Emerging twenty minutes later, the stains replaced with a sheer gloss instead, I make my way to the huge, opulent dining room and slide in beside him at the table amid the arrival of some of the others. He’s using his phone and completely ignores me. I bristle, knowing this isn’t a normal Jake move but I’m not going to let it get to me, I’m going to act like I don’t care at all and just sit down. I stop myself from looking at him, even though it’s almost impulsive to eye up how gorgeous he always looks.

As soon as everyone is seated, he puts his phone away, leans back on his chair and places an arm across the back of mine while throwing me a triumphant look. I note that his father watches us from a distance at the head of the huge dark wood table and physically still. I have managed to avoid him until now, but dinner will be interesting. I get the distinct impression Giovanni is not all that enamored with his son hooking up with an employee from his own office. Especially a nobody with no fortune and a troubled past.

“You can still back out now, bambino, and we can just enjoy dinner and a lot of fun after.” Jake nudges me quietly, commanding my attention, his eyes steady on my face. He drops his gaze to my mouth and smirks some more at the lack of red lipstick. It only ignites that inner stubbornness.

“Why would I? You’re obviously struggling, Jake, I’m sure if it’s too hard you can just admit defeat.” I smile salaciously and turn my attention to my champagne glass, running my finger around the rim teasingly. He watches me with interest for a moment then gets up with a smile.

“I told Cara I would sit beside her tonight.” He smirks cruelly at me then saunters off to the seat beside the girl, receiving an award-winning smile from her. I almost inwardly curl up and tremble. Nausea and anxiety equally consuming my stomach and a tight gut-wrenching throb. Jealousy punching its way into my gut.

What is he doing? Surely Jake would not do this to me for the sake of a stupid challenge?

to me, greeting me with a warm hello and no sense of surprise at all. I try to smile but it doesn’t come naturally.

you, mia cara.” He nudges me with his shoulder and this time I smile genuinely, at his niceness and at the family trait of

away from Jake who’s engrossed in his deep conversation with a

Slut!

like my brother than you realize and, yes, he told me you two have some sort of bet going … Abstaining

Cara’s attention but the quiet brunette that came with his other cousin too,

For god’s sakes!

is laid before him. I lean back as my plate of asparagus spears, boiled egg, and hollandaise sauce piled delicately on top is placed before me by one of the uniformed maids. I smile warmly at her and get one in return, catching Jake from the corner of my eye and seeing him thanking the girl who gave him his

is unaware that despite how I am with Jake, most men still make me feel uncomfortable. Arrick seems to be an exception and sitting with him now, I

tucks into his food while I sit and look at the plate, pondering his words. Arrick is a wise one, he has

Jake well enough to know a few things about him. One, that he can get insanely jealous and it’s never a good route to take. I have already proven that more than once. Two, he’s better than most people at games, seems to get a kick out of winning and can read people and situations with deathly speed. Three, when it comes to me, he always takes care of me obsessively, that even when he’s mad, he still can’t help but be protective. I glance at him

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