“Right.”
“Gotta go. Bye.” I cut the call and pocket my phone. “Why were you looking for me?”
“Can’t I want to hang out with my cousin?” Elias asks.
“You can, but you never have before.”
“You weren’t dating my brother before. Now you are, so get used to hanging out, Frankie. We’re a package deal, our family.”
“You know I’ve literally known you my entire life, right?”
“I’m aware. I remember when you were born.”
“Okay, well, I have a class to get to,” I lie.
“No you don’t. That was your only class for the day. Come on, I’m taking you to lunch,” Elias says.
I turn to Kevin, who is watching this entire conversation with way too much interest. “I’m sorry. Rain check?”
“I still want details,” he says. “Have fun with whatever this is.”
“Thanks.” I roll my eyes. I have no idea what Elias really wants, but I also know he’s not going to say anything in front of Kevin.
With his hand on my back, Elias leads me to where he has a waiting car. I don’t bother to say a word when he climbs into the back of the SUV with me. I also don’t fill the silence when the car drives off campus.
Elias stares at me. I don’t squirm, though. Instead, I choose to stare out the window and wait for him to be the first to crack. It takes a good ten minutes before he says anything. “You know, dating Emilio makes you my sister.”
“Ah… no, it doesn’t,” I tell him. The last thing I need is more brothers.
“It does.” He shrugs. “I know what happened. This morning. With Alfie.”
I turn to look at him. “You can’t blame my brother for doing exactly what you would do if you found a guy coming out of Eliana’s bedroom naked.”
“He didn’t do what I would have,” Elias says. “I would have slaughtered the asshole and made Eliana watch.”
“Okay, well, that’s… disturbing. I really hope that when you find a woman you really like, she has a father and brothers who want you dead too.”
“You don’t have to worry about that. I’m going to be an eternal bachelor.” Elias smirks. “I like variety.”
“Gross. I don’t want to know.”
The car stops at a Mexican restaurant. “Really? Here?”
“Emilio said you liked tacos.” Elias shrugs.
He’s talking about me with his brothers. I don’t know why, but that makes me smile. Even having to endure a lunch with Elias isn’t going to wipe the happiness from me. I have a boyfriend who isn’t afraid to tell the world how he feels. I need to tell him. I need to let him know how I feel. Because in this life, we’re not promised a tomorrow.
Chapter Nineteen
Ihad Elias pick up Frankie and take her out for lunch. I wanted to know she wasn’t alone today. After this morning’s shitshow in her apartment, sheneedsto know thatnothing is going to come between us. I’ve finally got everything I’ve ever dreamed about, and I’m not going to let that go.
If anyone wants to take her from me, they will have to pry her from my cold, dead hands. Because I’m holding on to her for as long as I’m still breathing. I knew she was mine since we were sixteen. But now, after having a taste, after having her, I know for sure. We were always destined for each other.
I just need to not fuck this up. Which is why I’m visiting my Uncle Carlo. I need advice from someone who can be impartial. Uncle Carlo has always been the most reasonable one out of my uncles and father. His wife, Antonia, also makes the best fucking lasagna. Another reason I’m cold calling—I’m hoping my aunt has some leftovers for me.
“Emilio.” My uncle meets me in his foyer. I’m sure the guards at the front would have told him I was here. “Run into a door?” he asks with a raised brow.
“Something like that.” I rub a hand along my jaw, a bruise forming from Alfie’s fucking fist.