Enjoy this chapter! ✨

Question of the Day:

What's your favourite ice cream flavour?🍦

"Fuck. Next time can you just order a normal fucking ice cream?" Costa's voice was a low growl, edged with irritation.

He was grouchy because he had to help me finish it.

Sitting in the ice cream parlour, he looked every bit the cold, calculating man that ran the city's criminal underworld. But, there was a warmth in his eyes that only surfaced because he was with me.

"It was a normal ice cream. How was I supposed to know they do monster portion sizes here?" I tried to defend myself, but even I knew it wasn't normal. It was fucking huge.

"You're the one who found this place." My husband replied, leaning back in the booth we were sharing. His presence dominated the small space, his eyes cold and calculating as always, except when they flickered over to me.

He was always subtly analysing every room we ever walked into and this was no exception. Even while just going to get ice cream with his wife, he had to be on his guard.

"Yeah and I don't speak Italian, idiota."

"You have eyes, no? You could just look at the fucking pictures." I actually did look at the pictures when I found this place on Instagram. The ice cream looked so good, I didn't think much of the size.

"Whatever." I shrugged, rubbing my full stomach. Perhaps it wasn't a good idea to get such a big ice cream after dinner. But after the spider fiasco, I needed something to calm me down.

Although, Costa's hug did really help.

"I'm going to be so tired for training tomorrow." He groaned, running a hand over his face. I think he's referring to the amount of sugar I just made him consume.

"Just drink some coffee." I waved him off, getting out of the booth.

"You think it's that easy?" He scoffed, also getting up so we could leave.

We started the walk to the door and he stayed close behind me the entire time. My body visibly stiffened when he placed a warm hand on my lower back, guiding me through the busy ice cream parlor. His touch was possessive, yet gentle, a stark contrast to the ruthless man the world saw.

"Yeah. Take a pre-workout or drink some coffee and just get it done. Stop complaining." I rolled my eyes, pushing open the door.

As soon as we were outside, Costa's guards ushered us into the awaiting car. Since it was evening in the city center, they were way more vigilant than usual.

Paparazzi were everywhere and the Accardi's were well known in Sicily - even just as a rich and famous family. With that kind of reputation in the public eye, anything can happen at any point if you're not careful.

Once we were safe in his car, he turned to look at me with a weird ass expression instead of driving off.

"What?" I finally questioned after having enough of his psychotic behavior.

"If you think it's so easy, then come and train with me in the morning. I told you in Dubai you need to start training with me, so let's do it." He was so serious and it was so fucking funny.

A hearty laugh escaped my lips but Costa didn't bat an eyelid. "You're funny."

"Yeah?" He scoffed, finally putting the car in gear. "Let's see if you're still laughing at 7am."

<<<<<<< >>>>>>> <<<<<<<

I can confirm I wasn't still laughing at 7am.

In fact, I was furious.

I trudged behind my husband into the gym while still struggling to tie up my hair. He barely gave me any time to get ready after he pretty much dragged me out of bed ten minutes ago.

Plus, I was extra tired because Costa kept me up for hours last night watching Netflix. We watched at least four episodes of my show after we got back from our ice cream adventure.

"You stupid, arrogant, obnoxious-"

"Why the fuck did you bring her?" My grumbling was cut off by Rocco's annoyingly loud voice which echoed around the gym.

"She's here to train with me." Costa muttered with finality, also in a sour mood.

I could feel Rocco's stare burning into me while Tristano continued warming up next to him as if nothing abnormal was going on.

I learned that particular morning that none of them were morning people - but all in different ways.

Tristano was awake and there to train so he didn't let any of the commotion get to him. Rocco was grouchy and, therefore, more infuriating than normal. I know, it's hard to believe.

My husband on the other hand, well he was more demanding and aggressive.

"Keep your fucking hands up." He shouted for the fifth time since we got in the ring.

"They're up, idiota." We'd been at this for ages, having the exact same conversation over and over again.

"They're not covering your face. If someone comes at you with a punch, you need to be able to block it."

"I already know that. I-"

"No, you don't." He growled, ripping off the boxing gloves. "If you fucking knew it already, I wouldn't be teaching you the basics like your family should have. Seriously, how incompetent are you fucking Greeks?" He spat, disdain dripping from his tone.

I also took off my gloves, tossing them on the floor next to his. I'd had enough of his attitude and the way he thought he could talk down to me because he was apparently 'training me'.

