~RICCARDO~

“Yes, I'm in love with someone.”

The words are barely out of my mouth before the shift happens.

A slow, dangerous shift I feel more than I see.

Vincenzo’s jaw flexes first—sharp, hard, like he’s holding back every violent instinct he has. His hand curls into a fist on the table, knuckles whitening.

Nico stops choking on his tea.

His expression snaps from shock…to realization…

to something darker.

“Someone?” Vincenzo repeats, voice low, controlled, but vibrating with something territorial. “Since when?”

He’s trying to sound casual.

He’s failing…..badly.

Nico leans forward, eyes narrowing like he’s studying me for the first time in his life.

“Who is she, Riccardo?” he...