Soulless Devil (Sons of Valentino #3)(23)

“You’re not late. I was early. I ordered for you.” She points to the coffee, hamburger, and fries set out in front of me.

“Thank you. You’re a lifesaver. I’m starving,” I groan, popping a fry into my mouth.

“You’re welcome. Now spill the deets. What the hell is going on with you and Romeo?”

“Nothing. We’re friends,” I tell her.

“Then why are you smiling like that—and blushing?”

“I’m just really happy to have this burger,” I say, wrapping my mouth around the bun and taking a huge bite.

“Nice try. Really, Livvy, you need to be careful with those boys. The Valentinos aren’t like other families,” she whispers.

“I know. I Googled them too. But he’s not like what the articles say. He’s sweet and kind. And he is my friend.”

“I’ve known those twins all my life, and no one has ever described either of them as sweet or kind.”

“Well, maybe people have preconceived notions about who they are, instead of actually getting to know them.” I lift one shoulder. “Have you been back to the dorm today?” I ask, changing the subject.

“Yep, lover boy had it repainted, Livvy. New bed linen is on your bed and a new lock on the door.”

“How did he manage to do all that already?”

“He’s a Valentino. He didn’t do it himself. They have people for that.”

“What do you mean people?”

“They have money, Livvy, the kind of money that can buy you whatever you want.”

I choose to not question her about Romeo’s family anymore. If he wanted me to know something, he’d tell me. I’m sure.

An hour later, I’m running into the library for my Tuesday afternoon tutoring session.

I’m never late, and I’m not about to make today the first time for that. Sitting down at my usual table on the second floor, I open my notebooks. I’m meeting with Will, a business major who’s struggling with his commerce class. Numbers are not my specialty. I prefer literature, but I can hold my own with the content. I’ve actually taught myself a lot by tutoring him.

William sits down in the seat opposite me. “Hey, how’s your week been?” he asks.

“Good, busy. Yours?” I ask him. I’ve always had a good relationship with the students I tutor, but I don’t make a habit of participating in chitchat. It eats into our allotted hour. Unless that student is Romeo. Somehow, being near him makes me forget I’m supposed to be helping him.

“Not bad. I was thinking… would you go out with me on Friday night?” he asks.

My eyes widen. Will has never indicated he was interested in dating me. “Ah, I can’t. Sorry.”

“Oh, if you’re busy, we could go out Saturday instead?” he’s quick to suggest.

“No, it’s not that. I just… I’m sorry, Will, but I can’t go out with you. I’m seeing someone,” I lie.

“Oh, that’s cool. No big deal.” He tries to hide his disappointment.

By the time the hour is up, I’m ready to never see him again. Which is ridiculous. He’s been nothing but nice. There’s just an awkwardness between us now.

“I’ll see you next week,” he says, walking away. I lean back into my seat and close my eyes momentarily. “Who is it that you’re seeing?” Romeo’s voice whispers into my ear, causing me to jump ten feet in the air.

“What the hell? Jesus, Romeo! You scared the hell out of me.” My hand rests on my chest, my heart beating out of its cavity.

“Who is he? This guy you’re seeing?” he asks again, sitting down next to me.

“What?” I ask, confused.

“You told Preppy that you were seeing someone? So, I want a name.” His arms fold over his chest.

“I’m not seeing anyone, Romeo. I said that because I didn’t want to hurt his feelings.”

“Wrong answer, babe. Next time someone asks who you’re seeing, be sure to tell them Romeo Valentino.” He stands, leans over, and kisses my forehead. “Your next student is here,” he says before stalking off.

My next student, Jonah, lowers himself into his chair, twisting his fingers together. “Hey, how are you?” I ask him with a smile, trying to shake off whatever that encounter was with Romeo.

“I, uh, I’m quitting tutoring. I’m really sorry, Liv. You’ve been great but I just… It’s not working anymore, so I guess I’ll see you around.” He jumps up and leaves.

What the hell just happened? I don’t like how he left like that. I thought we got along well. He was making progress, so why would he leave?

I open my email app and send him a message, asking if everything is okay. I really hope I didn’t do anything to make him not want to work with me. I pack my books away. He was the last student I had to see this afternoon, and I don’t feel like sitting around the library. Right now, I want to just stand under the spray of a steaming hot shower for at least thirty minutes and then curl up in my bed with a good book I can get lost in.

I walk out of the library door and am greeted by the wrong Valentino twin. “Luca, hey.” I smile and wave awkwardly at him. I get the feeling he doesn’t like me very much.

“How do you know I’m not Romeo?” he asks with a raised brow, seeming to realize it wasn’t just a chance guess that first time at the restaurant.