STEFANO
I watch Andrea's retreating form, her hips swaying seductively with each step. The sight would typically set my blood on fire, but right now, a different kind of heat simmers in my veins - the slow burn of frustration and confusion. It's a foreign feeling, not knowing what I did to provoke her anger. Usually, I'm all too aware of the buttons I've pushed, the lines I've crossed. But I'm at a loss this time, and it doesn't sit well with me. Not one fucking bit.
I pull out my phone and dial the one person who might have some insight into the inner workings of Andrea's mind - my sister, Aurora. She picks up on the second ring, her voice bright and bubbly as always. "Hello, brother!"
"Andrea is angry with me," I say without preamble, cutting right to the heart of the matter.
"Isn't she always?" Aurora quips, and I can practically hear her eyes rolling through the phone.
"This time, it's different." I quickly recount our conversation, the words bitter on my tongue.
Aurora's sharp int
