Playboy Billionaire

“Yes!” Olive claps and hands me some subtle cream strappy heels that look like vintage Gucci. I sit on the bed to put them on and stand back up, taking one last look at myself in the mirror as they join me in the bathroom.

“Can we do your makeup?” Espie asks formally, and I smile because it’s so sweet that they’re this invested in how I look.

“Of course.” I nod, and Olive brings me a stool to sit on as they work. I mostly ask them questions about themselves. They’re both in college, but Olive is at a college in New York and is visiting for her summer break. Espie is adamant about how big of a deal this is, considering Olive hasn’t properly visited since she left.

“I come for a day or two here and there.” Olive takes a strand of my hair and wraps it around a thick curling iron barrel.

“Exactly my point.” Espie retorts, brushing something onto my cheeks that smells like chocolate.

“Whatever, Espie, not everyone can be in daddy’s back pockets like you.”

“Olive.” Espie is clearly better at holding her tongue, but Olive is more assertive. Overall, they’re both kind and easy to be around. It makes me wish I had siblings growing up.

“Finished.” Olive declares and leans back on the sink to observe her work.

“Me…” Espie sprays some setting spray over my makeup before finishing her sentence. “Too!” She steps back with Olive, and they smile with glee.

“Yep. Beautiful!” They part from the mirror, and I step up to it. The face makeup is subtle with smokey winged eyeliner, softs pinks and browns. My skin is dewy and radiant, my hair glossy, bouncing with large curls.

“I love it. You did such a good job! Thank you.” I smile at them as they continue to compliment me while getting ready as well.

It’s about nine p.m., and the girls are still getting ready. I’m sitting on the stool in the bathroom so I can join in on their conversation about boys. Apparently, Olive has some boy she’s on and off with that Espie thinks is her soulmate. They’re catching me up on all the drama as a knock resounds on the bathroom door.

“Evening.” Antonio pops his head in the door and looks around until his eyes land on me. He’s cleaned up, formal black suit and tie, clean shaven, sun-kissed skin, and hair perfectly styled.

“Can I steal her away?” Antonio looks at the girls, and they wave their hands at him for us to go.

“Yes, yes!” Espie says.

“See you at dinner!” Olive grins, and Antonio points to her.

“Which is in about ten minutes. So, hurry.” His brow arches and they nod, quickly turning back to their makeupas he reaches his hand for me to take. I let him lead me out of the room and walk with him down the stairs.

“You look incredible.” Antonio leans down and kisses my cheek as we approach the bottom level. I press my lips together in a smile that makes my cheeks warm and look down at the dress.

“Your sisters have good taste.”

“They would be floored to hear you say that.” He chuckles as we head down a long hall with photos of past San Giovanni mafia leaders. After we pass Vince’s, another foyer opens up with rounded ceilings, gold molding, and marble floors that lead to the expensive dining room beyond it. I’m surprised by how many people are here, but I was informed on the ride to the airport in Hawaii that all the cousins were asked to come as well.

“Romeo!” Antonio calls as we approach the dining room. A man who looks like a Romeo saunters over to us, beaming proudly at the two of us. This is the only brother I’ve yet to meet. He’s a year younger than Antonio, and from what I’ve heard, he’s starting to break into the modeling world. He could definitely be a model. His cheekbones and plump pout, dimpled chin, and mysterious blue-green eyes give him a very designer runway look.

“It's a pleasure to finally meet you!” He leans in and kisses both of my cheeks, then goes in for a rough hug with Antonio, where they’re slapping each other's backs and grunting. I try not to laugh at their aggressive boy behavior. When they pull away, Romeo looks back at me.

“So you and Antonio have been dating for….” Antonio takes my hand before he can finish and shows him my ring and his. His mouth parts into an “O” as he looks between us for a second, then whispers, “Wait, are you fucking with me?” He smells like cologne from the Imaginary Authors company, A City On Fire. It’s a dark scent— cedarwood, dark berries, and burnt wood.

“We aren’t fucking with you. But don’t tell anyone yet. We’ll announce it after dinner.” Antonio winks at him, and he pulls away with a smirk.

“Cute. Pops will be proud.” he grins before waving us into the dining room with him. I like him. He’s very observant, obviously has good taste in cologne and clothes, and has a way of making people feel at ease.

Pops greets us as we enter the room, leaving a conversation he was in to welcome us.

“Stella, it’s good to see you.”

“You too, sir!”

“Your family should be arriving soon.” He grins, and I turn my head to Antonio in question, who meets my gaze for a second before shifting his gaze to Pops.

“I thought that was meant to be a surprise, Pops.” He says through tight lips, and Pops lets out a hearty laugh.