"Don't speak to me like that, Costa." I took a threatening step towards him, narrowing my eyes. "I could take you right now if I wanted to."

"Then fucking do it." My husband also took a dangerous step towards me, glaring down at me. He lowered his voice, his expression challenging. "I dare you."

Those three words were all it took for me to launch myself at him. I was ready to scratch his eyes out like I'd been aching to do since the moment we met.

As it turns out, I can be quite hot headed in the mornings.

Unfortunately, he was expecting exactly that.

The moment I went forward to throw my first punch, he wrapped an arm around my waist. He spun me around, pulling my body flush against his front.

His hold on my waist meant I wasn't able to pull away, so he was able to lean down, speaking into my ear. "You're sloppy when you're angry. Rule number one, don't let people play on your emotions."

"Screw you." I growled, elbowing him in the stomach. The action winded him enough to force him loosen his hold on my waist.

I turned around, landing a perfectly timed punch to his jaw. Sadly for me, that was the only decent hit I landed. And it didn't even faze him.

He grabbed both my wrists, walking me backwards until I was pressed against the ropes of the boxing ring.

"You need to try harder than that." He mused in a mocking tone. His patronising words only added fuel to my fire, giving me enough strength to rip my wrists out of his grip.

With a hard shove I pushed him away from me, but he barely lost his footing. However, it was still enough for me to hook my foot behind his ankle, pulling so that he'd actually lose his balance.

As soon as we fell to floor, I lifted my hand to punch him again but he was quick to turn us over so I was now below him.

"Now what are you going to do?" He goaded me, fire still burning away in his green eyes. I really was stuck since he was also using his body to pin my legs down.

I struggled for a moment beneath him, trying to think on my feet what I would do if this situation was real.

"Buck your hips, Millie." I heard Tristano's voice from somewhere in the gym. "It's the only way to get out."

"She won't be able to push Costa off." Rocco also felt the need to comment. "She's too weak."

Did this fucker just call me weak?

Even more determined than before, I made one attempt to buck my hips but it did absolutely nothing. Costa even had the nerve to smirk down at me when my attempt failed.

The second time I tried, I still wasn't strong enough to throw him off me completely. But I used the momentum to force him to loosen his grip.

Taking that short second, I shoved him off me, turning us over so I was now on top of him, straddling his hips.

"If I had my knife you'd be dead right now." I seethed, both my hands resting on his shoulders, close to his throat for emphasis.

"Possibly." Costa nodded, placing his hands on my thighs causing heat to spread under my leggings. "But your self defence still needs a lot of work. And you need to learn to keep that temper of yours under control. We can work on it though, surely you're not impossible to teach."

"You arrogant little-" My well planned insult was cut off when he suddenly sat up so our chests were now touching while I still straddled his hips.

"Enjoying the position, principessa?" He smirked, gently squeezing my thighs for emphasis.

Heat immediately rose to my cheeks when I realised just how intimate the position was. Seriously, I think it was the most risqué moment of my life up until that point.

I quickly let go of his shoulders, making an attempt to get off his lap and put an end to my embarrassment.

Let's not forget his brothers were still watching us from somewhere in the gym.

However, Costantino had other plans. Instead of allowing me to scramble off his lap, he held my hips down against his.

"This is why you don't start something you can't finish, Millicent." He lowered his voice, his thick accent becoming even huskier as he leaned in closer.

My body was stiff, completely under his spell. My hands were now gripping his well built upper arms - I tell myself it was to keep my balance. Heat quickly rose to my cheeks and my hands became clammy. Let's not even mention the way my heart was racing in my chest.

All of these reactions should have had me running for my life but I didn't. I just let him keep me there on his lap without any kind of resistance. He was close enough that I could feel his breath on the exposed skin of my neck as he leaned in to whisper in my ear.

"Cat got your tongue, baby? I thought you could take me?" His tone was soft and sensual - with the slightest hint of teasing that I should have picked up on.

It was only when he released a velvety chuckle a few moments later that I was broken out of the trance.

Like a bucket of ice water was thrown over me.

I immediately pulled away from him and this time he didn't stop me. I scrambled off his lap, stumbling away to put some much needed distance between us.

In contrast to my flustered state, Costa got up off the floor with complete ease. He didn't even seem slightly bothered by the interaction we just had.

"We're done here." I muttered, willing my cheeks to return back to their normal colour. My legs felt like jelly as I climbed out of the boxing ring, avoiding Rocco's and Tristano's gaze as I scurried past them.

