— No, — will he stop interrupting me or not? — It's my turn to apologize. Sorry, I really regret it. Most of all for not thinking to ask.
— Was it too proud? — slipped out of me. The guy threw his head back and laughed so loudly that I flinched. My brain registered the details of this moment, and I realized that usually, in Leo’s starched attire, he had grown stubble. — Oh, that’s the old Adelina, — he said.
“Oh, that’s the old Leo,” I thought and smiled.
— You still need explanations regarding those photos with Rose, — De Ville tilted his head to the side.
— Yes, to be honest, — it’s not that I lied. — But let me guess: you were forced to go there, and then suddenly ran into your ex.
— Almost, — Leo admitted. — I went out for coffee and bumped into Rose, it knocked me off track. She dragged me to a party, but I said I was leaving, and probably that’s when we were photographed, — he paused for a moment and then added, as if justifying himself. — And I didn’t know she was even in town, and then the gossip columns, and you didn’t answer my messages.
— And that’s why you were surprised yourself and didn’t understand what happened at all, — I assured. Leo smiled at the corners of his mouth, and for some reason, I regretted that he didn’t smile at me like before.
— So are we even? — he asked with a smirk. I rolled my eyes.
— I missed you, — I confessed. — Just don’t gloat, — I added, threatening him with my index finger.
— I won’t, — the blonde assured, smiling and showing his dimples. A mournful whine came from the next room.
— Did you lock him up? — I looked accusingly at De Ville.
— What choice did I have? — he shrugged. It seemed Leo was also upset about this fact. — I didn’t want to scare you again.
— I should try to connect with dogs someday, — I declared resolutely. I could not stand that whining. Though I was afraid of dogs, it didn’t take away my love for all living things. — And I would like you to help me with this.
— Are you sure? — Leo asked.
— Yes, — I assured him. — After all, I would like to be friends with Anthony.
Today I invited the whole company over for "Monopoly."
— Oh, yes. So, Mr. Bankrupt, are you planning to exit the game? — I gleefully looked into his gray eyes, leaning slightly toward him.
He grabbed my chair and pulled it so that only a couple of centimeters remained between our faces:
— You’re cheating, lady, — he grinned impudently.
Crap. I could feel my head spinning from that smile; probably, everyone noticed how I turned red. But I still won the game; as a result, I felt superior to Leo, and that was a pleasure for me.
After the game, everyone broke into groups. Ella came hand in hand with Nick, and I still couldn’t get used to the fact that they were a couple. Sarah was scratching Louis, who was sprawled across her lap. Mia was actively chatting about something with Damiano, and my brother… He was gazing at Mia, not tearing his gaze away for even a second.
— Interested? — I handed him a glass of champagne.
— What do you mean? — the question forced him to abruptly shift his gaze to me, but I was impossible to mislead.
— Oh, just don’t tell me you’re not interested in Ukrainian girls; you just don’t understand any others.
— Can’t I just look at Mia? She looks really attractive today; you won’t disagree, will you, fashion queen?
— She looks beautiful in that dress, — I stood on my tiptoes so that my lips were level with Mark’s ear, — but you’ve been staring at her for five minutes, — I poked him with my finger.
— You always exaggerate, — and he went to Leo.
Unfortunately, he won’t escape me, not this time. I was too intrigued by his affection for Mia since their first meeting after all these years.
— You won't get rid of me, — I followed him.
— Why do you care about my feelings, sister? I’m not getting into your... — Mark frowned and cast a pointed glance at De Ville; I nodded contentedly in his direction.
— What are you talking about? — Leo asked. He obviously didn’t understand what we were discussing.
— If you like her, try to approach her, — I insisted.
— What are you talking about? — Leo insisted.
— This is said by someone who is running away from relationships themselves, — Mark remarked, significantly glancing at the blonde next to him.
— I'm not running anywhere.
— Hello? — Leo squinted.
— I’ll leave soon, and she will stay here, — my brother insisted, gesturing actively.
— So what? If you find something in common – it would benefit you, and if not, at least you’ll leave with a clear conscience, — I advised.
— What are you talking about?! — De Ville couldn’t take it anymore.
— About Mia! — we shouted in unison. Too loudly. The girl turned around and stared at us.
— Is everything okay with you? And why are you shouting like that? I feel like I’m at a football match, where everyone is screaming like mad.
— Are you interested in football? — Mark’s eyebrows shot up; I was surprised by that comparison myself.
The only sport my dear brother adored was football because he considered the others meaningless.
— Yes, — Mia replied calmly. — Almost the only sport I like.
Both of them left in a week.