Demand (Careless Whispers #2)(61)

“And she likes you,” I point out.

“Bella,” he says dryly. “I earned it. Why do you think she and I weren’t around to watch the video?”

I laugh, my cheeks flushing with his obvious meaning. “That was very bad,” I reprimand, and when he chuckles good-naturedly I decide that scar down his cheek and his big, burly body have become a little less intimidating. “I did wonder where you two were.”

Carlo steps between me and Adriel. “I hear you can dance and shoot, and if I piss you off, you’ll shoot me.”

I hold up my finger and pretend to shoot. “Because I’m a bitch, too.”

He stares down at me, seconds ticking by, all Italian-stallion intensity before he bursts into laughter, winking at me as he exits. Kayden’s eyes meet mine, and the approval in his expression tells me that I’m being tested by his men, and so far, I’m passing.

“I want to help,” I say, but before I can join him and Adriel, a buzzer goes off.

“What’s that?”

“Matteo installed security panels in several parts of the tower for you this morning.” Kayden motions for me to join him by the door, where a new mini TV has been mounted. He hits a button and shows me the tower door, where Marabella is now entering. “She has a passcode, but if there’s someone else you want to let in, just punch the button on the top right.”

“But you don’t like people in the tower.”

“You should be able to choose when you want visitors.”

I glance up at him, knowing this is another effort to make me feel at home, and I push to my toes and kiss him. “Thank you.”

He grabs me and kisses me hard. “Thank me when we’re alone.”

“Alone is good,” Adriel says, reminding us he’s here.

Kayden and I laugh, then I eye the panel again. “I think I should go check on Marabella. But since you’re both here . . . Am I pushing Giada to move out, or what?”

Adriel stands, hands settling on his hips. “Yes, but I want her in the neighborhood, where we can watch over her. Can you teach her to shoot?”

“Ella already suggested that,” Kayden says. “But are you sure you want your sister with a gun?”

I say, “Yes, you do. Because if she feels in control, maybe she’ll stop acting out of control.” The two men exchange a long look and then nod at the same time. “Okay, then,” I say. “I’ll call her and see if she can do lunch tomorrow. We’ll talk and then go to the range.”

“I’ll go with you,” Kayden says. “I have a few words I want to have with her.”

It’s an encounter I’ve encouraged, and I tell myself his agreement is not about Niccolo and our public outing but Giada, though it’s hard to completely follow that train of thought. Whatever the case, it’s a good thing. “I don’t have my phone, so I’ll call her when I get downstairs.”

Adriel offers me his. “Have at it. The sooner we get her in line, the better, considering Gallo’s pursuit. The less she knows, the less she can tell.”

I accept the phone with Giada’s auto-dial already pulled up. “I’ve seen enough of Gallo to know that he’s going to pursue her harder, when she’s easier to access.”

“And the more we try to keep them apart,” Kayden says, “the more Gallo will want to keep her close.”

“I see,” I say. “So remove the forbidden and it’s no longer interesting to Giada.”

“And no longer useful to Gallo,” Kayden says. “Which is why I’m going to give Giada my Gallo blessing at lunch tomorrow.”

Now his attendance at lunch makes sense, and I press the key to dial her number. “I’m headed to the store now,” Giada answers, after two rings.

“It’s me, Giada.”

“Ella?” she says. “Why are you on Adriel’s phone?”

“He and Kayden are installing a floor for my new dance studio, and I borrowed his phone.”

“Dance studio? What dance studio?”

“It’s for my private use here.”

“I didn’t know you danced.”

“I’ll tell you all about it,” I offer. “How about lunch tomorrow? I want to go to the shooting range, and I thought you might want to learn to handle a gun.”

“You know how to shoot?” she asks incredulously.

“Very well, and carrying a gun is empowering.”

“You carry? Can you even legally do that? Never mind. You’re Kayden’s woman; you can do what you want. But hell yes, I want to learn to shoot.”

“Great. How about noon tomorrow? We can meet in the store?”

I chitchat with her for a minute and then end the call. “All set.” I hand Adriel’s phone back to him, finding his expression grim. “What’s wrong?” I ask.

“You’re a better sister to her than I am a brother.”

“Blood trumps all,” I say, hating the heartache beneath those words. “I’m just a cool friend who’s new, and therefore exciting. I’m going to check on Marabella.” And for reasons I can’t explain, I suddenly need to touch Kayden. I reach out and drag my hand down his arm. “I’ll be in the kitchen.”