“Just get it done before the wedding. Keep me updated.”
“I always do.” The amused glint in Christian’s eyes returned when he looked over my shoulder. “Incoming.”
I sensed her before I saw her. The sound of her heels, the smell of her perfume, the soft rustle of fabric against skin.
I drained my drink in one long pull as Vivian came up beside me.
“Apologies for interrupting.” She touched my arm and smiled at Christian, playing the role of apologetic fiancée perfectly. My skin tingled beneath her hand, and I almost shook her off before I remembered where we were.Engagement party. Loving couple. Pretend.“I need to steal Dante for a moment.Mode de Viewould like a photo for their wedding feature.”
“Of course,” Christian drawled. “Have fun.”
One day, I’d pay him back for all the crap he gave me about Vivian.
I followed her to the photo setup, where Francis waited with Cecelia, Vivian’s sister Agnes, and Agnes’s husband. My brother stood off to the side, his eyes glued to his phone while the photographer fiddled with his camera.
Something dangerous uncoiled in my chest.
I’d avoided Francis all day. He didn’t deserve my attention in public, which would only elevate his status, and I didn’t need more temptation to commit murder.
Apparently, my run had come to an end.
“You didn’t tell me this was a family photo.” The wordfamilycame out with an acerbic bite.
“I didn’t realize it mattered.” Vivian slid a sideways glance at me. “I askedMode de Vieto wait until everyone was together, but they specifically wanted a photo from the party. However, they agreed to take another one with your parents whenever they’re stateside.”
I almost laughed at the insinuation I was upset over my parents’ absence. I couldn’t remember the last time Giovanni and Janis Russo showed up for one of their kids’ milestones.
“I’ll survive without a photo of our big, happy family,” I said, my tone dry.
I took my place in front of the camera as far away from Francis as possible. When the photographer gave us the go-ahead, I wrapped my arm around Vivian’s waist and forced a tight smile.
God, I hated photoshoots.
Luckily, this one didn’t require a kiss, and we got the shot in less than five minutes. Vivian’s friends pulled her away after for some reason or other while Luca turned to me.
“Hey, uh, I just wanted to say…congratulations? On the engagement.”
My glare could’ve set the room on fire.
He held up his hands. “Whoa, I’m trying to play nice, okay? I’m…” He lowered his hands and glanced around the room before facing me again. Guilt slashed across his expression. “I’m sorry this fell on you.”
His voice was barely audible over the other guests’ chatter, but it cut straight into my chest.
“It is what it is.” I was used to cleaning up after my brother. Hell, considering some of his past choices, I should be glad he hadn’tjoinedthe mafia.
Things were shit, but they could always be worse.
Luca wiped a hand over his face. “I know, but I…fuck. I know you never wanted to get married. This is a big deal, Dante, and I know you’re working on finding—”
“Luca.” His name was a warning. “Not now.”
Christian was discreet; my brother wasn’t. I didn’t want anyone overhearing us at my own damn party.
“Right. Well, I just wanted to congratulate—I mean, apologize. And thank you.” His expression turned embarrassed. “I know I don’t say this often, but you’re a good brother. You always have been.”
Tightness crowded my chest before I acknowledged his statement with a curt nod.
“Go enjoy the party. I’ll see you at dinner next week.”