Valeria's POV
And that's how I feel, a tiny mouse cornered by an enormous cat, with thick, possessive hands, toothpaste-scented breath, and dark eyes. I turn around, startled, and immediately offer him a nervous smile.
"Hello, Mattia. How are you? You came to the wedding."
A mocking smile plays on his lips.
"How could I miss my own sister's wedding?" he scoffs. "By the way, you look beautiful," he says, picking a grape from the table behind me and bringing it to his lips.
I observe the movement as he parts his lips and pops it into his mouth; the juice that escapes, staining his lips. The Italian then licks them slowly before smiling at me, causing every muscle in my body to clench.
"Thank you. I had to dress for the occasion," I reply, forcing a smile.
"Or maybe because you knew I
