“Six four. The last four inches didn’t hit me until my twenties.”

“Isn’t that something? Of course, you were always big for your age, but still … I almost didn’t recognize you!” We both gave a small laugh just as Enzo joined us at the table. Mrs. Genovese poured some wine, and we visited about inconsequential matters as we waited for Sofia to join us. All the awkward small talk had been worth it the moment she stepped into the room.

Hair pulled up in a twist, Sofia stepped gracefully into the dining room in a vibrant red dress that clung to her lithe frame, accentuating her modest curves. She wore a broad smile painted blood red to match her dress. She was sexy as fuck, and my dick stirred to life just at the sight of her.

This was not the same woman I had encountered the day before.

Sofia had come to dinner ready to play, and I was more than game. Her reaction at lunch had been raw and honest; this was a show … a challenge.

I lived for a good challenge.

“Sorry to keep you all waiting. I had to freshen up.” She walked without hesitation to the seat next to me as I stood to help her into her chair. “Thank you, Nico.”

“My pleasure,” I responded, my voice a sensual caress.

She pretended to be unaffected, but the hairs along her arms stood in response to my voice. I fucking loved it. Sofia and I never had the opportunity to fully explore each other sexually, and it was clear I had missed out. We were so in tune with one another that her body couldn’t help but respond to mine. Sex with her would be worth the one-way ticket to hell I would earn, if I wasn’t headed there already.

The room suddenly heated from the influx of sexual tension, along with her parents' understandable discomfort.

“Well,” called out Mrs. Genovese. “I suppose I’ll grab the antipasti.” She scurried off to the kitchen, quickly returning with a platter of meats and cheeses.

“Mom, everything smells delicious,” said Sofia as she reached for her glass. “I’d say this evening calls for a toast.”

We each lifted our glasses, and Enzo narrowed his eyes at his daughter, just as aware of her games as I was.

“To long-lost friends and unexpected reunions.” She cut her eyes over to me, a saccharine smile on her lips.

What I wouldn’t have given to see those lips swollen and smudged after I’d kissed her senseless. She thought she was running the show—that she could sweep in here, toy with me to her amusement, and then walk away without a backward glance.

She didn’t have any clue who she was dealing with.

Before we brought our glasses down to drink, I added my own contribution. “To new beginnings and to happy endings.” I laced my toast with a heavy dose of innuendo, holding her gaze captive as I said the words. There was a good chance Enzo was going to jump up and rip my throat out for the comment, but I’d needed to show her she couldn’t affect me.