I could hear their laughter as the gym doors shut behind me, allowing me to take a much needed breath in private.

However that moment was quickly cut short but dumb and dumber.

"What happened to you?" Giovanni gave me a weird look as he approached the gym doors with his brother.

"Nothing." I rushed out defensively, straightening my T-shirt. "What makes you think something happened?"

"Because you look more psychotic than normal." Giovanni mused, still studying me.

"And you're blushing." Aidan quipped, reaching out to poke my cheek.

"Don't." I smacked his hand away from my face. The eldest twin decided to try again, earning himself another smack.

"Ow." He pouted, rubbing the skin of his wrist. "Bitch, why won't you let me touch your face? I-"

"I got it." Giovanni cut his twin off, a stupid smirk tugging his lips. He pointed at me accusingly. "You kissed my cousin, didn't you?"

"She did?" Aidan frowned at the apparent revelation. "You kissed Costa?"

"No, I did not kiss him." I scoffed, forcing the most believable laugh out of my lips. "What makes you think I-"

"You're blushing, you were out of breath when we got here, and you have that look on your face like something big just happened." Giovanni summarised, reminding me that he was indeed part of a mafia family even if he's also a reckless teenager.

"Well, we didn't kiss. Don't be ridiculous. I would never kiss him."

Ever.

Right?

"You sure? Because he's coming now, so we can-"

I was out of there faster than lightning.

<<<<<<<< >>>>>>> <<<<<<<

After that training session I avoided my husband like the fucking plague.

If I even heard his voice I made sure I was on the other side of the house as quickly as possible.

I even gate crashed Greta's trip to the supermarket just so I could get a break from hiding from him.

That was a difficult task in itself since it meant I needed permission and a security team to follow me.

But I got permission from Nadia and she organised it all for me without questioning why I simply didn't just text Costa.

How was I supposed to explain to her that earlier I blocked his number on the off chance he decided to text me?

But even with all of the effort I made to avoid him, it was pointless. Because at the end of the day, we still shared a bedroom.

"Damian, I mean it. I don't want to hear it." I looked down at my phone as I spoke to my cousin who was FaceTiming me from New York.

"Oh come on, Maleficent. Just say yes."

"No." I sighed, heading into our empty bedroom. I was busy talking to Damian as I went straight into my closet with the intention of grabbing some pyjamas.

It was a PJs and Netflix kind of night.

"Damian, I have so much work to catch up on when I get back to New York. I can't waste my time getting drunk when I-"

"It's one night. I need my partner in crime with me. You're also my lucky charm." He had a stupid pout on his face while he leaned back on the couch in his office.

"You say that like you haven't been getting laid since I left." I scoffed since I knew it couldn't be further from the truth.

He was a manwhore. Everyone and their mother knew that - literally. He sleeps with people's mothers too.

"I have but they just haven't been as good. They're either too selfish or too shy or too aggressive-"

"Aggressive?" I laughed, settling on my silk shorts and cami set.

I put my phone face up so Damian could only see the ceiling before I started stripping off my clothes, changing into my pyjamas for the night.

"Yeah. You know, I had this one bitch who wouldn't even let me take a fucking breather after the first round. She just wanted to go again and again even when I..." As expected, he went into an unnecessary amount of detail - the kind of detail I don't need to repeat.

Once I was done changing, I stepped out into the bedroom. I was busy looking at Damian as he recanted that particular escapade when I crashed straight into a firm chest.

A firm, bare chest.

The shock of the moment caused me to drop my phone as I looked into those highly amused pools of green.

"I...um..." I stumbled and stammered, struggling to come up with something to say while he smirked down at me.

Meanwhile, I couldn't seem to take my eyes away from his perfectly sculpted upper body.

"Excuse me, Millie." He finally spoke with his thick Italian accent  when it became clear I wasn't going be saying anything coherent.

How could I when he stood there dripping wet in nothing but a towel? After what happened that very morning, this is not what I needed.

His olive toned skin glistened in the warm ambient light of our bedroom, the tattoos on his chest, neck and arms contrasting beautifully. The towel hung extremely low on his hips, like it was fucking teasing me by reminding me I was a 25 year old virgin who had never-

"Millie." Costa broke me out of my thoughts, stepping in closer to me.

"Hm?" I squeaked. I fucking squeaked. I swear I'll never live this down.

"You're blocking my closet."

His closet?

Oh.

The door behind me.

