Chapter 2

Elisabetta closed her locker and turned to see Giacomo smirking already as he leaned against the locker next to it.

"So, will you be attending the party later tonight?"

She let out a sigh. "Where exactly are you from? You appear unexpectedly.

His effortless confidence was evident as he took a step closer. "Cara, you know I'll always find you." A wink ensued, causing her stomach to do something really grating.

Ignoring the way he laughed as if she had just confirmed what he already knew, she shot back, "You wouldn't last a second without me."

He put his arm around her shoulder. "You're going to enjoy yourself."

"Every time you say that, you leave me as soon as we arrive."

"That is completely untrue."

"Oh really?" Crossing her arms, she left his grasp. "You only ever come to me for help with a girl."

He smiled without denying it. Normal.

His hand grabbed her chin as she turned to leave, causing her face to tilt upwards into his. "My eyes are always on you, even if I'm with someone else."

Her heart thumped. No. He didn't intend to do that. That was not his intention. He was unable to. She refused to be another victim of Giacomo's love of games.

She stepped back and shook her head. "What should I do with you?"

Charmed and amused, he shrugged. "Love me?"

She pivoted on her heel and rolled her eyes. Naturally, he followed.

He whispered, "Oh, merda," and abruptly grabbed her shoulders to stop her.

"What?"

His gaze shifted forward. "Gisella. She is unable to see me.

Elisabetta saw the girl approaching them, her brown hair in a flawless style, bouncing with every stride. Fantastic. One more. Gisella, one of his flings, was the needy type who would not allow Giacomo to see her as more than a fun night out.

"Take care of your mess, Giacomo. It's yours.

He gripped her wrist and moaned, "Come on." "Only this once. I'm sick of repeating the same thing to her. She doesn't pay attention.

"Perhaps quit picking the clingy ones. We have resolved the issue.

He scowled. "I don't deal with relationships, you know. I was simply..." He walked away.

"Just what?"

"Horny. She was present.

Unimpressed, she gazed at him. "I find you repulsive."

He pushed her forward, putting her squarely in Gisella's path before she could move away.

She began, "Oh, you—," but all he did was smile and give her the thumbs up.

Gisella stopped in front of her, ignoring Elisabetta as if she were merely a roadblock. "Go. I'm trying to find someone.

Elisabetta grinned. "I'm afraid I can't do that."

With a sigh, Gisella shifted to the left and then the right to try to see her surroundings. She tried several times before giving up and examining her instead. "Aren't you with Giacomo all the time?"

"Sometimes."

"Where is he?"

"I have no idea. Now, pardon me—"

"Hold on—" "Goodbye!"

Before she was drawn into any more of Giacomo's nonsense, she hurried away.

By the time they got there, the party was well underway. There were people everywhere, there were flashing lights, and the music was loud.

Giacomo said, "Try to stay close," as they entered. "I'd rather not lose you."

"Whoa. This is larger than I anticipated.

"Yes, it is—"

A girl showed up before he could finish, her two-piece denim dress enveloping her entire body. She was unquestionably beautiful, with her bold smile and purple hair. She was clearly concentrating on Giacomo.

"Hi, Giacomo. I've been anticipating your arrival."

Before Elisabetta could react, the girl put her arm through his and pushed her away as if she didn't exist.

She laughed.

"Do I know you?" Giacomo looked at him, unimpressed.

The girl purred, "Not yet." "But you will."

Elisabetta gave her eyes a painful roll. Too many times to count, she had witnessed this unfold.

"Lizzie, would you like to—"

"No. Enjoy yourself. Tell me when you're finished.

Before she had to see whatever flirting was going on, she pivoted on her heel and left.

It was quieter in the kitchen. Leaning against the counter, she filled a cup with water and tried to shake off the irritation that was beginning to settle in her chest. He left after just five minutes. Normal.

"Hi. Why are you in here?

When she looked up, she saw a girl standing in the doorway with waves of her dark-blond hair cascading over her shoulders. Her blue eyes exuded curiosity rather than condemnation.

The girl entered and said, "Are you not a party animal?"

Elisabetta laughed. "Not really."

"Came alone?"

"No, with a friend."

"I'll venture that he left you behind."

"Not precisely. He simply became sidetracked.

The girl's eyebrow went up. "To me, it sounds like ditching."

Elisabetta let out a sigh. "He adores this stuff. I don't want to be a lost puppy and ruin his fun."

"Well, that's dumb."

Elisabetta blinked. "Pardon me?"

"You joined forces. He ought to check on you. Friends don't abandon one another.

Unsure of what to say, she gazed at her. since she was correct.

"Come with me," the girl said abruptly.

"What?"

"I have a team. A game is about to begin. It will be enjoyable.

Elisabetta paused.

"Come on." The girl smiled and took hold of her wrist. "You won't regret it, I assure you."

It was easy to trust her for some reason. Perhaps it was the confident way she spoke, as if she knew exactly what she was doing. Perhaps it was that someone was listening to her rather than him for once.

"All right. "Why not?"

The girl grinned more broadly. "Excellent! Everyone calls me Penny, even though my name is Penelope.

"Elisabetta. You can call me whatever you want.

Suddenly, she found herself drawn into the crowd and entering a night that would alter everything.