Elle went down the huge wrought-iron staircase into the foyer. Nero had given her tiny shorts and said they were his sister’s. They don’t look any different than my underwear, but at least I’m a little bit more clothed.
Nero had called Chloe from Elle’s cell, telling her what happened and that Elle was going to sleep over at his house for the night. When he’d asked her to cover for Elle and say she was spending the night at Chloe’s, she had insisted on seeing Elle to make sure she was all right. The only thing Elle didn’t know was why Amo and Vincent had decided to show up.
Elle finally got to the bottom of the staircase where Chloe was waiting. She instantly knew Chloe must have been at an important dinner by the way she was dressed. She wore a black, long-sleeved, Peplum dress with black tights and heels. Her outfit was meant to be business attire, but Chloe’s curves made it look like she was dressed to go on a hot date.
“You didn’t leave until it was over, did you?” Elle was worried. She didn’t want Chloe to get in trouble.
Chloe silently shook her head.
Elle saw that Chloe was a little rattled at what had happened to her. She’d figured that would happen.
She tried to smile for her friend. “I’m okay. Thankfully, Nero was there, and that’s all that matters.” Elle wished she could properly comfort her friend by giving her a hug, or anything, but she never could, having to use only her words.
Chloe nodded.
Elle whispered. “Do you think Mom will believe I’m spending the night over at your house?” Elle was going to have to think of a reason why because, after three-and-a-half years, Elle had never spent the night over there. She had almost spent the night at Chloe’s once right after they had become friends, but unfortunately, it hadn’t lasted very long until Elle left, asking Chloe to come with her.
Chloe finally spoke. “I-I don’t know.”
Elle didn’t, either. “What about if I told her we have a project due tomorrow?”
Chloe tried to ease up. “It might work.”
“Come in here a second,” Nero yelled from the other room.
Elle didn’t know why Nero needed to yell. Why couldn’t he come and tell me? Then she remembered he was Italian. Oh, yeah, right.
Elle and Chloe followed the voice, leaving the foyer and going into a huge room that was the living room and kitchen combined. The space was ginormous. She wanted to see what the outside looked like because she was pretty sure it was a small mansion.
As Elle walked towards Nero, only seeing the back of him, she also noticed Vincent, Amo, and Leo beside him. Great.
She saw Nero turn to look at her and behind him one tall-legged, golden blonde appeared. She was stunning and looked like a young Victoria’s Secret model, even in a floral, modest dress. Elle had remembered seeing her at school, but she had never spoken to upperclassmen or even met any of them. The kids in her grade were already bad enough.
Elle watched her walk towards her and then the girl gave her a hug.
“You must be Elle. It’s nice to meet you.” Her voice sounded sweet, which was the opposite of what she thought it would sound like.
“This is my sister, Maria.” Nero laughed, looking at her stunned face.
Elle lightly hugged her back. “Nice to meet you, too.”
Maria pulled away and went to hug Chloe, but Chloe took a step back.
Elle tried to laugh it off. “This is Chloe. She’s a little bit of a germaphobe.”
“Oh, sorry. I’m a hugger, and I haven’t learned yet that everyone else isn’t. Nice to meet you, Chloe.”
Chloe tried to smile. “You, too.”
Elle quickly asked, “How many are there of you guys?” Elle wanted to know if she should prepare herself for another Caruso sibling.
Maria laughed. “There’s one more, Lucca. He’s the oldest. Then you just have me, Nero, and then Leo. Oh, and Dad, but that’s all of us that live here anyway.”
Elle knew Maria was older than Nero, but she also knew it couldn’t be by much, and another brother? Elle admitted she wasn’t very anxious to meet the oldest brother. She had a feeling, if the two youngest boys were heartbreakers, she didn’t want to see the oldest.
“That’s a lot of Carusos.”
“You did know Nero was Italian, right?” Maria pulled Elle over to the couch and waved for Chloe to come, as well.