"S-sorry." Before I could make this even worse, I quickly bent down to retrieve my phone which I dropped by his feet.

Unfortunately, and I say this with deep regret, my virgin self failed to realise what kind of position that would leave me in.

I picked up my iPhone, checking the screen to make sure it wasn't cracked. I also came face to face with my red faced cousin who was covering his mouth to muffle his laughter.

Of course he was still listening because my cousin is a little bitch like that.

"Uh...Millie..." The sound of Costa's strained voice had me looking all the way up to his face while he looked down at where I kneeled in front of him.

It took my slow ass a good few seconds to understand what his issue was.

Then I quickly rose to my full height, my cheeks now a deep shade of red. I straightened the fabric of my poor choice of pyjamas, stepping away from him.

Thankfully he didn't hang around any longer, heading straight into his closet. As soon as Costa was out of earshot, Damian burst out laughing. I don't think he'd ever laughed that much before.

"Fuck." He breathed out, struggling to catch his breath after all that laughter. "That was the funniest shit I've ever seen. I can't believe you just knelt down in front of him like that. And you fucking squeaked after he just watched you shamelessly eye fuck him. And you call yourself a boss bitch."

And he was off all over again.

Meanwhile I was lying face down on the bed, wishing it would swallow me whole. I let out a groan, hating every ounce of my pathetic existence.

"Seriously, Millie. Don't even bother getting me anything for Christmas or my birthday. You just gave me the best gift I could have ever asked for."

"Okay, bye." I snapped, cutting his laughter off when I hung up the call.

Someone kill me now.

I'd actually pay real money for someone to murder me.

Perhaps I could just suffocate myself if I smushed my face harder into the duvet?

A few minutes later Costa came out of his closet dressed in his boxers and a fitted T-shirt.

"Uh...you okay?" I think he was referring to the way I was lying face down on the bed.

"Just fine." I spoke into the thick silk duvet my face was currently pressed against.

"What?" With a huff of annoyance, I lifted my face to look at him. "I said I'm fine."

"You don't look fine. Is this about what just happened or what happened this morning in the gym?" He mused, heading over to his side of the bed.

"I don't want to talk about either of those things." I'm not sure which one was worse - what happened in the gym or what just happened in our room.

Either way, I didn't want to talk about it.

"I can tell. You've been hiding from me all day, principessa." His soft laugh had me dangerously narrowing my eyes in his direction.

"That's because you were behaving totally inappropriately."

"Inappropriately?" He scoffed at my choice of wording, still highly amused.

"Surely you can't have thought that was appropriate behaviour. It was a training session and you made it all...sexual." I scrunched up my nose at the thought of ever being like that with him.

"And that bothers you?" He smirked. He was absolutely trying to goad me into saying something that would only make this day much worse for me.

I've already decided to annually commemorate this as my worst day ever - I don't need any more reasons to do that.

"Yes. Now, from now on you will maintain the unwritten boundaries we have established. No more sexual comments or calling me awkward names."

"Like baby? You don't like that? How about babe? Or-"

"You have no idea how badly I want to kill you right now." I growled out the words, itching to reach over to my nightstand to get my trusty knife.

My husband released one of his intoxicating laughs, nodding his head. "I'm sure I do. Look, I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable. It was just a bit of fun. But, if you're still feeling angry, I give you full permission to kill the twins."

"What?" I couldn't help the smile that tugged at my lips at his very serious, yet random, suggestion.

"They've been pissing me off all day and usually killing someone helps me feel better. I personally can't kill them because they're my family. So, if you want to kill someone then go ahead and kill them."

"As tempting as it might be, I'm not killing your cousins." I laughed, finally getting up off the bed, only so I could get in the bed.

"Sure? It's a two for one special." He grinned, pulling back the covers on the bed while I also went to my side.

"Well..." If it's two for one, should I consider it? "You know, Giovanni stole my slice of cheesecake the other day. I caught him but it was too late, he already licked it. I promised him I'd get him back for it."

"See, there you go. Take my gun and get them out of my life." I rolled my eyes as I got into the insanely comfortable bed, grabbing the remote which I always keep on my nightstand.

Always my nightstand, never Costa's.

"Sorry, but I'm not doing your dirty work. Anyway, why are you back so early? You're usually working for another few hours."

I watched him with a frown when he got in the bed next to me with a tired sigh. "I'm tired as fuck after last night so I just called it a day. Plus, it's earlier tonight so you won't complain that we're watching our show too late."

