No Strings Attached

CHAPTER 36

I dig out my makeup bag from the bottom of my suitcase and walk into the ensuite.

I groan as I see the red marks scattered across my neck and chest, angry and visible to anyone with eyes that half work.

"Fucking Vincenzo," I mutter, pulling my hair back before I start attempting to cover up the hickeys.

I resist the urge to find Vincenzo and slam my fist into his stupid fucking face as the marks remain visible, somehow not hiding regardless of however hard I try.

I look up as I hear a knock on my door, "Who is it?" I call out, hurriedly pulling my hair over my shoulders.

"Vincenzo," I hear a voice I'd rather not hear right now.

"What is it?" I ask, poking my tongue out as I continue to dab concealer on my neck.

My jaw locks as I hear him chuckle, looking up to see him leaning against the ensuite doorframe.

"Le Aquile Rosse are waiting for you, but I'll tell them you're busy," he smirks, making me roll my eyes.

"You can take the blame for this," I mutter, sighing as I give up, figuring that you can't really see them anymore.

"Gladly," he says, his lips seemingly stuck in that stupid smirk of his as I scowl at him.

"What are you grinning at? Fucking chesire cat," I snap, not sure why his presence is making me more pissed off than usual.

"Did I ever tell you how hot it is when you're angry?" he grins, taking my chin in his hand and kissing over the hickeys I just covered up.

"You find it hot when I kick you in the fucking balls?" I reply instantly, his low chuckle sending a warmth rushing to my thighs.

"You're welcome to walk through my door any time you want sweetheart," he murmurs, his lips lingering at the base of my throat before he drops my chin and walks out of my room.

My feet stay cemented to the ground, unsure of what to make of everything which has been happening recently.

Why don't I feel the usual bubble in my stomach when I'm around Vincenzo? Hatred is no longer the word to describe it.

I shake my head, what the fuck am I talking about? Of course I hate Vincenzo. He tried to kill me. He's spoken to me in ways I would never tolerate from anyone else.

Of course I hate him.

I snap myself out of my thoughts, taking one more look in the mirror before rushing out into the bedroom and down the corridor.

I locate the staircase and go quickly down the stairs to where Le Aquile Rosse are all waiting.

"Ana, so glad you finally decided to join us," Everett teases, making me roll my eyes as I reach the bottom of the staircase.

"You can lead once we get in there," Ari says, patting my shoulder as I smile.

"Does anyone actually know where we're going?" Everett asks.

"Yes asshole, I do," Gabriel says in a bored tone, giving Everett an unimpressed look.

"Why so sad? I thought you got laid last night," Griffon laughs, shaking Gabriel's shoulder as he glares.

Ari covers my ears, "Little ears are listening," he scolds, clicking his tongue disapprovingly.

"Little ears?" I scoff, "I'm 20,"

"Ah, so young," Everett sighs, putting his hand on his heart, "Enjoy your youth while you can Ana," he grins.

"I will," I say, giving him a tight-lipped smile.