All I've Never Wanted(120)

“Think she’s right?” he murmured in my ear, his breath tickling my skin. I could feel the warmth of his body heating up my own, more thoroughly and effectively than any fireplace or coat could hope to do.


“What makes you think you’ll ever find out?” I retorted, still red, only from something else other than embarrassment this time.

Roman just smirked, squeezing my hip briefly before letting go. “Just a hunch.”

I rolled my eyes. “You are so arrogant.”

“Like he’s never heard that one before,” Parker joked, sliding his own arm around Adriana. “Hey, by the way, where’s Venice?”

I saw Zack, who’d been unusually quiet thus far, perk up a bit, and I had to stifle a grin.

Zack Perry, I am so getting you back for those little matchmaking schemes you put me through, I thought wickedly.

Yep, Parker had totally filled me in on the Perrys-as-Cupids situation.

“Oh, I think she’s having lunch with some guy,” I answered casually. “Grant? Her homecoming date? She was so excited about it.”

Zack scowled. It was not a look I was used to seeing, since he was just about the most happy-go-lucky person on the planet. However, I wanted to jump with joy at the sight of that scowl, because that scowl confirmed what I’d suspected all along.

“Is that even safe? I mean, what does she really know about him?” he sniffed. “He looks dangerous.”

“I’ve seen him around, he seems like a good guy,” Carlo commented casually. “He’s the editor of the school newspaper.”

“Yeah, how dangerous can he be?” Parker rolled his eyes. “Do you think he’s going to kill her with his pocket protector or something?”

“Pocket protectors are very dangerous,” Zack snapped. “Besides, it’s the quiet ones you have to look out for.”

“Why do you care so much anyway?” Roman stretched out his legs. “Afraid you won’t get another kiss?”

I burst out laughing at the look on Zack’s face, which was the color of the mound of ketchup on his plate. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he huffed, even as the red spread to his neck.

“No offense, but I think he’s a better match for Venice. I don’t think she can be with someone whose face matches the color of her hair,” Roman drawled, his lips twitching slightly as Zack sputtered, at a loss for words.

I turned my face away, burying it in the crook of his neck. “You are so bad,” I whispered, grinning.

He smirked, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Maybe you should punish me later,” he said suggestively.

I flushed all over again as some interesting images sprung up in my mind. I tried my best to push them away, but it didn’t work at all.

Lord, I really am turning into a pervert.

* * *

“Are you sure you’re ok?” Though I unbuckled my seatbelt, I remained in the car and fixed Carlo with a concerned expression. “I mean, if you want to talk about Rico or…whatever, I’m here.”

He smiled, more weakly than usual. “Thanks, Maya, but I can handle it. Adri’s probably right. With his personality, he probably just ran off somewhere without telling anyone. I’m sure it’s harmless.”

Even I could tell he didn’t quite believe it.

“Has he ever done something like this before?” I questioned, fiddling with the buttons of my shirt.

“Once or twice, before the whole…gang situation.” Carlo grimaced. “Anyway, like I said, I’m sure it’ll be fine.” He cut off the engine and raised an eyebrow at me. “What about you? Are you fine?”

“What do you mean?”

“Rome told me you ran into someone at a carnival you guys went to,” he hinted.

Sweat immediately coated my palms, and I wondered if I could ask him to start up the car again so we could put on the A/C. It was too hot in here.

“Oh, that.” My voice came out squeaky and high-pitched.

“Yeah, that.” Carlo’s mahogany eyes searched my face. “What happened?”

I licked my suddenly dry lips, unsure of what to say. I hadn’t told anyone about what Lexi said, not even Roman. I wanted to figure it out on my own. On the other hand, it would be a huge relief to hash this out with someone, especially someone like Carlo. He was smart, he keep a secret, and I trusted him.

As I wavered back and forth, he waited patiently, not saying anything.

Finally, I took a deep breath, and relayed to him what Lexi told me.

When I finished, there was a stunned look on his face. “Wait, wait, wait.” He held up one hand. “You’re telling me someone paid her to seduce your dad?”

I nodded miserably.

“Why would they do that?”


“Wish I knew.” I sighed. “I just don’t get it. I can’t think of anyone who’d have that type of vendetta against my family.”

Carlo frowned. “She didn’t tell you who did it?”

I shook my head, then remembered the picture I saw of her and Rico. If she knew Rico, did she know Carlo too? I didn’t know if now would be the right time to bring that up though, what with Rico missing and all.

“Maybe you should ask your dad for her name. You know, so you can try and get more answers,” he suggested gently.