Yes, he's calling it our fucking show. It wasn't meant to be our show. But here we fucking are.

He's talking about Pretty Little Liars, by the way.

Last night, he decided to join me when I chose to rewatch it for the third time after going for ice cream. He wouldn't stop complaining for the first two episodes and then he got hooked - just like Damian did.

He then forced me to stay up and watch another two episodes with him until 2am. That's why we were both so tired for our training session this morning.

"Well hurry up and put it on then." He snapped causing me to giggle at his sudden impatience.

"Okay, okay. Don't get your panties in a-"

"Finish that fucking sentence and I'll slit your throat and let you bleed out right here all over the bedsheets."

He wasn't joking. Definitely not joking.

"Okay, sorry." I mumbled sheepishly, averting my gaze to the TV so I didn't have to look at his menacing glare any longer.

For the next couple of hours we lay in bed together watching PLL in the dark with only one side lamp on for some light.

It was cozy, comfortable and way more relaxing than I ever thought it could be with him. He asked occasional questions or commented on the stupidity of the characters way more than necessary.

But every time he did I'd end up giggling away listening to him shout and swear about their behaviour.

Our evenings were exactly the same for the following two nights before we flew back to New York - of course accompanied by his irritating family.

The next day, I made plans to meet Zari for a drink after work. Since I went off script, so to speak, I had to alert my security team and Costa that I wasn't going to be heading straight home from the office.

I also had to choose a bar in Sicilian territory in New York. Thankfully, that wasn't a hard task. The bar was a cozy place full of luxury decor and high end clientele.

I sat at a corner table, nursing a glass of wine, my mind still buzzing from the day's work at my publishing company. We had planned to meet after work to catch up and unwind - something I desperately needed after the last few days of spending so much time with Costa - voluntarily.

As much as I enjoyed our late nights watching PLL, it was confusing the hell out of me.

How did we go from never speaking to each other to watching a show in bed together every day?

Finally, the door opened, and Zari walked in, her eyes scanning the room until she spotted me. She waved and made her way over, her smile brightening the dim atmosphere.

"Millie! Sorry I'm late. Work was a nightmare." Zari said, sliding into the seat across from me. "This stupid bitch forgot her credit card so she had to wait for her rich ass husband to come and pay for her clothes."

"It's okay." I replied, breathing out a laugh at her annoyance. "I've been enjoying the quiet. How have you been?"

Zari sighed, flagging down a waiter to order a drink. "Honestly, it's been crazy. Ryder and I are fighting more than ever, and work is just adding to the stress."

"You guys haven't sorted out your differences yet?" I was referring to her desire to technically have an open relationship. That was until they decided to be completely faithful to each other and settle down to get married.

"No. He's becoming more and more unhappy with the arrangement. If I ever tell him I've got plans with another guy, he just can't take it. I've even tried to set him up with some women just to get him off my back, but he won't let up."

"Maybe he's ready to settle down now? This arrangement might have worked before, but maybe he's just tired of seeing the woman he loves be with other men?"

"Maybe." She sighed. "Or he just has this jealous streak. I mean, jealousy on a guy is hot so I don't mind that. But now it's getting in the way of what I want to do."

I nodded in understanding although I really didn't agree with what she was saying. But it wasn't my place to comment.

"Well, it sounds like you needed this drink more than I do." I smiled, trying to lighten the mood.

She laughed lightly. "You're not wrong. So, how's the publishing world treating you?"

"Busy as always." I said, taking a sip of my wine. "But I love it. We just signed a new author, and I think her book is going to be a hit."

"That's amazing, Millie. You've worked so hard to get where you are." She reached across the table, giving my hand a squeeze. "I'm proud of you."

"Thanks, Zari. That means a lot." I said, smiling warmly at her.

After an hour of chatting away, I felt my phone buzz in my bag. I pulled it out and saw a message from Costa. My heart skipped a beat, though I wasn't sure why.

Husband 🔪 : In the area. I'll pick you up.

I swallowed nervously, glancing up at Zari while she poured herself another glass of wine.

She didn't know about my life in the mafia - the Greek or the Sicilian Mafia. She didn't know my marriage was arranged or that Costa and I hated each other.

And she didn't know he was the man who I met on my birthday outside the club.

Zari arrived just in time to stop me breaking my neck when Rocco shoved me. She wasn't as drunk as I was and she did bring it up once afterwards just to check I was okay. So I know she would remember him.

