Greta tilted her head to the side, watching me quietly for several seconds. “Because I like your face.”
I almost choked on laughter. “Only my face?”
Her dark eyes took in every inch of my body, slowly, meticulously, as if she really wanted to make up her mind. This girl was out of this world. “I like your body as well.”
I allowed my eyes to wander over her body like I’d never dared before. According to my reputation I was cocky and boisterous, but so far I hadn’t been suicidal enough to undress Greta Falcone with my eyes in Camorra territory. “I like your face and body as well.”
Greta’s mouth turned into a small smile but pursed in confusion when I checked our surroundings.
“Just checking if there’s a risk of getting a knife in my back.”
Greta shook her head. “Nevio wouldn’t stab you in the back. He prefers the direct approach, so does Alessio. Massimo might do it, though.”
Something shifted on the ground and the white fluffy dog let out a huff where it lay hidden at the Cane Corso’s side. “You lied to Alessio. Why?”
“I lied,” she admitted softly, guilt tinging her words. “I like how you make me feel.”
My eyes were drawn to her lips. Maybe this was our only chance. I could claim Greta’s first kiss.
She didn’t deserve this. But I wasn’t a good man.
Her eyes met mine. “Why did you lie?”
I paused, not sure what she meant.
“About your fiancée.”
It felt as I was being doused with ice water. She knew.
Strangely enough, I felt relieved. Lying to Greta had felt…wrong.
“I don’t know,” I said honestly because I didn’t. I’d lied without thinking because every second since I’d met Greta I’d wished I wasn’t engaged, so much stronger than I’d ever felt it before.
Greta searched my eyes then nodded as if she believed me. “Us sitting here together, is it wrong?”
Was she asking me for moral guidance? I was the wrong person to ask for many reasons. “We’re not doing anything.”
Greta tilted her head so she was peering down at her dog once more. “It doesn’t feel like that.”
“I know,” I admitted. My eyes rested on Greta’s face, on the thoughtful tilt of her lips.
Something cold touched my neck. I tensed, my hand flying to the gun in my holster.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you, asshole, or I’ll ram a hole in your skull,” said Alessio.
“You better lower that fucking knife,” I growled, half tempted to pull my gun and see if his reflexes were quicker than my own.
Greta rose to her feet and her dog growled in a low and threatening way. “Stop it, Alessio. Amo caught Momo for me.”
“What a lucky coincidence that he’s around every time Momo runs off. What a hero,” Alessio muttered but he lowered the knife. I stood and turned around to him, wanting to have him in view.
Greta reached for Alessio’s arm. “Don’t tell Nevio.”
He frowned at her hand then narrowed his eyes at her. “Tell him what exactly, Greta? Because I really don’t know what it is I’m seeing here.”
She bit her lip and her eyes were drawn up to mine.
Alessio leaned toward her. “We’ll have to talk later.” He straightened and turned to me. His expression was cold and calculating. From all the Falcone men he had been the best option to catch us. Most of the rest would have punctuated my skull with their blade. “Let’s go back before someone comes looking for us.”
I hesitated, wondering when and if I’d see Greta again. Tomorrow Dad and I were flying back to New York. We wouldn’t be returning to Las Vegas any time soon and the next time the Falcone clan was supposed to visit was for my wedding. I sure as fuck didn’t want Greta to be at my wedding with Cressida.
“Vitiello, I swear I’ll call Nevio and deal with the shitshow later.”
I nodded at Greta and turned. I needed to stop this, whatever it was. I could never see Greta again.
Alessio and I walked in silence back to the house but shortly before we reached the office, he turned to me. “Listen, maybe you think being Amo fucking Vitiello gives you a carte blanche for being an asshole, but Greta is the kindest girl you’ll ever meet. If you’re looking for another fling before you get married, then look somewhere else.”
A silent or else swung in his voice. I smiled harshly but didn’t say anything.
“Greta isn’t like other girls, or most other people.”