Elle was taken off-guard by her. “Um, yeah, he mentioned it.”
After she sat down on the couch next to Maria, Chloe sat down on the other side of her.
Maria whispered to her and Chloe, “I haven’t talked to anyone besides my family since last semester. I just have to get through this week then classes start back again.”
Elle and Chloe both started to laugh. Now Elle understood the poor girl; she was surrounded by guys and had been dying for female companionship.
“They won’t let you leave?”
“I go to college, and they still treat me like I’m thirteen years old.”
Elle knew at one look why they treated her like that. She’s the definition of a bombshell. She just wondered what their parents looked like to create three knockout children—the fourth one remained to be seen.
“Do you go to the University here?”
“Yep. I didn’t have an option to apply anywhere else.” Maria shook her head.
“What are you going for?” Elle asked her.
“Business.” Maria looked over at Chloe. “I love your outfit.”
Chloe raised her eyebrows. “Thank you.”
Elle knew Chloe was shocked, not expecting or used to getting compliments from anyone. Elle started to like Maria. All the pretty girls at school were mean to her and Chloe, and none of them were even close to being as pretty as Maria. She felt bad for her, though; clearly they had gone to the next level in over-protecting.
“Maybe I can talk Nero into us three going shopping?”
Maria’s face lit up. “Yes! I am dying to go shopping! That would be so much fun.”
Elle smiled, knowing how well they were all going to get along.
They spent some time talking and laughing about movies, clothes, and makeup while the boys talked about God knew what. Nero had ordered some pizzas, insisting she needed to eat something. By the amount of pizzas he’d ordered, however, everyone benefited from her needing to eat.
Once the pizzas arrived, Elle noticed how uncomfortable Chloe was getting in a group and different environment. She saw her eyeing two doors that led into the backyard, and from what she could glimpse, a beautiful garden.
“Do you think Nero would mind if I walked out there?” Chloe whispered to her when everyone got up to go to the table.
Elle shook her head. “No, he shouldn’t.” Elle smiled at her, knowing she needed some fresh air. “Go on.”
Elle and Chloe both stood but went in opposite directions. Elle went to the table where everyone was around the pizza boxes, grabbing a slice, and Chloe walked out the back doors.
Vincent threw his arm around her. “How are you doing, sweetheart?”
Elle laughed at him, remembering him asking that the first time she had gotten hurt. “I’m fine. Just another bump on the head.”
“Yeah, I know you are.” Vincent laughed, dropping his arm to take a seat at the table.
Elle looked at the only seat left, which was beside Nero. All the other chairs were spaced a little bit out, but this one was really close to Nero’s chair.
She took the seat, her leg lying against his. She noticed he didn’t look very happy, though; he had obviously heard that it was just another bump on the head.
She watched Nero take a slice of pizza out of the box and throw it on a plate. He slid it in front of her. “Eat.”
Elle honestly didn’t feel hungry, yet Nero’s face told her she better eat. She figured she could take a few bites to make him happy.
“Where’s Chloe?” Amo asked, looking around.
Elle quickly responded, “She already ate before coming over and ha
d been dying to see the backyard.” She turned towards Nero. “I hope that’s okay?”
Nero nodded to her as he took a bite.
They all talked around the table, and she watched the boys throw back pizza like it was nothing. Elle had taken her few bites and called it quits; subsequently, she just sipped on her water that Nero had put on the table, waiting for her.
Nero draped his arm over the back of her chair. “Aren’t you going to finish that?”
Elle looked at Nero and shook her head. “I’m not that hungry.” You lose your appetite when someone tries to kidnap you.
“You need to eat.” Nero looked like he didn’t want to be tested.
Elle looked around the table and noticed no one was paying them any attention. I really can’t eat.
“I’m not hun—”
Nero’s other hand shot out to the high part of her bare thigh. “Finish the pizza.”
Elle stared at Nero before she slowly picked up her slice. She had no idea why, other than her body aimed to please him. She always got a tingly feeling under her skin when she did as Nero asked.