Costa wasn't a man you could easily forget - even after drinking all night. Those green eyes were seared into my memory and I recognised him instantly at the gala after he paid some actress to throw champagne on me.

I guess they had to meet at some point since I didn't plan to stop being friends with her. Costa also didn't seem like he was dying any time soon and we weren't allowed to get divorced.

So I texted back a quick acknowledgment, feeling a mix of surprise and nerves. It was unlike Costa to go out of his way, especially for me. But then, he always had his own reasons for doing things.

I just hope his impromptu appearance didn't come back to bite me in the ass.

"Everything okay?" Zari asked, noticing my distraction.

"Yeah, it's Costa. He's picking me up." I replied, trying to sound casual.

"Oh, that's nice of him." She smiled, not picking up on my internal conflict. Obviously she didn't know our marriage was completely fake.

We continued our conversation, but I couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation, or like something bad was coming. Even after the drinks I'd had, I was suddenly on edge.

After about twenty minutes, I saw Costa walk in, flanked by Aidan and Giovanni. The atmosphere seemed to shift instantly, a tangible sense of authority and danger accompanying their presence.

Costa turned heads every where he went and tonight was no different. He was the centre of attention as he walked through the bar, analysing every face he saw until his eyes found mine.

He made his way over, his expression unreadable. Aidan and Giovanni followed closely, as usual wearing mischievous grins.

"Millie." Costa greeted, his voice cool and commanding. He scanned my appearance, taking in my fitted black dress and the red Jimmy Choos he bought me in Dubai.

His eyes met mine, recognition flashing in his green orbs.

I can't believe he fell for that. I mean, sure I was drunk, but not that drunk. Then he bought me both pairs like I thought he would.

Next time I'm going for three pairs.

"Costa." I replied, trying to hide my nerves. "This is my friend, Zari."

Zari looked between us, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of Costa. I knew she recognised him from the night we met on my birthday. Just from the way her eyes snapped towards me and then back to my husband.

"Nice to meet you." She spoke softly after a short pause, extending a hand to be polite.

Costa ignored her outstretched hand, his gaze flicking over her dismissively. "Let's go, Millie."

Zari's hand dropped, her face flushing with embarrassment. I felt a flash of anger at Costa's rudeness but chose to address it later. I didn't need to make it anymore awkward than it already was.

"Thanks for the company, Zari. We'll catch up again soon." Zari nodded, standing up to give me a quick hug.

"Take care, Millie. Nice meeting you all." She included the twins in that, though her eyes lingered on Costa, her interest apparent.

I brushed it off as nothing but confusion. She was probably only wondering why I married the man who was so rude to me that night.

Her eyes continued to drift back to him while I put my coat on, gathering my purse and my scarf to head outside in the November cold of New York.

Giovanni grinned at Zari, clearly enjoying the awkwardness of the situation.

"Hey, Zari, you should hang with us sometime. We know how to have fun." Giovanni said, winking.

"Bro, leave her alone." Aidan swatted his brother's arm, flashing Zari an apologetic smile.

Zari blushed, giggling nervously. "Maybe I will, perhaps next time I see Millie."

Costa's expression remained cold as we made our way to the door after bidding Zari one last goodbye. The twins flanked us, their light-hearted banter a stark contrast to Costa's cold demeanor.

As we stepped outside, the cool evening air hit my face, and I took a deep breath. Costa opened the car door for me, giving orders to his security team around us.

"Thanks." I murmured, sliding into the seat.

Once we were all in the car, Costa turned to look at me from the drivers seat. "Why were you meeting her?"

"She's a friend. We needed to catch up. Why did you have to be so rude to her?"

He shrugged, his expression unrepentant. "I don't care for unnecessary pleasantries with people I don't know."

"That doesn't mean you have to be a dick." I snapped. "She's my friend, and she's going through a tough time."

"Is it anything I can help with?" Our conversation was interrupted by Gio who squeezed himself between the two front seats.

"No." I shoved his face away with my palm, causing him to grumble and Aidan to laugh in the back.

"Next time be a little nicer to her, Costa." My request had him sighing, almost like the conversation was boring to him. "Please. She's my friend."

He turned his head, his green eyes meeting mine in the darkness of the car. The lights from the street and the car allowed me to see the intensity in his gaze before he eventually nodded.

"Fine. I'll acknowledge her presence next time."

I think that's as good as I'm going to get with him.

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Thank you for reading! ☺️