No Strings Attached

CHAPTER 37

My head snaps to the door as it suddenly opens, a stunned Alessio walking into my room. I go to yell at him but he quickly slams the door shut behind him.

"We didn't have sex," Anastasia blurts out, and I raise an eyebrow at her.

"Ok?" Alessio says slowly, "I'm sensing something else is going on here so I'm not going to comment on it. What I will say is, why the actual fuck is that fuckwit Ryan asking if you've decided to accept their dinner offer?"

"I have, we're going tonight," I say calmly, keeping my hand on Anastasia's thigh.

"We are not forming an alliance with them," Alessio says calmly.

"Does this have anything to do with a certain girlfriend of the Americans?" I ask,

"No," he snaps, "They're both fucking pieces of shit, and I don't care what you think, we're not forming a partnership with them,"

"Calm down fratello," I chuckle, "I don't like them anymore than you do, but I agreed so we could assess their threat level," I study his expression as he reluctantly nods. "We haven't formally met either, so I'm curious to see what they're like," I add.

"I can tell you what they're like," Alessio mutters,

"Is that all?" I sigh, "I think you need to go let out your anger somewhere," I tease.

"You're about the size of a punching bag," he grins,

"Fuck off," I laugh,

Alessio grins as he opens the door again, "Have fun you two," he says, winking at me before turning around and closing the door behind him.

Anastasia sighs, "Is he going to go tell everyone now?" she asks.

I gently grab her thighs and lift her so she's sitting on my chest, rubbing up and down her thighs as she sits on me. "He won't. He can be an asshole sometimes, but he knows when to keep his mouth shut," I say.

She hums in response, her eyes on my hands as I feel goosebumps forming on her skin. A breathless moan leaves her lips as I move my hands up higher, her breathing becoming more rapid.

"What's wrong sweetheart?" I ask, a small smirk on my lips.

She shakes her head, reaching down and wrapping her arms around my neck, "Just last night and now," she murmurs, "Only this time," she repeats, and I instantly know what she means.

I wrap my arms around her torso, letting her lie down on me, giving her the security she needs right now.

"We should probably get up," she whispers, her face buried in the crook of my neck.

"Probably," I say, craning my neck to look at her peaceful face. "Let's go sweetheart," I murmur, sitting up as I pick her up bridal style, getting off the bed.

She groans and pushes herself away from me, and I take the hint and set her on the ground. "So you can walk on your own?" I tease, going to my suitcase and pulling a t-shirt on.

"Vincenzo De Santis," she scolds, "Who knew you had such a great sense of humour?"

I can't help the laugh which escapes my lips as I own my bedroom door, waiting for Anastasia to walk through before walking into the corridor myself.

Luckily no one else is out right now, our secret staying with us, Gabriel and Alessio.

"I'm gonna get changed, I'll meet you all in the kitchen," Anastasia says, giving me a small smile before disappearing back into her room.

I choose not to wait for her and walk through the corridor and down the stairs to the kitchen where everyone is.

Dad gives me an unreadable look before walking over to me, "The Americans?" he asks, his voice calm as his eyes narrow ever so much at me.

"We've never formally met them, it'll be a good opportunity to assess their threat level," I explain, "I have no intention forming an alliance with them, don't worry," I add.

Dad nods, "I trust you son," he says, patting my back as I can't help but smile. "You're in a good mood this morning," he observes, raising an eyebrow at me, "Have a roommate last night?"

I scowl at him, but nod, "Anastasia came into my room last night," I mutter.

"I don't need to know that," Dad says, wrinkling his nose in disgust.

"You asked," I scoff, "And nothing happened, you're not getting any grandchildren any time soon," I add.

"Shame, your Mom wants some," Dad sighs,

I shake my head, chuckling as I turn to see Anastasia walking into the kitchen, changed into a pair of sweats and a white tank top.

She comes over and stands beside me, leaning against the bench. "Sleep well Ana?" Dad asks, grinning at the poor girl as he winks.

"I did thank you," she smiles, "Your son makes a very respectable pillow," she says, patting my arm as Dad laughs loudly.

"What's so funny?" Uncle Carlos asks, looking up from his phone.

Dad just shakes his head, continuing to laugh as he walks over to Carlos. I glare down at Anastasia, "Watch it," I mutter, narrowing my eyes as she laughs too.

"What happened to the big softie from last night?" she teases, and I glare at her as Alessio walks over to me.

"Who's going tonight?" he asks, clearing his throat before speaking loudly. "Who wants to have a dinner party with the Americans?" he asks.

Everyone looks at him blankly, disgust written over everyone's faces at Alessio's question.

"I'm good, I'm leaving to Spain today to see my Fia," Uncle Carlos says,

"I'll come with you Dad," Issy smiles, walking over to her Father who smiles and kisses her temple. "Sure thing princess," he says.

"I need to catch up on some shopping," Lea says, looking over at Dad who smiles fondly at her.

"I don't think it would look great if you showed up with all of us there," Ari says, "Take Ana with you though, if you want to flaunt your connections,"

"Thanks for that Ari," Anastasia says, giving him a tight-lipped smile as he grins at her.

"Just the three of us hey?" Alessio asks, "This is gonna be an absolute fucking blast,"

//

Hope you liked that...

Until next time, have a good day/night and don't forget to vote!!

Abi <3