona.
She hesitated.
It was past 3 AM, she couldn't have had many options. After a moment, she sighed and slipped inside.
I followed, closing the door behind me as Salvatore started driving.
The car was silent for a few minutes. Then, finally, she turned to me.
"Where are we going?"
"My house."
She stiffened.
I smirked. Oh, she's scared.
I turned my head slightly toward her.
"Where do you live?"
She hesitated.
"It's late," I added. "My house isn't far. You can crash for the night."
Another pause. Then, finally, she nodded.
I leaned forward. "Drive straight home, Salvatore."
The rest of the drive was quiet. When we finally arrived, I stepped out first, holding the door open for her. She glanced up at the large villa before stepping out reluctantly.
And that's when I heard an excited scream.
"MARCO!!"
Before I could react, a small figure rushed toward me, arms wrapping tightly around my torso.
I let out a chuckle.
Isabella?
She barely reached my chest, but her grip was strong as hell.
"Bambina," I said, pulling her away just enough to see her face. "When did you get back?"
"Few hours ago," she beamed, then crossed her arms, her dark eyes narrowing. "And you didn't even pick me up."
I smirked. "You didn't tell me you were coming."
She huffed. "I wanted to surprise you."
I ruffled her hair. "You did."
She swatted my hand away with a playful glare.
"Stop that! I'm not a kid anymore."
I chuckled. "Yeah? Last time I checked, you were still my baby sister."
She rolled her eyes. "I'm twenty-four, Marco."
"And?"
"And I finished school."
I raised a brow. "You're done?"
"Completely," she said, a proud grin on her face. "No more exams, no more professors, no more Italy."
My smirk softened. "Welcome home, then."
Her grin widened before she hugged me again, this time tighter.
"You're suffocating me, bambina," I teased.
She pulled back but kept her arms looped around mine. That's when her gaze shifted to Leona.
And suddenly, her eyes gleamed with curiosity.
"Ohhh," Isabella smirked, tilting her head. "Who's this?"
Leona stiffened beside me.
I glanced at her, then back at Isabella. And before I even knew why I did it, the most ridiculous words left my mouth—
"My soon-to-be wife."
The air shifted.
Leona choked. "What?"
Isabella's eyes widened before she gasped dramatically.
"No way!"
Leona spun toward me, her expression full of disbelief.
"What the hell are you talking about?"
I shrugged. "You heard me."
Her jaw clenched. "That's not funny."
Isabella, on the other hand, was already squealing in excitement.
"You're getting married?!" She grabbed my arm. "Why didn't you tell me? I just got here, and you're already dropping bombs on me?"
"I was going to tell you eventually," I said smoothly.
Leona shot me a glare that could kill. "You are crazy"
I smirked. "And you are engaged apparently."
She scoffed, clearly ready to argue, but Isabella cut in first.
"I love this," she grinned, turning to Leona. "I'm Isabella, by the way. You're really pretty."
Leona opened her mouth, then closed it. She was still too stunned to respond properly. I took the opportunity to lean down slightly and whisper in her ear.
"Play along."
Her head snapped toward me. "Excuse me?"
I smirked, but before she could argue, Isabella grabbed her hands excitedly.
"I need details," my sister gushed. "How did you guys meet? How long have you been together? When's the wedding?"
Leona turned to me, her eyes practically murderous.
Oh, this was going to be fun.