ISABELLA

Chapter 37

Isabella’s POV

I was lying across the bed, absentmindedly staring at the ceiling when a soft knock rattled against my door. Before I could answer, the door creaked open and Aria’s bright face peeked through.

“Surprise,” she sang, nudging the door wider with her hip. In one arm she carried a massive bowl of popcorn, and in the other, a thick, fluffy blanket.

I sat up, blinking at her. “What are you doing?”

“Movie night,” she declared as if it was obvious. She kicked the door shut behind her and marched in like she owned the place. “Leo told Matteo to watch you, which basically means I’m stuck here too. Soooo… you’re not escaping me, Isa.”

A laugh slipped from me before I could stop it. “You’re unbelievable.”

“Thank you, I try.” She dropped the blanket over my lap, plopped down on the bed beside me, and set the popcorn between us. “Now, what are we watching? Action? Romance? Or—” she gave me a mischievous smirk—“something that will make you admit how much you’re crushing on my brother.”

I rolled my eyes, cheeks heating. “I’m not—”

“Oh, please,” she cut me off, tossing a piece of popcorn into her mouth. “The way you two look at each other? My God, it’s like watching a Netflix series but in real life.”

I covered my face with my hands, groaning. “You’re insufferable.”

“And you’re blushing,” she teased, bumping my shoulder with hers.

I peeked at her through my fingers, laughing despite myself. “Fine, maybe a little. But you can’t say anything to anyone, Aria. Especially not Matteo.”

“Cross my heart,” she said, though the mischievous gleam in her eyes told me she loved having this little secret over me.

We dug into the popcorn as she flicked through movies on her iPad, her chatter never-ending. And then, out of nowhere, she leaned back dramatically on the pillows and sighed.

“You know,” she said, popping another kernel into her mouth, “I lost my virginity to Matteo.”

I choked on my popcorn, coughing violently. “WHAT?!”

Aria burst out laughing, nearly spilling the entire bowl. “Oh my God, your face right now!”

I grabbed a pillow and smacked her with it. “That is not funny, Aria! Don’t just drop a bomb like that on me!”

She dodged the second pillow strike, giggling so hard she was tearing up. “Okay, okay—let me explain before you faint. It was my eighteenth birthday. We were drunk—well, tipsy. And it just… happened.”

I gaped at her, mouth hanging open. “You’re insane.”

She waved her hand dismissively. “Nah. Matteo’s sweet when he wants to be. Plus, I don’t regret it. If I had to give it to anyone, I’m glad it was him.”

I shook my head, laughing so hard my stomach hurt. “You’re actually insane. Your brothers would kill him if they knew.”

Aria leaned closer, whispering, “That’s why they don’t know. And you—” she poked my arm—“better keep it that way.”

I zipped my lips, still laughing. “Your secret’s safe with me. But wow, Aria… I was not prepared for that confession.”

She grinned, eyes sparkling with mischief. “What can I say? I like keeping things interesting. Now—back to gossip. Tell me everything Leo has said to you when you’re alone.”

I hid my face behind the blanket, groaning again as she squealed like an excited teenager.

Aria was still cackling from her confession, her cheeks pink from laughter, when I tossed another pillow at her.

“You’re unbelievable,” I muttered, shaking my head.

“And you love me,” she shot back smugly. “Now, your turn. Spill. How far have you and Leo gone?”

I froze, clutching the blanket tighter around me. “Um…”

Aria’s eyes widened, her smirk slowly fading into realization. “Wait. Don’t tell me—” she leaned in closer, whispering like someone might hear us even though the door was shut—“you’re still a virgin?”

My face burned hot, and I pressed my lips together. I hated how easily she could read me.

“Oh my God, Isa!” Aria squealed, smacking the bed excitedly. “You’re actually serious, aren’t you?”

I groaned, hiding my face in the blanket. “Don’t make a big deal out of it.”

“Are you kidding me? This is huge! Like, actual breaking news!” She burst into laughter again, but there was no malice in her tone—just excitement. “Leo doesn’t even know, does he?”

I peeked at her, biting my lip. “No. And I don’t plan on telling him. Not yet.”

Aria grinned, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Wow. My big, bad brother is falling for an angel.”

I threw a piece of popcorn at her. “Stop it.”

She laughed, catching it in her mouth like she’d practiced. “Okay, okay—I’ll stop. I think it’s sweet. Don’t be embarrassed about it. If anything, it makes you even more perfect for him.”

I blinked at her, surprised by her sincerity. “You really think so?”

Aria nodded firmly. “Absolutely. Besides, Leo’s a lot of things, but he’s not stupid. He knows you’re different. That’s why he’s softer with you than anyone else.”

Her words tugged at my chest, and before I knew it, a smile slipped onto my lips. “You’re a good friend, Aria.”

“I know,” she said dramatically, tossing her hair back. “Now, let’s watch this movie before I make you confess even more secrets.”

I laughed, curling under the blanket as the opening credits began, though my mind was still reeling. I had told someone the truth about myself—and it didn’t feel so scary anymore.