220

220
Matteo’s POV
I leaned against the kitchen counter, watching Emilia stir something on the stove. The rich aroma of whatever she was making filled the air, but I barely noticed. My mind was elsewhere, buzzing with anticipation. I couldn’t help the grin that kept creeping onto my face.
“You’re awfully chipper today,” Emilia said, glancing over her shoulder at me. “What’s up with you?”
“Nothing,” I said, trying to sound casual.
She rolled her eyes. “Don’t ‘nothing’ me, Matteo. You’re practically vibrating with excitement. Spill.”
I pushed off the counter and grabbed a bottle of water, taking a slow sip just to mess with her. Her glare deepened, and I laughed, holding up a hand in surrender.
“Alright, alright. It’s about Gianna,” I said, watching her expression carefully.
Emilia turned off the stove and faced me, crossing her arms. “Okay, what about her?”
“We finalized the plans for you two to meet,” I said, unable to keep the excitement out of my voice.
Her brows lifted slightly, and she tilted her head. “That’s why you’re bouncing off the walls? It’s just a meeting, Matteo.”
“It’s not just a meeting,” I said, setting the bottle down. “You’re my sister. Your opinion matters.”
She snorted, but I could tell she was trying to hide a smile. “Don’t put that kind of pressure on me. What if I don’t like her?”
“You will,” I said confidently. “Gianna’s incredible. You’ll see.”
Emilia studied me for a moment, her arms still crossed. “You really like her, don’t you?”
“More than like,” I admitted, a bit surprised at how easily the words came out. “She’s… different, Emi. She gets me in a way no one else ever has.”
Her expression softened, but there was still a flicker of doubt in her eyes. “Okay, but let’s be real here. Is she good for you? I’m not just talking about compatibility, Matteo. I mean, is she someone who can handle… everything?”
I knew what she was referring to-our world, the chaos that came with our family, and the shadows of danger that always seemed to loom over us.
“She’s stronger than you think,” I said. “And she’s not afraid of anything. Trust me, she can handle it.”
Emilia didn’t look convinced. “You’re sure about that? Because the last thing I want is to see you get hurt, Matteo.”
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “I get it, alright? I know you’re just looking out for me, but you don’t have to worry. Gianna’s the real deal.”
“She must be, if you’re this worked up about me meeting her,” she said, her tone teasing but still skeptical.
“I wouldn’t be introducing her to you if I didn’t think she was worth it,” I said. “You’ll see when you meet her. She’s smart, funny, and way too good for me, honestly.”
Emilia raised an eyebrow. “If she’s too good for you, why is she with you?”
“Because I’m charming,” I said with a smirk.
She laughed, shaking her head. “Delusional is more like it.”
“Say what you want, but she sees something in me,” I said, my grin widening. “And I’m not about to mess this up.”
Emilia’s smile faded slightly, and she looked at me with a seriousness that caught me off guard. “I’m happy for you, Matteo. Really, I am. But you know how I am. If something feels off, I’m going to say it.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” I said.
She nodded, her gaze steady. “Good. Just don’t take it personally if I grill her a little, okay?”
I laughed. “I’ll warn her. But honestly, Emi, you won’t have to. Gianna’s great. You’ll love her.”
“I hope so,” she said, turning back to the stove. “For your sake.”
The conversation settled into a comfortable silence as she finished cooking, but I couldn’t stop the rush of nerves that came with the thought of the meeting. Emilia’s approval mattered more than I wanted to admit, and I just hoped Gianna would be able to win her over.
A few hours later, we were sitting in the living room, ironing out the details of the meeting. Emilia had a notebook out, jotting down times and places like this was a business deal.
“Why are you taking notes?” I asked, laughing.
“Because I want to be prepared,” she said without looking up. “You’re the one who made this such a big deal, remember?”
“I didn’t mean for you to turn it into a full-blown operation,” I said, shaking my head.
She ignored me, scribbling something down before finally closing the notebook. “Alright, how does Friday at six sound? Somewhere neutral, like a cafe or a restaurant?”
I hesitated. “Actually, I was thinking of doing it at her place.”
Emilia’s eyes narrowed. “Her place? That’s a little… personal, don’t you think?”
“She’s more comfortable there,” I said. “And I think it’ll be easier for her to open up in her own space.”
Emilia seemed to consider this, her lips pressing into a thin line. “Alright. But don’t expect me to hold back just because we’re in her territory.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” I said, smiling.
She shook her head, muttering something under her breath. “You’re lucky I love you, Matteo.”
“I know,” I said, leaning back with a satisfied grin.
I could see Emilia’s protective instincts kicking in more and more. It was in the way she asked questions, her tone just a little sharper than usual.
“Does she know what she’s getting into with you?” she asked at one point, her gaze piercing.
“Yes,” I said firmly. “She knows everything, and she’s still here. That should tell you something.”
Emilia didn’t respond right away, her expression unreadable. “Alright,” she said finally. “I’ll give her a chance. But if I see any red flags, Matteo, I’m not going to hold back.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” I said.
She nodded, and for the first time that day, she smiled-a real, genuine smile. “Good. Because at the end of the day, I just want you to be happy.”
“I am,” I said, and for the first time in a long time, I meant it.