Page 76 of Tryst

It was shocking to me he was so agreeable right now. He was never agreeable with anything he didn’t want to do. My mom and her friend spun on their heels to leave. I scanned my wrist band and entered my room. He did the same to his door beside me.

I marched to the adjoining doors, fists on my hips. “Why did you agree to that?”

He roamed his room, turning on a lamp and shutting the curtains in front of the sliding glass door. “I don’t want this vacation to be anymore agonizing than it has been for you and your dad so far, so I’m playing nice.”

“The Vinny Falzone I know doesn’t play nice.”

The corner of his lips twisted up. “I can be nice when I want to. It’s all about the charm.”

“You’re so confusing.” I snorted, shaking my head. “One minute you’re pinning me against something fucking me, the next you’re doing some shady business, and the next you’re schmoozing with people like you actually enjoy it.”

He slid his hands in his pockets, cocking his head. “Exactly. It’s how you remain in control of every situation. You let people think you’re blending in with them. Meanwhile, I’m actually thinking about a million other things and have my own agenda for everything. I’m always,” he pulled me into him, “in control.”

“Yet you couldn’t resist me,” I whispered, “so I think I was in control then.”

“I didn’t want to resist you. I could’ve walked away when you threw yourself at me. I wanted you. I only fought it out of respect.”

“But not even for long.” I grinned, throwing my arms around his neck. Lifting myself to my toes, I gave him a peck on the lips. He rested his palms on my waist, gazing into my eyes. I knew something was on his mind. Something deep. I didn’t want to press him for more info right now. I just wanted to savor whatever was left of this horrid vacation. We were in one of the world’s most beautiful places, and I just wanted to enjoy my time here before reality hit.

We still needed to tell my mother, and if the recent past gave any indication how she’d react over this, I knew it would be much worse. She had a soft spot for Vincenzo, and I knew once she found out, it was very possible my entire world would come crashing down.

“We should get changed and go.” He kissed my forehead.

Groaning, I backed away. “I know. I just wanted to spend time with you.”

“Princess,” he placed a finger under my chin, lifting my gaze to his, “I will make sure you go to sleep sore tonight, regardless.” An evil smile brushed his lips. “For now, we must go blend in and play nice.” He strode around his room, getting his swim shorts and a towel. “Trust me, I’m only doing this for you and Jamie. After my talk with your dad, I have no interest in ever being in the same place as your mother again.” He removed his jacket and tie, laying them neatly on the bed, then unbuttoned his shirt, removing it. “I know she’s your mom and am only being nice out of respect for you, but she’s not on my list of favorite people.”

“My family is so fucked up.”

“This is real life, not a TV show. Everyone’s family is fucked up in their own way.” He unbuckled his belt and unfastened his pants.

“I never want my kids to go through this.”

Just before he pulled his slacks down, he paused, staring at me. “Kids.” He crossed his arms over his bare chest, never averting his gaze. Every muscle in his upper body was flexed to perfection. “You want kids. Of course, you want kids.”

“Vinny,” I lifted my hands, seeing the panic set in his eyes, “I’m not asking you to give me kids. This is new and—”

He strode over, tightly gripping my hips. “I’ll give you the whole fucking world if you want it.” His gaze flickered to my lips, then back to my eyes.

“What doyouwant?”

“I want it all with you eventually,” he placed his lips next to my ear. “I want you to get through school before we discuss marriage or kids further.”

“Deal.” I snickered.

“Good.” He winked. “Now get changed.”

19

LIFE

Vincenzo opened the gate, and I stepped through. We rounded the pool, following the laughing and loud chatting, both shocked it was coming from my family. As we approached, I thought about how normal everyone appeared to be. My father was chatting with Lucas, seeming rather pleasant for all he’d just been through. My mother and Juliana were drinking and talking loudly among themselves.

The moment we approached, my mother’s face lit up. “Heyyy, we pulled those chairs over for you.” She pointed to the white plastic seats. One was next to Juliana, one next to my brother, but fortunately, they were side by side this time. We both sat. It was easy to feel the tension between us about being here, but I was determined to put on a fake smile and get through the evening, following his advice. My dad slipped his phone back into his pocket and watched us closely.

“Eliza,” my mom beamed, “Juliana has a son about your age who’s at college in Boston.”

“Oh?” I smiled, trying not to appear uncomfortable. “That’s…great.”