“You’re taking her to Italy? Is she excited?”
“She doesn’t know. It’s a surprise.”
“Now, that’s one hell of a surprise.”
“I know.” I laugh. “Chicks dig shit like this.”
“You sound more American every day, brother. Have fun. Call if you need anything.”
I end the call just as I leave the freeway, headed to Alecia’s condo. My Montgomery family is a special one, there’s no doubt about it.
I walk quickly into Alecia’s building, checking my watch. We have just enough time for her to pack a bag and to drive to the airport. I hope I don’t have to get her naked to convince her to go with me.
Not because I don’t want to get her naked, and sink inside her for the better part of the night, but because there’s simply no time.
I check my watch again. Okay, maybe I’ll just get her half naked.
I’m smiling at the prospect of taking her hard and fast in the kitchen when I approach her door, and open it without knocking, surprised that it’s unlocked.
I glace down and frown when I see the shoes I gave her the night of Will’s wedding tossed just inside the front door. Then scowl more then I see her skirt wadded on the floor by the kitchen, and her top and bra flung in the living room.
Sitting on the couch, with one ankle propped on the opposite knee, his arms stretched on the back of the sofa, sweaty and wearing only gym shorts is Blake.
His shirt has been thrown on the arm of the couch. He’s sweaty, his hair a mess, and he looks…satisfied.
And I’m going to fucking kill him.
“Hey, man. Alecia is going to be surprised to see you.”
“What in the ever loving fuck is going on?” I yell and advance on Blake. He immediately stands, frowning as if he’s confused, which only makes me want to punch him more.
What? She didn’t see me for three days and decided to call Blake to scratch her itch?
I’m so fucking stupid.
“Dom?” Alecia says from her doorway. She’s wet, fresh from the shower, wearing only a towel, and the world falls out from under me.
“Are you fucking kidding me?”
“Hey, man, it’s not what you think—” Blake begins, but I advance, pressing my face close to his.
“What I think is that I thought I could trust you. You fucking lied to me.”
“No, Dominic,” Alecia says, as she lays her hand on my arm. I look down at her hand and then into her face, and she immediately pulls away.
I glare at both of them and pace away, pushing my hands through my hair.
“What, exactly, are you accusing me of?” Alecia asks angrily. Her brown eyes are on fire, her cheeks flushed, as she props her hands on her hips and glares at me.
“You’re about to lose your towel,” I say, trying to keep my voice calm.
“I don’t care. Just say it.”
“That’s right.” I shake my head and laugh humorlessly, pacing her living room. “Why should you care if you lose your towel? We’ve all seen the goods, right?”
“Hey,” Blake begins, but I turn on him, hands fisted at my side, and suddenly Alecia is between us, hands on both of our chests.
“We didn’t—”
“This isn’t my first rodeo, Alecia. I’ve walked into this before, only last time it was my fiancé and my cousin.”
“What?” Her face pales as she stares up at me. “And you think I would do that?” Her face reddens with anger. I simply shrug as Blake swears under his breath and paces away.
“You know what?” Alecia stomps to the door and opens it wide. “I think you should go.”
“Say you didn’t fuck him,” I reply and advance on her.
“Jesus, Dom—” Blake begins, but Alecia interrupts him.
“I shouldn’t have to! I want you out of my condo. Now.”
“This isn’t the end of this,” I say, staring down into her angry eyes. I’m just as pissed off. I want her to say no. Of course I didn’t sleep with him.
And if she hadn’t, that shouldn’t be so fucking hard to say.
“I’m not talking to you right now.” She shakes her head adamantly.
“We will finish this later.”
When I step out into the hallway, she slams the door behind me. I hurry to my car and drive blindly north, through Tacoma, to the airport, getting angrier with each mile. She fucking played me.
I want to turn back and confront her again. Kick Blake’s ass. But there’s no time. I’m needed in Italy now. My family needs me.
I need Alecia.
Or I thought I did.
She just practically admitted to fucking Blake by not denying it.
Read the writing on the wall, man.
My cell rings, showing Gianna’s name.
“What.”
“Gee, that’s a nice way to answer the phone.”
“What do you want, Gianna? I’m on my way to the airport now.”
“I want to say thank you again. I’m excited to see you, and I wish it were under different circumstances.”
I sigh and rub my hand over my face.
“I’ll be there by tomorrow night.”
“Also, I just spoke with Liliana, and I might have mentioned that you’re coming.”
I shake my head and swear under my breath at the mention of my former fiancé.
“Gianna.”
“She would love to see you.”
“I’m not interested, Gianna.”
“It’s been a long time, Dom. I’m not suggesting you marry her. Just talk to her. She’s missed you too.”
She fucked Marco, is all I can think, but I’m too fucking pissed to argue.
“Fine.” An idea begins to form. “Actually, Gianna, I will speak with Liliana. Invite her for dinner on Friday.”
“I was hoping you’d say that! I already invited her.”
“Good. I’ll see you when I get there.”
I hang up and tap my lips with my fingers, thinking about the two women that I’ve ever been stupid enough to give my heart to. One betrayed me with my own cousin, not even bothering to try to be discreet. I’m quite sure she intended for me to find them the night before our wedding.
It worked.
And thank Christ I discovered the truth before I married her.
But when I think of Alecia, it’s a physical ache in my chest. How could she do this? Why?
Chapter Eighteen
~Alecia~
“I can’t fucking believe him!” I shriek and stomp into my bedroom to throw on clothes—any clothes, I don’t even bother to see what I’m throwing on—and march out to the living room where Blake has pulled his shirt on and is staring out the window. “I can’t believe I was going to tell him I love him!”