He gives me a drunk smile. “You’re great.” He practically slaps me instead of patting my face. He says something in Italian and Roman rolls his eyes from where he’s propping Massimo up on the other side. Massimo grins. “Roman knows what I mean.”
“Unfortunately.”
We get into the hotel and almost immediately, Holden freezes. Matthew falls to the ground as he stares at the check-in counter. “No.”
“Hold. Help please.” Nick begs as he peels Matthew off the floor. “Come on, Can’t do this alone, buddy.”
“Shecan’tbe here.”
I take in the woman with springy black hair that spreads into a halo-like afro. Her olive skin, delicate curves, and big eyes. Hell, she’s beautiful. Really beautiful. If she’d been at the strip club, maybe I’d have lingered just a little.
“Who?” Nick asks. “Come on, Matthew.”
“The floor feels good.” He argues.
“Oh, I know it does, but wouldn’t it be nicer to be in a shower?”
“I like water.” Matthew hiccups.
I roll my eyes and adjust my grip on Massimo. “Holden, neither of these idiots are getting lighter, can we please get an explanation in the elevator.”
He snaps to and grabs Matthew with strength I was sure he didn’t have after that many drinks. We get in the elevator and hit the button for our floor. Holden’s still pale as can be and his dark eyes are fuming.
“Speak of the devil and there she is.” His voice is hoarse – a bad sign.
“Why?” Nick asks. “Who was that?”
“Nancy.” He says.
The name rings a faint little bell, then Matthew lifts his head and offers some insight. “Dumb bitch lost her chance.”
Holden shakes his head. “I don’t know how she’s here. Why. None of it.”
“Does it matter?” I ask. I smack Massimo. “Wait until we get upstairs to knock out. You’re a big fucker.”
“You sound like my wife.” He says, swiveling to look at me. “Nah. Not as sexy when mad.”
“I’m hurt.” I gasp. “But at least I don’t have to deal with your cock.”
“It’s a privilege.”
“Says every man,” I grunt.
We manage to drag the half-asleep men to our room and toss Matthew in the shower and Massimo on the bed. I roll out my neck and point at Holden. “Explain?”
“The one Matthew brought up. She left me because I refused to accept the discharge and went back. My brother must have mentioned something.”
“Why? That was years ago. God, a whole lifetime ago.” I insist.
“She was really close with my family. High school sweethearts. We were together for nearly six years and my parents called her their daughter and everything.” He explains. “Sophie is going to lose her shit. She was very clear about no exes. None of hers, none of ours.”
“If Sienna shows up, I’m getting a fake mustache, speaking French, and getting security guards for the wedding.” She was so fucking possessive, so sure I was cheating constantly. And my jokes only set her temper off worse. If the sex hadn’t been so great, if I had known that that level of jealousy wasn’t a compliment, then I would have been out. “I can do that for you.”
“Roman?” Holden asks. “Any sign of yours?”
“I didn’t look. I was busy with that idiota.” He motions to his cousin.
Nick holds his hands up. “No sign of any exes from me.”