Elle took a bite, the feeling of sickness strangely gone, and the taste was now delicious. As she felt Nero start to rub her thigh in agreement, Elle took another bite and licked at the little bit of red sauce left on her lip.
Nero rubbed her thigh higher under the table, and Elle’s heart pumped faster. Elle found it erotic as she continued to eat her pizza that no one knew Nero continued to praise her by rubbing her thigh in different motions. After she had eaten every bite and even licked her fingers, Nero gave her a special touch, lightly grazing her femininity.
When not even a morsel was left, Elle came out of her haze.
What the fuck is wrong with me?
Chapter Thirty-Two
I Didn’t Mean to Scare You
Chloe sat under the beautiful white gazebo that sat in the middle of what was possibly a garden with white lights strung around. She thought the backyard was lovelier than the inside, and that was saying a lot.
There was a light snowfall, dusting the backyard. She had never seen anything whiter.
The backyard was huge for Kansas City. She could only imagine what the yard looked like during the spring. She just wished she could see it.
The gazebo had an iron bench, two chairs, and a small table, all close together. Luckily, they hadn’t accumulated any snow yet because of the roof. She had chosen to sit on the bench since it was in the middle, overlooking the whole backyard.
She felt a sudden peacefulness here in the backyard. I would live here if I could.
Technically, Chloe wanted to live anywhere besides where she did now. That was why she had applied to every college in the country practically. She only had a few months to go and then she would run as far as she could get.
She was happy she’d decided to sneak out here, doing what she had always done. Chloe had always snuck away if she had to go to a function with her father or if important people had come to hers. Chloe was always there for looks. For a picture-perfect family. Little did the city know how much of a fraud it was.
Chloe moved her eyes to the house, peering into it, seeing them all sitting around the table, laughing and eating pizza. I don’t belong anywhere.
She had trouble fitting in. Every time she met a new person, she felt like they only stared at her scars. She had lost all confidence in herself when she had gotten the marks. Before them, she had been outgoing and free. Now, she could barely talk to anyone, merely responding minimally.
The only person I can be myself with is Elle.
Being around Elle, she felt safe, and the old Chloe was able to come out. However, once someone else came around them, she cowered back. Recently, however, she would peek her head out when she was around Nero, Amo, Vincent, Leo, and just now Maria. A little. She didn’t even understand why she was because honestly, people scared her, and she had good reason as to why.
Chloe continued to watch them. I don’t think they even know I’m gone. Her heart had been empty for too long, wanting to find a safe place she could belong.
“Hey, darlin’,” a deep voice sounded behind her.
Chloe jumped at the sound. A second later, a man appeared on the other side of the rails. He was terrifyingly beautiful and scared the hell out of her, regardless of how handsome he was. She didn’t think a man that good-looking should ever exist, nor a man that chilling.
Chloe didn’t move a muscle, completely frozen in place.
He kept walking toward the entrance of the gazebo and went up the step. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
She had no idea how she hadn’t heard him. She didn’t even know where he had come from.
She watched him lean up on a pillar, blocking her exit. After every hair had managed to stand up on her body at one look of his eyes, Chloe darted her gaze down to her lap and started fiddling with her hands.
“I’m Nero’s brother, Lucca. I would shake your hand, but you wouldn’t shake it anyway.”
Chloe quickly glanced back up at him before looking down again. How did he know that?
Lucca read her eyes. “I overheard that you’re apparently germaphobic.”
Chloe glanced back up at him again. Apparently? He was really starting to freak her out now.
Chloe attempted to decide if she should honestly be afraid and try to run away. Yes, I should. However, Lucca was blocking the only exit, and she was not going anywhere near him.
Chloe saw him move; as a result, she regretfully had to look at him again. She held her breath when he put his hand into his pocket to pull something out. When a pack of cigarettes came out, she let out her breath. She continued to watch him pull a cigarette out and then hold it between his lips as he put the pack back in his pocket. Going into his other pocket, he pulled out a lighter. Chloe thought she was going to have a heart attack if he went into his pocket again.
