Bound by Hatred (Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles 3)

Luca raised one dark eyebrow when I stopped beside him.

Suddenly I felt ridiculously nervous. “I know you don’t like me,” I began. “But I think we should try to get along better for Aria and Matteo.”

I managed not to squirm when he scrutinized me. What was he thinking?

“I didn’t like you because I hated how you treated Matteo.”

“Okay,” I said slowly, not sure where to go from there.

“But I’m starting to change my mind.”

“You do?”

He turned another lamb chop. “I’m starting to think that maybe Matteo was right and you two aren’t the worst match.”

“Thanks?” I said, unsure if it was meant in a positive way. “You are really bad with compliments.”

“I’m not in the habit of handing them out. And don’t tell my brother I said he was right. He’s cocky enough.” His eyes went to something behind me and I turned and spotted Matteo heading in our direction, his arms loaded with several bottles of wine.

“He is,” I agreed with a smile. Luca gave me what could be considered his version of a smile, and some kind of silent understanding passed between us.

Matteo set the wine bottles down on the table before joining us and wrapping his arm around my waist. “What are you two gossiping about?”

“You,” Luca and I said at the same time.

“Is that so?” Matteo lifted one eyebrow.

Aria came back from the kitchen, eyes darting between us. She pressed up against Luca with a confused look. “What’s going on?”

“Your husband and my wife are discussing my many wonderful traits,” Matteo said.

I nudged his side. “You are way too cocky.”

Matteo kissed my ear. “Admit it, you love my cockiness.”

“Done.”

“Your declarations of love still make my knees go weak,” he joked.

I stood on my tiptoes. “Your cockiness isn’t the only thing I love about you.” I let my eyes wander the length of him.

“I need some bloody lamb to cancel out this disgusting display of sweetness,” Luca muttered, but I didn’t miss the tender look he’d given Aria when he thought no one was paying attention.

Matteo swept me into his arms and kissed me. Luca grumbled something else but I didn’t listen. All that mattered was Matteo.