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I nod, not knowing what to say, and head into the bathroom. I’m not sure whether I should be annoyed that they’re here and prying, or if I think it’s the sweetest, most caring thing anyone has ever done.
After putting myself into a semblance of order, I go back out into the living room and sit in the small armchair across from them. After cracking the bottle of water, I take a long swig then look at the women.
“We heard what’s going on with Caleb Durant and how he and Vin fought over you the other night,” Carlotta says.
“Over me?” I echo and shake my head. “No, they just don’t like each other…” My voice trails off weakly. The women arch perfectly-plucked brows.
“They both want you,” Carlotta states.
“Caleb does, but Vin doesn’t,” I immediately state. “He’s made it very clear that he doesn’t do serious relationships and he can’t give me what I want.”
The women exchange a look. “Forget about them for a moment, Hannah.” Alessia’s voice drops as she asks softly, “What do you want?”
“Forever,” I whisper, tears filling my eyes. “But, he doesn’t want me.”
“I don’t believe that at all.” Carlotta leans forward, dark eyes meeting mine. “My brother cares about you. A lot. More than—well, more than I’ve ever seen him care before.”
I shake my head sadly. “No. Not really. I mean, he has the urge to protect me, but he doesn’t want to be with me. Not long term, anyway.”
“Hannah, it isn’t my place to tell you this, but did Vin ever tell you about Cynda Drake?”
I frown, not recognizing the name. “No.”
Carlotta lets out a breath, debating what to say. “She and my brother were engaged a long time ago and it ended badly. She really hurt him and ever since then, he hasn’t allowed himself to be emotionally vulnerable with women. At least, not until you.”
I knew nothing about Vin being engaged or hurt. My heart instantly aches for him and I wonder what happened exactly.
“You should talk to him about it,” Carlotta urges, “because I think his past is what’s holding him back now. Because he really cares about you, Hannah.”
Hearing her say all this reignites the flicker of hope in my heart. Could it be true? Does Vin really care about me, but he’s being wary because his heart was broken before?
“This all hits so close to home,” Alessia says. “My older sister Gia was hurt terribly by a man she loved. She’d allowed herself to become numb and only recently met someone who’s been helping tear down her walls.” The women exchange a grin. “Have you met Leo Amato?”
I shake my head. “No.”
“Leo is Miceli’s best friend and personal guard,” Alessia explains. “He’s as loyal as they come and he was shot trying to protect me.”
“Oh, my God,” I gasp.
“He’s fine now,” Carlotta adds quickly.
“But he and Gia really hit it off during his recovery. She fussed all over him and now they’re inseparable. Which makes me so incredibly happy. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen my sister so full of happiness,” Alessia says, smiling from ear to ear.
“Leo looks pretty happy, too,” Carlotta adds, and they both chuckle.
“The point of all this, though, is people can come back from being burned by an ex,” Alessia states wisely. “All it takes is finding the right one to help them overcome their insecurities and show them that it’s okay to take a risk and love again.”
“And we think that’s you,” Carlotta says, giving me a smile.
“Me?” I wish I could agree with them, but my shaky heart just isn’t convinced. “As much as I’d like that, I don’t think Vin is on the same page. He told me he can’t give me forever.”
“Of course that’s what he told you,” Carlotta says, “but what does he know? He’s just talking out of fear. You need to go to him, Hannah. Well, only if you love him, of course. Do you? Love my brother?”
My heart flip-flops in my chest at her softly-spoken question. “Yes,” I whisper. “So much.”
Both women squeal and pop up off the coach. They hurry over and we all hug. It feels good to have their support and tears sting the back of my eyes. A moment later, they’re sliding down my face and I’m a mess all over again.
“Why’re you crying?” Carlotta asks.
