Hey loveelies! Happy Friday! Next update is out now! How are we feeling about Maximus? This was a real dirty move. But how will this affect Nico and Gianna's relationship? Things are going to get messy but can they survive the storm? Buckle up, guys, we are in the final stretch, and this will be messed up. As always, if you enjoy the updates, do drop a comment and a vote!
Gianna2 days laterBlack. Everywhere I looked, it was black suits, veils, coats heavy against the late afternoon chill. Even the sky seemed to dim itself for the occasion, clouds swallowing what little light dared to break through. The Baldocchi burial grounds seemed regal. They were gated, walled in with old stone and iron, as private and guarded as possible. Every generation had a place here.Today, it was Vittoria’s turn.A massive portrait rested on an easel near the casket—Vittoria, poised and elegant as she always has been. White lilies framed the photograph, their scent almost suffocating in the cold air.People kept arriving. More than I’d expected. Our family was already there. Leonardo stood at the edge, his usual bravado stripped away. Amara clutched a handkerchief, her face pale. Xavier and Aria stood close together, whispering, while Domani’s jaw was tight, his gaze fixed somewhere far beyond the casket.Even Teresa had come, her usual bright energy muted, eyes downcast
Gianna “Now,” Nico murmured, his mouth still close enough that I felt the ghost of his words on my skin, “will you join me for a dance?” I blinked at him.“A dance?” My brow arched instinctively. “Since when does Nicholas Baldocchi dance?”“It’s a first,” he smirked slightly, extending his hand to me. “May I?”Something about the simple, almost old-fashioned gesture made me hesitate for only a heartbeat before smiling and slipping my hand into his. But then I paused.“Wait,” I said, narrowing my eyes. “Give me my panties back.” For the first time EVER, genuine mischief sparked in his eyes.
GiannaI made a straight beeline for the bar. What the fuck was that? I was sitting right there. Didn’t he see that? And is this what happens every time Nico has an apparent ‘meeting’?“I need something fucking hard,” I hissed at my best friend, who was still at the bar.“You came back fast,” Teresa raised a brow. She was already sipping on what seemed like Long Island iced tea.“Couldn’t watch my husband getting a lap dance from Ms. Big Tits any longer,” I grumbled. “Let’s do shots, shall we? Let’s get fucking drunk.”“Are you sure?” Tess inquired, looking surprised. “You just got drunk yesterday.”
GiannaThe club was dark and elegant, with deep red walls and golden lights that gave everything a soft, rich glow. The floors were black marble, and the music made the ground feel like it was pulsing. A long bar with glowing shelves held rows of expensive liquor, and everything smelled like perfume, money, and danger. There was also media there, and as I gazed up at Nico, I realized he kind of looked proud.“Gi!” I turned around, and Teresa waved at me from the bar. She grabbed whatever she was drinking and trotted over to me, looking smug. And drunk.And holy fuck…she looked smoking hot.“Hey!” I smiled, hugging her and then added in her ear, “Nice dress, girl.” She wore a silver-halter neck dress that made mine look like a ball gown.“I am going to leave that bastard with blue balls tonight,” she smirked. “Watch me. Well, hello, Nicholas.”“Nice to see you again, Teresa,” Nico said politely.I don’t know why I watched him closely, maybe female instincts, but his eyes never strayed
GiannaI cannot explain how good it felt to sort things out with Nico finally. I hated the last three days, but I was glad we managed to sort things out, even if I don’t remember what I said to him in my batshit drunken state.But I made a promise to myself, and that was not to dig into Nico’s past anymore. Whatever it is, just let it be. I love him nevertheless. And if he is willing to take time to talk about our future, then he must feel something too. And with the way he handled things this time, it just made me even more sure that things have changedbetween us. He has changed. If anything, the toe-curling sex we had after breakfast was proof enough.I grinned and then focused back at my iPad, staring at the first batch of designs I prepared for Maximus to take a look at. He has been a tad silent lately, but then we weren’t friendly enough to chitchat beyond work. My thoughts were distracted by the text on my phone’s screen, my brows furrowing together as my eyes scanned it.Nico:
Nico “Is there any progress on the Moles?” Gianna asked, once she was finally full with her breakfast of frittata with veggies, two slices of bread, fresh figs and another cup of coffee. It actually made me smile when she almost licked her plate clean.“Caelian is looking into it. So far, we have five suspects,” I answered, looking around to make sure Mirella wasn’t around. She left after whipping up a quick breakfast.“Five?” Gianna exclaimed, looking surprised.“Still suspect,” I assured and hope to God that Guilio won’t be one of them. It would break Caelian’s heart. He was the one who found him, trained him and then took him as his right hand.He was a trustworthy man.“What happens to them if…if it’s confirmed that they are the one?” she inquired. I gazed out at th