Soulless Devil (Sons of Valentino #3)(22)

“You’re right. She is. But what the fuck am I supposed to do, Luca? You know me better than anyone. I’m not going to be able to walk away from her.”

“And if you don’t walk away from her now, it’s only going to get worse,” he says.

“How about you try to not be a complete ass to her this morning. Don’t make me hit you, Luca, because I won’t hold back.”

“You’re not going to hit me, especially if she’s in the same room as us. What would she think if she knew the real you, Romeo? Do you really think she’d still be here, sleeping next to you in your bed?”

“I slept on the sofa, asshole. And you know, I think she might be the only person who does know the real me.” I see the hurt on his face. My words cut him deep. They’re not true, but there is a side of me that I’ve only ever shown Livvy. A vulnerable side.

“Fuck you. If that’s how you feel, then good luck to you. You might want to call Theo or Matteo, because when Pops finds out, you’re gonna need a brother on your side and it won’t fucking be me,” he says, jumping to his feet like he’s about to turn his back on me. Both literally and metaphorically.

“Sit the fuck back down. We both know it will always be you. Don’t be so fucking dramatic,” I tell him. It’s always him and me against the world. Nothing is ever going to change that. Not even Livvy. I might be crazy about the girl, but Luca is and always will be my brother.

He throws himself on the chair with a groan. “I won’t be doing it smiling,” he grumbles.

“Good, because your smile is fucking ugly.” I laugh.

“Where is Sleeping Beauty anyway?”

“Still asleep, I guess. I’m gonna go wake her up. Plate up this food for me, will ya.”

“You know we could get a housekeeper to do this.”

“Or you could pull the silver spoon out of your ass,” I tell him, before exiting the kitchen.

Opening the bedroom door, I find Livvy still asleep on the bed. She looks so fucking peaceful, long strawberry blonde hair splayed out around her. I sit on the edge of the bed. My fingers brush her hair away from her face.

“Mmm,” she mumbles something in her semi-conscious state.

“Livvy, it’s time to wake up, babe.” I lean down and whisper into her ear, inhaling her intoxicating scent of lavender and vanilla.

“Romeo?” she asks, slowly blinking her eyes open.

“Yeah?”

“Sleeping Beauty was woken up with a kiss, but I think waking up to your face might be even better.”

I smile. She’s still half-asleep and very much at ease. “Yeah, should we test the theory? Close your eyes,” I whisper. She does as she’s told. And, very slowly, I bring my lips down to her mouth. Just before they touch, I whisper, “Livvy, it’s time to wake up, babe.” Then I seal my lips on hers. Pressing ever so lightly. And I swear to fuck I have an out-of-body experience. I’m fucking floating. Some weird but good feeling runs through my veins. Pulling back, I open my eyes, connecting them with hers.

“I was wrong, the kiss was a much better way to wake up,” she whispers.

“I’ll keep that in mind next time I have to wake you up.” I smile and push back off the bed. If I don’t get out of this room now, I’m going to do something way better—or worse, depending how you look at it—than just peck her on her lips. “Come on, I’ve cooked you breakfast, and you have exactly one hour before your first class today.”

“Shit, really?” She jumps out of bed. “How do you know when my classes are?”

“I looked it up,” I tell her, taking hold of her palm and leading her to the kitchen. I don’t miss the way Luca’s eyes zone in on our joined hands.





Chapter Twelve





Romeo dropped me off on campus out front of my first class. No, he didn’t just drop me off. He parked the car, got out, and walked around to open my door. Then he handed me my bag, kissed my forehead, and said, “Separazione è un dolore così dolce.” Parting is such sweet sorrow.

I finished the line, telling him, “I shall say goodnight till it be morrow.”

He corrected me and said that he’d see me later today.

So, all day, I’ve been searching the crowds for him. Walking from one block to another with my head in the clouds. He kissed me. Romeo Valentino kissed me.

The question is why?

Was it simply because he was playing out the role of waking me up? Is that something a friend would do? Ugh, why is this so confusing? And why am I so hung up on him?

I haven’t been able to focus on anything my professors have said today. I received a message from Sandra, asking me to meet her for a late lunch at the coffee shop near our building. That’s where I’m headed now. I’m not looking forward to answering her million questions about Romeo. When I went to his place last night, Sandra went and stayed at her parents’ penthouse. She extended the invite to me, saying I was welcome to come with her. In hindsight, I should have gone, but then I remember that kiss and wouldn’t give that moment up for anything.

Walking into the coffee shop, I find Sandra seated in a booth. I smile as she looks up and waves me over. “Hey, sorry I’m late,” I say, sitting opposite her.