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My concentration breaks when I hear footsteps behind me. Then Topher waves his phone in my face, his mouth stretched into a wide smile. I stop punching the bag, breathing heavily as I turn to him.
“Have you seen this?” he questions excitedly, handing me his phone.
My eyes drift to the pictures. There’s a light smile on Astoria’s face as she stares at the cameras. Meanwhile, I’m standing beside her, my arms wrapped around her waist and my expression unflinching. I can’t get over how right she looks there beside me.
The Black Knight and the Bianchi Princess
Are Carlo D’Angelo and Astoria Bianchi New York’s newest it-couple? At first glance, they might seem like an odd pairing, but the couple was simply stunning as they stepped out together last night at the Queens’ exclusive art exhibition.
The article goes on to explain how close we looked last night and how interesting it is that we started dating considering we’ve never been seen out in public before. I roll my eyes before handing back the phone.
“What? No comment?” Topher asks on a pout.
I shrug. “I was expecting it. I just wish they chose a less corny headline.”
He chuckles. “I think you make a wonderful knight,fratello.”
“Fuck off,” I say, my hand going to the scruff of my neck as I try to massage the tension there.
“You good?” Topher asks, staring at me curiously.
“Why do you ask?”
He smiles nervously. “I might have had a conversation with Dany before making my way here.”
My jaw tightens. “One of these days, I’m going to have a conversation with our sister-in-law about proper boundaries and not telling everyone about my business.”
“Easy, Lo. She only told me because she knew I was coming to see you.”
“What exactly did she tell you?”
“Well, she said she was worried. Apparently, you and yourgirlfriendhad a fight last night.”
I roll my eyes. “We didn’t have a fight.”
“But something happened. Come on,” he prods. “You can talk to me.”
“There’s nothing to talk about, Toph.”
“Really? Because you seem like you need someone to talk to.”
I glare at him. Even if I wanted to talk to someone, which I don’t, he wouldn’t be my first choice. I love my little brother, but Topher’s not known for giving out the best advice.
I crack my knuckles as I think about the distant look on Astoria’s face after our kiss yesterday. I realize she thinks I kissed her because her mom was there, and I also realize I should have immediately debunked that notion. But a part of me wants her to keep believing it.
I just hate that she’s probably hurt and confused right now. I want to find her and tell her the truth, but I don’t know what the truth is. Plus, she asked me to give her some space. We both need it right now. Maybe then I can get my senses in order.
“Fine. If you won’t talk about Astoria, let’s talk about Cara. I heard she was at the exhibition.”
My glare intensifies but Topher doesn’t let up.
“Before you say anything threatening, Cara’s my employee. It’s well within my rights to understand this situation so that I can ensure that my work environment continues to be manageable.”
“That’s complete bullshit.”
“I’m serious,” he says sagely. “An emotional, pissed-off woman is bad for business, Lo. Tell me what’s going on.”
I sigh because I know he won’t let this go. “It’s complicated.”
