You don’t say. “Is there a princess inside that castle?” I tease.
“There is a queen. At least that’s what Nick calls his wife.” The SUV rolls to a stop in front of the castle.
“That’s really sweet.”
Leone unclips my seatbelt before opening the door and offering me his hand to help me out. “Am I dressed okay?”
I suddenly feel very underdressed for this place. The rainbow laces in my sneakers stick out like a sore thumb.
“You look beautiful.” He’s nuts, but still I can’t help but revel in his praise.
“What do we have here?” a deep voice asks. I turn my head to see a man in a suit standing in the doorway with a beautiful woman tucked into his side. There is something regal about her. Yes, now that I’ve seen her, the word queen definitely seems fitting. But there is also a softness in her face that makes her look inviting.
“This is my Zoey. Zoey, this is Nick and Sophia Davinci.” Nick nods while Sophia gives me a welcoming smile and offers me her hand. I take it.
“The men around here are dropping like flies,” Sophia says with a laugh. “Come in.” She pulls my hand so I have no choice but to follow her. Leone’s arm falls from around my shoulder. He doesn’t look too happy about it, but Sophia steps out from her husband's hold as well. “I made snacks when Nick told me Leone was coming over with a woman. This is a first.” She practically beams with excitement that I’m here. “I love your style, by the way. You really own it.”
“Oh, thank you.”
Sophia’s in wide leg slacks and some silky blouse. She’s so elegant. Her style is far different from mine. She looks so sophisticated.
“I have a small obsession with clothes and style. It’s wearable art, and I love when people have their own vibe. It also helps you get to know them, and I can already tell I’m going to like you.” Her words put me at ease.
“You’re so sweet.”
“Us girls have to stick together. We have overbearing sweet men. We have to keep them on their toes.” She wiggles her brows at me. I should probably tell her Leone isn’t mine, but I can’t bring myself to do it. So I go along with it.
“What are you plotting?” Nick calls from behind us. I peek back to see Nick and Leone following after us.
“Don’t you men have your own plotting of death and destruction to do?” She teases her husband right back. Their banter is adorably sweet. “Unless you want my advice.” We enter the kitchen, where food covers the giant island. Is this what Sophia considers a few snacks? I can’t even imagine what a full course meal would look like if it is.
“I always want your advice.” Nick responds with a smirk, his eyes on his wife.
“My husband told me a bit about what is going on,” Sophia says as she hands me a drink. I take it. Leone comes to stand beside me. His hand goes to my hip as he tucks me against him.
Her eyes flit back and forth between us, a glint showing in them. “The best way to offer protection and make sure no one touches a hair on your Zoey’s head is to marry her, of course.”
Did she just suggest Leone and I get married?