Lucca flipped his lighter open and lit the end, making it burn a bright red as he inhaled.
“You don’t mind, do you?”
Chloe slowly shook her head. She wished she could look away from him, but she was too afraid. She could tell he was Nero’s brother without a doubt; they both oozed confidence and sex. They looked very similar, as well.
Lucca had the same skin color, but she couldn’t quite tell if his hair was black or brown. The same went with his eyes; she couldn’t tell if they were blue or green. She would swear they were one color before the string lights picked up the other color, changing her mind all over again. Lucca, however, was a billion times more frightening and a million times more handsome than Nero. She figured it had to do with the age gap, but one thing they were very different about was the way they dressed. Nero only dressed in button-up shirts and slacks while Lucca was wearing a black sweatshirt and dark, loose jeans.
She wasn’t used to seeing hair as long as his. It was swept back, yet it touched the back of his neck. He clearly didn’t care if it wasn’t trimmed and neat, just like his unshaven stubble. Everyone she was around always looked immaculate, making his bad-boy appearance more like ‘don’t cross me or I will murder your entire family tree.’ I don’t think it matters what he wears; he would look like that regardless.
“Aren’t you a little cold out here, darlin’?” His voice also oozed just as much confidence as Nero.
She felt uncomfortable with him calling her that. If I tell him my name, he’ll stop.
“M-my name is Chloe.”
She watched him smile as he took a puff, holding the cigarette between his thumb and index finger. He exhaled. “The mayor’s daughter, right?”
Chloe nodded gently. She knew that practically everyone was aware she was the mayor’s only child. Right?
“You were in that car wreck a few years back. I remember reading about it in the papers. Is that how you tell everyone you got those scars?” Lucca tapped his ashes in the snow without moving his eyes from her.
Chloe swallowed and looked back down at her hands. �
�That i-is how I got them.”
“No, it’s not. I know a knife cut when I see one.”
Chloe glimpsed back up at him. How did he know? “I-I d-don’t know what you’re t-talking about.”
Lucca flicked his cigarette in the yard. “Yeah, you do.”
A chill went down her spine at his words, causing her to stand, not able to stay around him any longer and not liking where this was headed.
She walked a step forward, hoping he would move. His muscular frame was blocking the whole entryway. She didn’t want to know how many hours he’d spent in the gym; she could see his muscles through his thick, dark sweatshirt. When he still didn’t move, she gradually moved up more. Please move, please move.
Chloe was now just a few small steps away, refusing to go any farther. “C-can you let me through?” Her legs started to shake when he dipped his hand back into his pocket. Her heels made it hard for her to hold herself up.
Lucca pulled out another cigarette and flipped his lighter open. He slowly lit the end, not moving his eyes from her. He blew the smoke out, making it roll over her body. Instead of putting the lighter back in his pocket, he flicked it again and the silver Zippo shot out a flame. Lucca did one of his tricks, rolling the lighted Zippo in-between each of his fingers.
“I will if you tell me how old you are.”
Wait, what?
Chloe became entranced, staring at the flame expertly passing through his fingers. She didn’t know how he didn’t let it burn himself.
Chloe mindlessly answered and asked her own question, captivated by the glow. “Seventeen. You?”
Lucca suddenly flipped the lighter closed. “Twenty-six.”
Something told her he wasn’t very happy about her answer by the look on his face.
Twenty-six. She had no clue why she’d asked how old he was.
After she’d watched him move slightly to let her pass, she really wished he would give her more room than that.
Chloe slowly walked up and turned her body to the side, keeping her eyes on him, afraid he would move when she passed through. She held her breath as she carefully started to move by him. Her face came to the middle of his chest, even in heels, and his shoulders came right above her head.
Nero (Made Men #1) Page 21
