“She is not on display,” Ciana argued. “She looks beautiful. Which you need to tell her and then get out of her way. As much as I don’t want to leave my bed, I’m not going to stand here and let you act like a caveman and beat on your chest while you grunt, ‘Nova mine. Must do as man say!’”

I fought against a laugh as Ryan glared at her. “Why aren’t you in shorts if it’s so damn hot out there?”

“Because I didn’t have anything cute to wear. All my summer clothes are too small right now. I’ve been eating too many treats that the drug reps bring into the office with them, and my ass has gotten huge lately.” She slapped a hand over her rear. “See, it jiggles now.”

He made a face. “I didn’t need to know that. Now it’s in my head, and I can’t get it out.”

“You won’t ask about my wardrobe choices next time, then, huh?”

“Lesson learned,” he muttered, but his eyes went back to me. “No talking to guys. No taking drinks anyone brings you. If Pietro doesn’t pour it for you, then you don’t fucking drink it.”

I pressed my hand to the center of his chest. “I’m not going to be drinking anything but water. I promise that if any guys try to come near us, I will tell Pietro to swat them like flies. Stop worrying. I’m going to be fine.”

Covering my hand, he pressed it closer, trying to absorb my touch through his layers of clothes. “I love you.”

I nearly melted against him at the way his eyes shone down at me. “I love you too,” I whispered.

“And I love my bed,” Ciana said, turning so she could climb the stairs. “You two have a night out, and I’ll go show my blanket how much I’ve missed it.”

“No way.” I grasped her hand and pulled her back. “Let’s go.” I jumped up to kiss Ryan on the cheek, but I didn’t have time for more in case Ciana tried to make a break for it. “Be careful. I promise not to be out too late. Love you!”

“You be careful,” he called after us. “I love you, Nova.”

“I don’t want to go out,” Ciana complained as I dragged her out to the already-waiting limo. “I’m tired, and I just want to sleep.”

“All you do is work and sleep. More sleep than work.” Pietro opened the back door, and I pushed my cousin into the car. I rolled my eyes at my guard, and he smirked, shaking his head at my exasperation. Winking, I climbed into the vehicle. “I don’t know what is up with you, but you are not going to spend yet another Friday night locked in your room being a zombie.”

She covered her mouth as a yawn left her. “I can’t help it.”

I settled in beside her and gave her a once-over. She was wearing black slacks that were at least a size too big on her and a top that looked like it could double as a tent. I couldn’t tell if she’d actually gained weight like she’d said, but her recent choice of wardrobe was so beyond the normal attire Ciana was known for that I was certain something was seriously wrong with her. I had only seen a little of what Ryan had mentioned where she was concerned, but it was definitely enough to worry me.