“What is it?” Marcus asked abruptly.
“You’ve known for weeks,” I ventured tentatively. “So why did you wait so long before asking me?”
His lips twisted. “You will probably be furious about this...”
His words made me tense, and I inhaled sharply, telling myself that no matter what—-
“I was being manipulative. I was thinking the lack of time would pressure you into agreeing.”
Oh. Thank God.
My relief must have been obvious, making Marcus ask, “What did you think I was going to tell you?”
“Well...you know.”
Marcus’ lips twitched. “No,bambina.I’m afraid I really am not the clairvoyant you imagine me to be.”
I mumbled my answer, hoping he wouldn’t understand and just drop the subject, but as always, everything that had to do with Marcus Ravelli ended up backfiring on me.
“Jaike?” Marcus’ brows shot up. “Are you talking about my Jaike—-”
I stiffened.
His eyes widened. “So youaretalking about Jaike Hepburn.”
“Yes,” I snapped. “I’m talking aboutyourJaike.” My teeth gnashed, and I started to pull away.
Marcus started to chuckle, and I struggled harder.
Blasted...moron!
“Mi dispiace, bambina.” Marcus’ strength overpowered mine, and in the next moment he had me locked in his arms. “You misunderstand,” he said soothingly. “Okay?”
He had called the other womanhisJaike. What the heck was there to misunderstand?
“You only took me surprise, that is all.Bene?”
I shook my head vigorously. He couldbenehis butt or anyone else for all I cared. I still didn’t like the way he called Jaike Hepburnhis.
Pulling away, Marcus looked straight into my eyes, saying firmly, “Jaike Hepburn is just a friend. She hasalwaysbeen a friend, and we haven’t even been intimate with each other, not even once.”
“How do I know you’re not lying?” I demanded under my breath. I had read the rumors about them, knew about how he had supposedly been the third party behind the couple’s recent breakup.
“You can ask her yourself or even her fiancé.” Marcus’ tone was level. “She is happily engaged to Derek Christopoulos, and I am just as happy that they are together, living their happily ever after.”
When I didn’t say anything, Marcus’ lips slowly curved into an amused smile. “So this is how you look like when you’re jealous.”
My cheeks flamed into life, and I protested, “I am not jealous—-”
“You look adorable,” Marcus commented at the same time. “Maybe I should make you more jealous—-”
“You just try,” I snarled.
He chuckled. “So you admit it then?”
Oh!
Crap.