Page 35 of Vicious Union
“So, why don’t you know it?”
“Because I’m an American first and foremost.” I flash him a wink as I take a sip of my wine. “And we’re stupid.”
He chuckles. Actually chuckles! I stare at him and wait for him to realize what he’s doing. It takes him a second, but he does. His eyes widen, and he immediately stops laughing.
“Maybe you don’t hate me as much as you think you do,” I say.
“I’m not responding to that.” He keeps his gaze fixed on the menu.
“You just did.”
Emilio glances up at me and holds my gaze. His eyes say a lot, but I can’t quite make out what they’re saying. I just hope they’re saying he wants to be with me.
Because if there’s one thing I know I want, it’s to be in Emilio’s arms again. I’m a fiend. I’ve had a taste, and I want more.
The only question is—will Emilio give me more?
* * *
I run to the driver’s seat of the car and get in before Emilio can stop me. I’m a little tipsy from the wine, but I’m not drunk. I swear.
“Slow down,” he growls as I speed through the streets of Rome late at night.
“Honey, there’s no one out.”
“Honey?”
“I was trying it on. No?”
“Definitely no.”
I laugh as I speed even more. We’re just outside the city where Emilio’s family’s vacation home is, so there truly aren’t a ton of people around. I’m not worried about anyone getting hurt.
“Slow down,” he repeats.
“It’s fine. We’re having fun!”
And then a sheep runs out into the road, making me swerve at the last minute. The car slides off the road, and we spin for a couple of seconds before the car stops.
“Are you ok?” Emilio asks, concern in his voice. Huh. That’s new.
“I’m fine.” Then I start laughing.
Emilio looks at me like I’ve lost my mind, and maybe I have. “Why the hell are you laughing right now?”
“Because we could have died, but we didn’t.” I laugh even harder. I laugh so much my stomach starts to ache, and I think I might pee my pants.
My laughter slowly fades after a while.
“Are you done?” Emilio asks.
“Yes.”
He makes a disgusted noise in the back of his throat. “You’re unbelievable.”
“What?”
“You could have died, Caterina! I could have died. And you’re laughing like it’s some joke. You’re ridiculous.”