Page 133 of XOXO

“You don’t think he would convince her to leave?” Matteo leaned forward, worried.

“No, he loves her,” I said, rubbing his back. “He’s just making sure she’s ok.”

“What if⁠—”

“Calm down,” Ru said, patting his leg.

“What if her parents⁠—”

I pulled Matteo towards me to kiss him. He sighed, quickly pulling away, scowling.

“Don’t distract me,” he grumbled, kissing me back.

“She’s fine and I want to kiss my boyfriend,” I said, looking over his shoulder at Vi, making sure she was ok.

“Quit buttering me up,” Matteo mumbled.

“Get a room,” Ru said.

I laughed against Matteo’s mouth as the door to the patio opened. We all looked over to see Vi coming in with red eyes.

“What happened?” Matteo stood up pulling her against him. “Was he mean to you?”

“No,” she chuckled. “He was just worried and I got emotional again, telling him what had happened and that you had found out he was stealing from us.”

“Do you think they will prosecute?” Matteo asked.

“I honestly don't care. All I know is I never want to see Lorenzo, his father or my parents again,” she said, her lip trembling.

“Reina,” I said, getting up and hugging her too.

“Mario did say he wanted to come, but⁠—”

“Invite him,” Ru said, getting up from the sofa. “We have more than enough space here or we can book a hotel for him.”

Ru put his arms around us.

“Just say the word and we will make it happen,” Matteo said, kissing her head.

“He’s been saying he’s needed a vacation,” Vi sighed. “I miss my niece and nephew.”

“Then let’s bring them over,” I said, hugging her tighter. “I think you need some family time.”

“Is it just four of them?” Ru asked, walking away, already on his phone.

“Yeah,” Matteo said, walking away from us on his phone too.

“They can buy their way over here,” Vi sighed, as she pulled me towards the couch.

“Nah, we need him to like us, Bella,” Matteo said, showing his phone to Ru who nodded.

“He will. He knows I love you,” she said, pushing me onto the sofa, sitting on my lap.

“You're telling people you love us?” Ru said, leaning over, tucking a strand behind her ear.

“Yes,” she whispered. “I think I’ve loved each of you since the boat.”

“Baby,” I said, putting my hands on her hips.